Sierra Rendezvous 2005

“Song, I think the 2 milers would be fine. I doubt that you'll be more than 2 miles away from everyone. Then I'll be bringing up the rear in a short while. 8^)

Om, no one seems to have read where that guy climbed up the terrible chute THEN looked to his right and SAW THE TRAIL!!!
Nor, it seems, did anyone see the photo with the TRENCH going through the snow.
Now on the other hand, I remember the trip report where she climbed up the snow to get to Whitney and glassaided (slid) down on her return. And that was one week before the trip report where they used the 99 Switchbacks, that were free of snow.

We've got 2 weeks of warm weather until we get to go over Forester Pass.
So, I will not be carring crampons.
My boots got me down Sawtooth 2 years ago and over Bishop pass and Muir pass last year.
We might have to go slow but I do not foresee any major problems.

Take it for what it's worth.”

“We're back from our trip a day early. We were able to get up to Shepherd Pass in one day. It was a long 12 hour day with heavy packs. Just patches of snow from Anvil Camp to the bottom of the pass. There's a huge snowfield at the pass with a cornice on top. The snow was soft when we got there, so we went straight up the hill (needed ice axes but not crampons). At the top of the pass we avoided the cornice by scrambling over some loose nasty crap to the side of it and came over higher than the pass.

The lake at Shepherd Pass is still mostly frozen. The edges thaw during the day and then refreeze at night. There were lots of dry camping areas at the pass. We camped at the pass.

Williamson Bowl is really snowy still with large snowcups and the lakes are frozen. On Saturday we day hiked across the bowl and then up rocks to the class 2 chute that leades up Williamson's west face. The class 2 chute was snow filled, so we cramponed up. The snow stopped just below the class 3 chute that takes you to the summit ridge. We made it but it was a really tough 14 hour day on Saturday. Yesterday, we hiked out from the pass.

The trickiest part about coming down the from the pass on Sunday was getting to the snowfield over the loose steep rocky section. The snowfield gets sun first thing in the morning, so it was a soft mass of snowcups. No crampons, but an ice axe is a good idea - especially if you want to glissade down like some were doing. I just plunge stepped down once I found out how soft it was.

The snow is melting fast. There are some beaten paths through the snow but the paths melt away fast leaving you just snowcups to deal with on the large fields. Overall, not much snow under 11,000 feet.

I've uploaded pics to webshots, but I'm having problems with my internet access now, so I can't post a link yet.

Happy 4th of July!”

“Now it's working. Here are pictures I took:

http://community.webshots.com/album/385361892NRGMmZ

I'll be putting labels in during the week. You can see how big the snowfield is at Shepherd Pass here because you can see the people coming down:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/385361892/385394560iCtkHf”

“Thanks wing, great shots.
I'm sure this will help a lot with our planning.”

“om - I think we will still have lots of snow fields to cover. If I am wrong, then I apologize in advance. I just know how bad I am on ice.

songbyrd - Can you bring all your radios to the trailhead? Then you can decide. If the weight is only a few ounces, then I would opt for the more powerful pair. My set has a low and high power setting. I leave it on low unless I need more power.

As you can probably see, my Boy Scout "Be Prepared" training is hard to get rid of. When it comes to safety, I am willing to carry extra weight. That's just me.”

“wingding -Thanks for the trip report and pics.

I have a question about your pic of Wright Lakes Basin.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/385361892/385389622CCderu

Is that Lake Versteeg in the foreground? If so, then Wright Lakes Basin (left middle) is really covered in snow...did not see any patches of ground!!”

“wingding - Correction. That was probably Lake Helen of Troy in the foreground. Wright Lakes Basin in the far background does not look that bad. In two weeks it could be OK. Still need to find out about Rockwell Pass.”

“at this time I don't have the money to go out and buy crampons. I did buy some insteps back in Feb (clearance thing)but I still haven't used them. Will they work??


haven't seen anything mention or maybe it was way back in this thread about temperature. What can we expect day/night time temps to be. At this time of yr we southerner's are sweating ourselves to death with heat and humidity..can't think about snow this time of yr. The thought of down jacket isn't even in my mind..lol”

“Rockwell Pass looked okay - not much snow as viewed from Shepherd Pass. The snow looked patchy in Wrights Lake Basin from what we could see and it is melting fast. Creeks are higher than I've seen them before (this was my 3rd trip up to Shepherd Pass), but not a problem - to the bottom of my shorts, so just above a short person's knee - not too deep. There were people traveling without ice axes and crampons. One guy even did Williamson in sneakers but he had to do a lot more rock climbing to avoid the snow in the chute. He came up to Shepherd Pass behind us and used our steps because they hadn't melted away yet (he couldn't kick step in sneakers).

I guess you'll have some snow to deal with on the passes in two weeks, but not the amount that's out there now.

I took my 30 degree bag and toe warmers and I was fine. It went down into the 30's at night (cold enough to refreeze the lake at the pass), but we were lucky and blessed with beautiful, clear, weather - maybe a bit too warm even for that trail. It was 100 degrees in Independence when we came out.
last edited: 7/04/05 6:55:07 PM”

“Ewker, plan on walking in shorts during the day, Evening temps down to the 40's & 50's and into the 30's overnight.
On top of that be prepared for rain, hail, snow, and wind. I'll bet big money that we'll have lovely, clear, beautiful days and nights, but you need to be ready for anything.
I've been snowed on in June, rained on in August, and blown out of camp in July.

Or maybe this will answer your question better. I'm bringing a pair of pants w/ zip off legs, a pair of shorts, 4 pair of socks (2 pr. wool outers & 2 pr. polly inners), boots, sandles, light weight pollypro hiking shirt, heavy fleece shirt, cotton t, down jacket, gortex rain jacket, rain pants (legs only), watch cap (turtle fur), ball cap w/ draperies and a 20* sleeping bag to go in my bivy.
last edited: 7/04/05 6:51:27 PM”

“Ps. gas canister stoves work fine at the altitudes we'll be at. Might be a little cold for them in the mornings, but they warm up quickly inside your jacket.”

“Nice TR and photos WD0.”

“Ewker - What navi said. Days should be nice temps (60s,70s,80s - NO humidity) and cool to cold at night. However, be prepared for anything.

My clothing:

long sleeve REI hiking shirt
convertible hiking pants
REI fleece jacket
fleece vest
polypro long sleeve lightweight shirt
polypro lightweight pants
Marmot Precip jacket and pants
2 pair hiking socks
3 pair polypro sock liners
fleece gloves
3 pairs of polypro underwear
1 pair gym shorts
beany”

“so...would you say that a happy medium between Phil and Navi advice would be those Yaktrax....would they be sufficient to prevent slippin and slidin?....
got me some new trail shoooooooz...jai~~”

“Ordered my crampons on line yesterday. (they're out at REI) Exspected in on Tuesday at REI. So then, I had to buy new boots ----again! The guy tells me that crampons won't stay on my hiking trail tennies. I have less than 2 weeks to make sure the new boots are not going to kill my feet. Maybe these are the right ones?? I will pack lots of tape and gauze just in case.
Can't wait! 11 more days. Or 10 for us leaving on Friday.

wingding, thanks for sharing. Great pics and info.”

“Two weeks will make a big difference in how much snow is out there.
last edited: 7/05/05 8:45:02 AM”

“om - Did you get my email about the bear can?”

“Phil - yes, Lake Helen of Troy is in the foreground in the Williamson Bowl area.”

“Amazing photos wingding! Nice going on getting Williamson. Quite an achievement there m'lady. =)

And that sure is a lot of snow for this time of the year. Man!”

“That is alot of snow! Just had to say it again.

The runoff and stream-crossings are going to be something to be concerned about. And the other day I was going through photos looking at the south side of Forester Pass and that's a pretty steep traverse across any snow or ice build up there. At the rate of melting, I'm also wondering about rock slides or whatever. The year I did Whitney from the HST, the backside of the trail going to the summit was blown out. It was a bit worrisome from basecamp the night before, but it proved to be no big deal with a big of scrambling.

If I'm able to get a spot, I'll most certainly be bringing ultralight 6-point crampons, plus my axe. Plus, I'd have a contigency trip planned if things go south. I'm watching this one closely.

This weekend near HWY180 I saw the front page of the FresnoBee subheadlined 'If you know alot about traveling the Sierra, this year you don't.' FresnoBee front cover of all places.”

“Hey all, looking forward to a condition report when you all return. Could one of ya e-mail me at paigefalk@sbcglobal.net when you get back?

Have a fabulous trip, wish I was joining, I am sure it will be a hoot. :)
last edited: 7/06/05 12:12:06 AM”

“I may have a situation here on the home front...when I applied for the permits I didn't know Rosario's wife was pregnant.
When he first told me his wife was expecting...he thought her due date would be mid June...turns out the doctor thinks July 22... That presents a bit of a problem.
I have had my fingers crossed hoping she might deliver a week or so early. I need at least two men to run my route while I'm gone and Rosario has been with me for 14 years.

I have been following the TRs and viewing the photos...and am quite concerned about the amount of snow that still remains...and my JMT trail guide describes some of the water crossings " Center Basin Creek- High in Early Season, The Ford of Tyndall Creek is Formidable and the Ford of Wright Creek is difficult in early season" normally this wouldn't be all that early but this is a different kind of year.

I have no intention of buying four sets of crampons and four ice axes...so if these are required or even reccomended.....I'm out.

If Rosario's wife delivers this week and a lot of snow melts this week... we are still in...if not....there will be four permits available.”

“Wind, you've got to come! Who's going to be the photographer for the DVD if you're not there?
Rosario's wife needs to ride a bicycle down a cobble stone street then do a bunch of jumping jacks. That should do the trick.

Seriously, the reports have said the creek crossing have not been a problem.

Hope you can make it!”

“My ULA P2 arrived today!!!

I played with it a little bit. It looks like it's going to need some fine tuneing.


This trip is going to ROCK!!!”

“windwalker - I haven't heard any reports of difficult stream crossings on our trip. Just snow related issues. I am suggesting crampons, but not ice axes.

The snow is melting faster than anyone was expecting.

You have to be there!!!”

“I think we need to be gone from your place by 8:00am. Then on to Reno to get Hodge. Sound OK? No crampons in the truck ok.8)”

“No crampons in the truck...
Hey, your no fun.
Really though, you must of been reading my mind. I was thinking 8:00 as well. I will email you directions to my house.

Wind Walker, You have to come. I (and a lot of others) are looking forward to hiking with you. Suggest that they induce labor. Then waalaa, your free. And, you can rent crampons at REI.”

“Don't forget...I'm bringing the garcia bear can for you. When do you arrive and where?”

“Song...I live in no man's land. The nearest REI is 150+ miles away”

“songbyrd...hold the presses...thank you for your offer! , but after much thought, i ordered myself a bearvault yesterday.......thinking that such a thing might keep me more organized on any trip i take ..storing the stove and other stuff in there too, makes packing the pack easier i think too.
thanks for your offer again! (you too stover)

see yall soon~~~~~~~~”

“yeah...that's what I am gonna do right now...try to get more stuff into my bearicade...now that I know stove and pot don't need to go in it...I have a little more room.

what about chocolate? Ya think temps are too hot for chocolate at lower elevation? [i never really take chocolate, so I don't know] bought some reeses cups for this trip thou. i don't wanna have a big melted mess.”

“Yeah, too warm for chocolate. Unless you like licking the wrapper. 8^)”

“Gem - I am bringing chocolate. Bear canisters are pretty insulators if you don't set them in the direct sunlight.”

“The baby is one thing but the crampons I got a feeling are going to turn into a non-issue. Even if it were absolutely necessary to have them couldn't one person loan one crampon to another person. At least you'd have some traction and if both of the crampon sharers wound up falling and breaking legs that would just mean more for the other hikers to carry out. Don't worry about them. They can handle it. Plus you'll be real sorry if we all come back #&%!$ing about the extra weight we carried when it turned out we didn't need crampons. Then too all that alpineglow we have photos of.
last edited: 7/06/05 11:33:53 AM”

“Forester Pass:

http://www.pct2005.com/dispatches/20050701/

It should be a beaten path in a couple weeks”

“sol,

I was thinking that if crampons were needed, I could hike through he snow/ice field, give my crampons to my son who would shuttle them back up (or down) to the next person to use.

As long as my son realizes he is partly a "beast-of-burden" things should be OK.”

“huh?!”

“LOL!!”

“Yes children can be useful sometimes. Most of the time it's us parents on the short end of the useful stick but occasionally we do get some help from the munchkins. Maybe we should get a picture up there so you can have some proof of son assistance. You can show it around to the neighbors and colleagues when they are bemoaning the sad state of son/daughter assistance at home.

"Hey look at this..... I made my son carry crampons like burro up and down the trail."”

“gem....chocolate...on my list of 10 essentials...jai~~

...keep it in a ziplock in the center of your food, if it does melt, then stick it in all that snow we will be having up there!1ol...or the creek...
it ususally stays intact deep inside your food and pack...to be enjoyed in the evenin when the sun goes down....dont carry it as a snack during the day....that works for me..
geez..gotta have chocolate! as an alpenglow chaser.....”

“WOW Phil...you may be on to something there. I wonder if Puddlejumper would notice if I were to add a "few" items of mine to her pack. And if she does, I can always point out your son carrying stuff for you as a fine example of proper child~parent backcountry etiquette.”

“Hey Sir Nav, what time are we getting to the trailhead Sat morning?”

“I thought Navi was coming in Friday night for the pre-trip beer bash at the TH?”

“SH, he will be there at the party. He is in the group that starts out Sat morning though. Since he is mine and a few others ride to the TH just wanted to know what to expect.”

“WoooooHooo.Jai...yea its gonnna rock eh!”

“Yeah this is going to be a great trip. Finally I get to hike in snow!!!! Sol is feeling like Calvin right now.”

“Our Stubai crampons came via UPS today as projected. They rock! Much beefier than I was expecting, yet ultralightweight. They are perfect for my needs for a long time to come. I may try them out in the San Gorgonio Wilderness this weekend.”

“OMG! wingding, that's what we are going to see? Wow! Those are awesome photos! I can't wait now! That's a pretty cool website too.
Thanks for sharing!

And wow! Did you guys see the size of the snow cups! Huge!

ww, say it aint so! Everyone prayer she'll have the baby tomorrow!

gem, I'm going to bring some chocolate too and was doing same thing as om...carry it in the middle of the bearcan.

I have a cute picture of phil and his son in the Muir Hut from last year.”

“Ewker, what time are you going to walk up on Sat.?”

“Phil's son & Phil, 1991


Phil's son & Phil, July 2004

last edited: 7/07/05 1:25:40 AM”