Aaaack!! Help! Hikin' Mike, Tekdude!

“Hey guys (or anyone else, for that matter)!

As noted on Tekdude's fine trip report thread (by Rockman), it seems as if Emigrant Wilderness is teeming with deer hunters. I am hoping to sneak off for an overnighter this weekend with Cameron (age 8), but I don't want to be around the hunting craziness. So I was thinking of Yosemite. Never done any summer backpacking there. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about 2-4 miles each way, stream or lake nearby, not too much elev. gain, but some is OK. For reference, we were planning to hike into Chewing Gum Lake from the Gianelli trailhead, which is about 4.5, starting at 8000, climbing to about 9100 twice, then back down to 8500 or whatever. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!!! Will pay in beer if necessary!”

“The first thing that comes to mind is Chain Lakes in south west Yosemite. I've been there about 4 times, most recently two weeks ago. I've even taken my daughter there when she was less than 2.

The trailhead is around 8200' and located 24 miles (1 hour drive) from Oakhurst on Sky Ranch Road. The hike itself is a pretty easy 4.5 miles to the first lake which sits at 9250'.

My camera quit on me on that last trip, so I don't have current photos, but if you go here you can read about the trip that my wife and I did years back.”

“Thanks, HMike! That sounds encouraging - I will check that out. I knew I could count on you....”

“No problem. If you have the TOPO! software, I can send you the region file for that hike if you'd like.”

“Hmmm..slow to the draw.

Are you're going to share half that cerveza, Mike?”

“Mine, mine, mine... :)”

“Thanks Mike - first thing I did was find the area in TOPO, and I already have the route traced out and profiled. Woo-hoo, boy I'm quick! Will let you know if we decide to do this. In fact, if we do, we'll be flying through your town, so could drop off a 6-pack on the way Saturday AM. I will keep you informed....”

“BTW, Tekdude, you're still in the running for the beer if you can come up with a good suggestion.... :-)”