Sacramento Area March 8

“I'm wondering if anyone is up for a short trip on the weekend of March 8th around here... The destination is negotiable :)”

“Hey Phae it all depends on if I get the weekend off or not. I usually don't know untill that week. If I do have it off I would enjoy hiking with ya. :)”

“How's the foot, Free?”

“It didn't hurt much this morning. I was able to do my work out so I think It's ok.”

“Great idea - were you thinking overnight? Maybe we can have something where people wanting to overnight can and others can make a dayhike of it. I would try to make it work and would love to meet other TTers. Any ideas of where you want to go?”

“Overnight is great by me, and as for where, I'm completely open. I actually have Saturday through Wednesday off that week, so I may just decide to continue on for a couple of days after most everyone else, depending on where we go and such.

Anyone have preferences about how far away?”

“Pepper, same here. I'm up for a short hike (for me and the kids, not for y'all), but mostly I'd like to meet some more Left Coasters.”

“It looks like I probebly wont get the weekend off. they just fired a bunch of people from work and the'll probebly have me filling in the blanks some. UGH. If I can make it I will let you know. I really want to meet you all.”

“Phae - I would maybe make a day-hike of it. I don't know what is hikeable these days though. I wouldn't be able to do an overnight that weekend.

NA - how old are your kids?? We should meet for a hike around Berryessa some day. There are lots of low-key hikes that kids can do and I could bring my kids (dogs) and maybe some other TT'ers could join us.”

“I have wedding stuff to do :(”

“Pepperdog - Where are these places around Berryessa you can take your dog? I was over that way this weekend and was very disappointed - all the "official" lake access areas were dang concessioner boatramps/campgrounds with "No Pets Allowed". Tried a couple trails leading to the lake from the road and was too disgusted by all the trash and poop.”

“foamfinger - go to yolohiker.org. most of those hikes available to dogs and not very populated at all. Right around the lake doesn't do much for me but I like the rolling hills around there. I've hiked the "long valley/knoxville" loop and we had a great time and the only 3 people we saw were a dad and 2 young sons coming out with shotguns as we went in. The dogs had a blast. Prepare for ticks on your dogs though.”

“Well, I'll stop by REI this weekend, just pick a destination and buy a map... I'd LIKE to do something that would allow more people along. Anyone have any suggestions?”

“Is this a proposed day-hike, or a short over-nighter?

How 'bout Ishi Wilderness?

Do we want to do snow? Are we talking snowshoeing possibility here?

How far from Sac? Can we propose a coastal hike.. YEEEEAAAAA Lost Coast!!! (OK, maybe just Pt. Reyes...sigh)

HELP....let's put some parameters around this to get it going.”

“If I go it would be just to hike in with the gang on Saturday. I would rather not drive forever (eg, lost coast is out of range for me). I would love to have a day of hiking with TT folkes!!”

“OK buddy, it was your post that started this thread. We're ready, YOU need to pick the spot!”

“I like the lost coast idea. I already have the maps and have been coveting the place since Rosey proposed to his lady there and wrote his trip report.

Alas, however, it is a good long drive...

Ishi Wilderness? Do we want to get high up in the mountains or keep a lower elevation to avoid most of the snow?

If a lower elevation is a good idea, I had a pretty good time at Castle Crags a little while back and wouldn't mind going back there.

If snow is in the picture, you guys need to help me out with a spot.”

“Near Castle crags and Shasta, there are a number of good possibilities for an overnighter, if we have enough people to do a shuttle. There's also the Sisson-Callahan national scenic trail near there.

Is that too far to go, Pepper?”

“Phae Isn't there snow there this time of year? I was there last may and there was still patches of snow up near Castle Dome.”

“I doubt there is snow in ISHI Wilderness, that's why I mentioned it. If we want to turn this into a snowshoe trip the opportunities are endless, the only question is do we drive out I80 or Rte. 50?”

“Where the heck is the ishi wilderness?”

“on Ishi Wilderness & you'll get a ton of responses.

It's a very cool place in many respects. I love the history (read about Ishi!), and it's incredibly picturesque, very diff from the Sierra where most Sacramentoans usually go due to close proximetry.”

“I'm with you now, Wanderer. I'd prefer the lost coast, if I had my way. We'll have to see what the vote is.

If people want to snowshee, I'm okay with that, but I had packed my gear for a lower-elevation hike. I'm going to stay wherever it is we go for a few days, so I'd like to get a good answer from everyone by Monday.

Choices:

- Castle Crags (some snow, but not enough to worry about snowshoes)

- Ishi (Wanderer's wonderland)

- Somewhere close by in the sierras (snow city!)

- Lost Coast (a long drive, but a coastal hike)”

“OK, are we talking just Sat, a day-hike, or, are we talking Sat nite camping for whoever is interested? If the latter, do we need to make any reservations at Castle Crags? I'm guessing not at this time of the year, just checking w anyone who may be more informed.

Seems like our hike options are:
1. Ishi
2. Castle Crags
3. Lost Coast (not a viable day-hike given the distance)
4. Big Basin SP (3 hrs from Sac, great Redwood tree trail, can be either a day-hike or overnighter for whoever wants to stay at the lower BP sites - check my recent trip report in the Bearicade gear report thread.. http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread.php?id=19928&age=1)”

“Don't need reservations at castle crags. If you want to camp in the campground, you can, but the wilderness doesn't even require a permit this time of year.”

“If I were to go it would have to be no snow since I do not have any snow stuff.”

“Free, here's a link to my pictures from a couple weeks ago:

Pics”

“Phae they are beautiful! It was a beautiful place when last I visited it but the snow and clouds make it seem better!”

“Yep, it had enoug snow to be pretty, but not enough to require any snowshoes or anything. Could you swing that?”

“Phaedrus, those pics are really nice. I love the way the greens look with a light coating of snow in it. And the rainbow was really cool...”

“Phea I guess I could wear my long thermals and get my new sleeping bag on payday (next friday)
However I still need to see if that weekend will be open and if i could ride share with someone.”

“Cool! Let's make Castle Crags the tentative decision, then.

Thanks, Treebeard. The rainbow came out when we were leaving of course :)”

“thats the 8th, right? I will clear my schedual :)”

“Of course, timing is everything. But, the photo came out good at least...”

“Then you all will know for sure I am not a troll.

All though...it has been fun being thought of as a troll :)”

“Just because you go hiking with us doesn't make you a non-troll.. You have to post a picture

:)”

“yeah yeah yeah...And have all them hornies stareing at it? No Way Jose! I know the moment I post a pic on the web someone will use it for blackmail.”

“Looks like i don't have the 8th off- I have to find someone willing to cover my shift. Gawd I hate non-union jobs!”

“LOL!

Pepper, Wanderer, you guys in?”

“Phea I am wondering if any of you who live in this area would be willing to split the cost of grass er I mean GAS and ride up together? I Hate driving long distances.”

“I'm sure it can be arranged, free.

I just posted the trip on the trip page. Let's see how it goes.”

“I am going to try and make this,I think my next 10 day is on the 10th, so I will have to check and see how many days I can spend, it may be only a day or perhaps a quick overnighter...

Where were you thinking of spending the first night?”

“Depends... You have a place you like? If not, we could just find a spot somewhere along the PCT, or up near Echo lake...”

“Work can always rear it's ugly head, but looks like I'm clear that weekend, so count me in. When ya' tentatively planning on leaving / returning to Sac?

I have a 7 passenger vehicle...can easily take more people...Not sure yet whether Wandrerer Jr wants to come along...”

“An early escape on Saturday morning, say 6:00 would have us on the trail by 9:30, if that's good by everyone.”

“Phea that would work out great! Wanderer is there a place I could meet you for a ride there if that wouldn't be too much trouble, i would split gass 50/50? And if so do you plan on an overnighter?
I am clear now on work, i can overnight it :) I got some sucker to take my weekend shift.”

“Just a thought- are there bears in that area?”

“Just the kind that eat people. Why?

J/K

There are bears, but I seriously doubt we'll see any at this time of year. Besides, you'll have me around and I have yet to encounter a bear in the wild in my LIFE. It's a weird improbability that continues to perpetuate itself, but I should be known as Phaedrus bear-bane.”

“Ok...but keep the wild elk away too...man...when they say "do not approach on foot" they mean it!”

“No prob on the ride... I live in the 'burbs East of Sac, can pick u up almost anywhere, maybe off Greenfield if you're in Citrus Hts. Send me an e, I'll do the same.”