Sierrapaloosa 2003

“Yes as a matter a fact I do.

8)”

“Once you guys get the trip worked out please post it - I'll pull my own permit and try to hook up with the trip if I can. I sure would like to meet more TTer's, but I'll only be out there for a 5 days and would like to see as much of the area as I can without killing myself. In the high country when the trails are fairly clear and the days are long I should be able to cover 8 miles a day and still enjoy the trip. Even if you figure a mile an hour that means 8 hour on the trail to cover those 8 miles and the days are long in July.”

“Check on flights out of Midway, they often are cheaper. Also, I've found some pretty good deals using Expedia.com

(Beware of United flights. Thing will be changing after the first of the year, me hears.)”

“I will do that my friend.

8)”

“Wingding, can you make it for 6 days on the trail?”

“Just go ahead and plan the trip and if I can work it out so that I can be part of it I will.”

“CMB (and others flying in) - don't forget to check Southwest. I don't think that they are included on sites like Expedia and they often have inexpensive fares.”

“Thanks.
That brought back some memories.”

“Opps. wrong thread.”

“See this is going to be a problem I get a weeks vacation that I can use for this trip.But if it started on a weekend I could fly down on a Friday or something or if the trip started on a Saturday or something but the trip starting on a Friday that is going to be a problem for me.

Help wanted.

Arggggg!!!!!!

8)”

“Can't you tag in with the 4th?”

“CMB - I thought we're actually hitting the trail, on Saturday the 5th. I won't be getting down there, until Friday night,either”

“See the 5th would work for me.

8)”

“The website for Southwest is
www.iflyswa.com

Just in case you were looking..I'm not sure you can buy tickets for SWA on Expedia, but I know you can buy direct from their website.

Tex”

“CMB - Do you have to work on July 4th?

So, let's see if I have this straight so far. It looks like one group will hit the trail on July 3 heading in one direction on the loop and make it in 5 days. That group includes Snow Nymph and she only has 5 days available for the hike.

A second group will gather on the 4th and/or 5th and hit the trail on the 5th heading in the other direction. That group will take 6 days. The two groups will intersect for one night of rip-roarin' fun somewhere on the trail.

It seems to me for this to work we need a final edition of each hike that establishes the camping location for the gathering in the middle.

Does that sound right so far?

I am probably in the 6 day group. There is a lot of time to discuss other options.”

“No I have the 4th off but I have to work the day before.

That means that I would have to be on a plane right after work on July 3.

I think I can work something out.

8)”

“That sounds just about right Phil.”

“Phil, that sounds about right but with the long loop taking 7 days.

Day 1 - Mineral King to Monarch Lk.
2 - Lost Cyn.
3 - Big 5 Lk.
4 - Big Arroyo
5 - Hamilton Lk.
6 - Redwood Mdw.
7 - Out over Timber Gap.

Starting on the 5th, Sat. and coming out on the 11th, Fri.

As you say, lots of time for discussion and options and changes.”

“what city would i fly into?”

“Nav - OK.

This could be interesting. I think we should dub this: (Sierrapalooza)^{2 to acknowledge the two groups going in opposite directions on the loop.”}

“I suppose Burbank Airport is also a possibility I suppose.

Ontario and Orange County (a.k.a. John Wayne or Santa Ana) are closest to me and very nice.”

“Which is closer to people? LAX or ontario? I have several friends who live in chino hills, diamond bar, and west covina. I can stay with them when i fly out there. i can fly into either one but will probably stay a couple of nights in west covina before the trip. is that close to anyone or on the way to the sierras?”

“What works best for you?
I bet we can make that work on our end.
Would you be staying with your friends before or after the trip?”

“bbinkley - All those places are closest to Ontario Airport (less than 20 minutes). Diamond Bar is 10 minutes from me and West Covina is about 20 minutes away. All those places are close enough for either Nav or I to pick you up.

It is about a 50-60 minute drive with no traffic from LAX to those places (1.5-2 hours with traffic)”

“cool...yeah. i'm out there all there all the time. I usually fly into LAX and then go east. flights are usually cheaper. I will visit them before the trip and then hopefully catch a ride with you from there to the sierras...how far are the sierras from east LA?

Phil- what city do you live in? and Navi?”

“Where should I fly into?

And who would pick me up and take me back to the airport?

8)”

“I'm in Garden Grove. Phil's in Placentia.

Mike, see above. If you're flying into the L.A. area that would be Phil or me picking you up. If Sac. talk to Pepper Dog. S.F. I'm sure someone else would be glad to help.”

“Has anyone else hiked this loop before?”

“how far is the sierras from ontario?”

“The trailhead would be 5 1/2 to 6 hours from the L.A. area. That's 4 hours to Visalia and 1 1/2 to 2 hours of 2 lane / dirt road.”

“Mapquest says that Visalia is 4 hours and 24 minutes from Davis (227 miles) - I bet I can do it in 3 and a half!!”

“From Visalia, it's about 30 miles on State Route 198 to the turnoff to Mineral King. That 30 miles is very nice 2-lane highway, so figure about a half hour, maybe a little more. The 25 miles from the turnoff to Mineral King WILL take you a full hour. It's a narrow road with lots of switchbacks. Plan for it, then enjoy the drive up.

I think the closest decent-sized airport that jets fly into is Fresno (United used to fly 737's into Visalia a long time ago!), but there may not be a lot of options to hook up w/TTers there for the drive up.

I'm not planning on doing this trip, but if anybody wants to fly into Oakland, I could probably help w/picking up, etc.”

“Ok I am going to figure something out!!!!

I am going to go on this trip or I am going to go insane!!!!

Well more so then I normaly do anyway.

He he he he!!!!

8)”

“Who is planning on going on this trip and which version? Version 1 Starting on July 3rd for 5 days or Version 2 starting on July 5 for 7 days.

I might be able to help with pick up for those starting on July 3rd if you are flying into Ontario Airport.”

“I'm not sure which version I am going to do at this point. It's too far ahead.”

“Pepper is that a challenge?
Do you question my driving skills?”

“Why so defensive, Navi - I am just challenging mapquest.

I am planning on heading down on the 4th, hitting the trail on the 5th. I want to go the direction that is downhill the whole way!

CMB - if you fly into Sacramento I will drive you down.

this kicks all forms of a$$!!”

“I thought all the trails in the Sierra were downhill both ways.”

“it's a loop trail, so, yes it's all downhill.”

“CMB - if you fly into Sacramento I will drive you down

That sounds like a plan.

8)

Way pimp I can't wait to hit them peeks!!!!!

11000+ here I come!!!!”

“Well I certainly have alot to think about. I would like to get there a few days early and do some day hikes and acclimatize. I don't know if that will work out. Because the prospect of renting a vehicle only to have it sit for the 5 or 7 days we are on the trail would be too wasteful. My schedule is very flexible at that time.”

“Tango - If we camp at the trailhead the 4th and leave on the 5th, you should have enough time to adjust. If you arrive earlier, LA is surrounded by day hikes that take you up pretty high (8000 no problem, up to 11,500 if you go about 60 miles East of LA).

I think transportation is going to work out OK for those who fly in.”

“Azusa canyons is awesome. I went up there before I started backpacking..I just drove through though. Are there any backpacking trails up there? Elevation?”

“So pepperDog - You're situated to the North, right? I'm still hoping to have time, to drive down, so I should be able to connect with you and CMB, at some point, on the 4th.

Any idea what the drive time is from say.... Portland to your place?”

“Is there a mailing list or are we still using the thread?”