Sierra Rendezvous 2005

“I created a trip page for the Eastern Sierra hike. Finally decided on Shepherd Pass to Whitney Portal (We can do Humphrey's Basin next time).

Suggesting the name "Sierra Rendezvous 2005" because of the interest from people who participated in "Llama-rama" or "SierraPalooza" trips. In fact, it is a reunion of all hikers from previous Sierra hikes!!!! Should be a great trip for hikers of all ages and hiking styles!

Let the fun and anticipation begin!”

“yippee and yahoo Phil
how can i wait?”

“Do I need to sign up on another trip in the trips section or is the one I signed up for ok. Also I would like to do a side trip to Tyndal, I can catch up with the group after I pick that 14'r up. Who do I send money to for my permit?”

“WLD - Let's see who and how many and who will be applying for permits. Then you can send money.

I think there will be a number of people wanting to summit Tyndall on day 2. Probably the same people who will blast over Shepherd Pass ahead of the rest of us. After Tyndall just continue on to Wright Lakes Basin (via Rockwell Pass?) and catch up. Should be a great side hike!

Another side hike possibility is Wallace Lake on Day 3. After the 3 miles to junction of Wallace Creek and the JMT, pitch camp and then day hike along the creek to Wallace Lake.”

“Dang, om will not carry anything for me!
Boo Hoo. ;-)
I'm in unless I have a sea trial.”

“WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!! only 9 months...lol”

“I bet all those CA people talk 'funny'. At least om and trekkngirl will not have heavy accents. ;-)”

“WLD - What happened? You disappeared!”

“No they don't Stovie..we have the heavy accents...now Hodgeman of BC does..eh, :)”

“I was talking to my sons about doing Whitney and you can put me down for three Phil!”

“You're bringing your kids!!??!!
What happen to the "Wheezers and Geezers"?

Dang kids!!!


8^)”

“Nathan doesn't like high mileage days....i figured you could relate :p”

“See, I've already taught him a thing or two.
8^D
last edited: 10/14/04 12:17:13 AM”

“Bringing this back up. Let's start posting here for the Shepherd Pass to Whitney Portal trip in July. This is the thread that also shows up on the Trips Page.

Thanks, everyone. Looks like we have 8 or 10 people already interested!”

“Hey Phil, why didn't you just call the trip 'Sierra Rendezvous 2005' on the Trip Page?
Ewker might not be so confused then. ;-)
last edited: 10/14/04 2:47:28 PM”

“SS....pppphhhhhtttt :) have a good day”

“Stomper - Since the Sierras are so big, I thought a more specific description of where the trip was would be better on the trip page. In my effort to simplify, I created confusion...live and learn.”

“Phil - I can't help myself. I'm a firm believer in K.I.S.S. design (Keep It Simple Stupid). ;-)
I work with young Sailors a lot. I try to make things as 'SailorProof' as possible. These kids could tear up an anvil.”

“Phil ......what part of going over Sheperd Pass is the Wheezers and Geezers Rendezvous?
That's not a climb for us old people. Nine miles and 4200 ft of total elevation gain? I can't believe this! That's a hike Snow Nymph does!

Nav, Om, JVZ, theflip, pepperdog ...talk to this man. I want sniffing daisies, afternoon snoozes, and general lazing about.

Mutterng to myself....Why don't we just get it over with and do Taboose?”

“Solitary - I had us geezers in mind here. I didn't sense as much interest in Cottonwood Pass option since many had already been there. Anyway, I couldn't help the first day. Anvil Camp is the first camp worth shooting for. Compared to the last two SierraPaloozas this overall hike is intended to be easier.

Try lightening your pack by 10 lbs. That helps a lot! I went to an internal frame and lighter gear.

Days 3, 4 and 6 should be very tolerable.

Come on down!!!”

“solitary, I know what you mean. I haven't signed up for this trip yet because of Shepard Pass. 8^)”

“That being said, I like Trips #2 & #3.
I didn't think the LlamaRama was pretty enough until we got to Guitar Lk.

I've never done Shepard (heard too many bad things) and I've nerver been to Humphreys either. New territory sounds good to me.

The whole reason I go on these TT trips is the people and I'd like more time to talk with you guys, and get to know new people, so easy days sounds good to me.”
the-naviguesser
8:32:23 PM
10/11/04

Nav - I must have misinterpreted your remarks. I was thinking of you when I picked #2...new territory and all. Didn't think you had such a big reservation about Shepherd Pass.

This trip should be easier than the last two Sierrapaloozas.”

“"I've never done Shepard (heard too many bad things)"......
Navi, Navi...Navi
tsk tsk tsk.....
that is like "believing" in the almighty just because you heard he/she exists.

the direct experience is how to know man!...

uh....what bad things did you hear? LOL :)

Solitary Hiker..Hiya!....i trust Phil will not lead us beyond our capabilities...we will be wheezin and geezin and getting started reely early for just the first day ...gotta get the blood circulating that High Sierras oxygen!”

“When are you people going to learn not to believe EVERYTHING I say? 8^)”

“I've never hiked over 7K feet with a pack up, and I live at sea level (more or less). Never mind striving for some nameless pass, I figure walking 3 LEVEL miles at 9K feet with a pack on would likely leave me a miserable pile of jelly that is slowly leeching into a Ground Suck Vortex.

Even so ... I'm interested. I'm very interested.

Phil, you need to come North and risk death in a wild winter beach storm. If you survive, maybe I can survive 11K in the Sierreas. It's a Karma thing, y'now?”

“Solitary - don't that we hiked to Anvil Camp in less than 7.5 hours!

Strider - I do need to get up North. Dang teaching job keeps getting in my way! I really want to join you.

om - what a great encourager!”

“It took us 9 hrs to Anvil in 95 deg heat (had to make a last min run to the store, 10:20am start). Took two 40 min breaks and a few 10 minuters. Our packs were 40 lbs each for 9 days. Be sure to start early.

A 500' descent after that first ridge was pretty disappointing

But once over Shepherd Pass its worth it!”

“C'mon Strider - You can join the 2005 PNW carpool :-))”

“Strider.. No excuses! I live at sea level too and I faked those passes pretty good! Also.. I'm in charge of CD's in the NW carpool official vehicle, don't even entertain fantasies of taking over... (Besides, if you don't make this hike, you'll never find out if I'm REAL!)

Trekngirl - What's this talk aboot Hodge having an accent?? hmmmmmmm

Phil - Thank you for putting this together!! I start my new job next week (I DID IT!! I DID IT!! I'm closing my office today and moving to Eugene) and I'll be sure to turn in my hiking schedule along with my W-4!! :-)

Ewker - I have a Raleigh road bike (that needs a LOT more action) and a Specialized Mountain bike. Sooo.. going to put together a TT fall color bike trip?”

“You do really need to try to start early from the Shepherd Pass Trailhead. It can be 100 degrees during the day at the start of that trail. Maybe it will be cloudy or cooler the day you go, but it's hard to tell.”

“And sweet om was calling me a crybaby for questioning 4700 feet in 9 miles. ;-)

I might just fall over and camp along the side of the trail and try to catch up over the next couple of days. ;-)”

“My best regards to everyone.

Seeing how I haven't officially signed up for this hike my suggestions should be considered as just other options. Truth is, two weeks ago I broke my ankle and did some damage to the ligaments. I guess it's too early to tell but I'm beginning to wonder if I'll need orthoscopic surgery. It hurts.How it will feel nine months from now,who knows?I'd like to do a California hike. God knows I love the place. But I might not be able to. Time will tell.
>
I agree the Cottonwood Pass area is not very scenic. On Llama Rama 2001 you guys did the slog from Lower Soldier Lake on your way to Whitney. I don't know what that looks like. I remember seeing on maps about a long hike through a wide, sandy valley or something. Didn't sound too interesting except for the hot spring Mel wanted us to visit. (I like naked female wood nymphs a lot!)
>
We did the Miter Basin thing and then back out over NAP. That is a nice pass. All the space and lakes below it make it very appealing for camping and fishing. I realized back then that a very good trip could be started from the Cottonwood Lakes area. This is especially true for people residing in low elevations because, as I remember, the parking lot jump–off point is at 9800 feet.
>
Therefore imagine this for a rough itinerary.
>
There are two main groups that will rendezvous somewhere on the trail. The rendezvous point could be the backside of Whitney. The main groups can be comprised of smaller sub-groups, (more about this later). One main group is going over Shepherds Pass. The other main group is going over NAP or OAP. Note that the start and finish times don’t have to be the same but it would be nice if the hike finishing times would be the same. (That’s where the final group trip meal and numerous adult beverages come in.)
>
The Shepherds Pass group is the Sierra Rendezvous 2005 contingent. This is the ultralight packing, Henry sil tarp using, mile gobbling, 14K mountain climbing, hey I’ve done this five times already this summer group. They are fast, light, and most importantly, acclimated!
>
Now consider if you will, the other group. The Cottonwood Lakes Bunch (CLB) is made up of three sub-groups. These three sub-groups are comprised of, shall we say, lesser-enabled individuals. The sub-groups are, in no particular order:
>
1) the Wheezers and Geezers Rendezvous 2005 crew
2) the Losers and Boozers Rendezvous 2005 faction
3) the Whimps, Gimps, and Blimps Rendezvous 2005 posse
>
BTW, I fit into any one of the aforementioned Cottonwood Lakes sub-groups.
>
The CLB itinerary would go something like this. All dates TBD.
1) Day 1. AM meeting at Cottonwood Lakes trailhead. Start hiking at 9800 feet! That’s 3000 less feet of elevation gain than Shepherds.
2) Hike approximately six miles to any of the lakes up towards the base of NAP or OAP. We could scatter out. There are like 10 or 15 lakes up there. There are several campable lakes right at the base of OAP.
3) Day 2. Spend day acclimating if necessary. Fish in lakes with plenty of grass banks. This is especially good for flyfishing as the sterile high lakes don’t have grass and that means they don’t have much in the way of aquatic insects.
4) Day 3. Climb over NAP or OAP. Having attained the pass the CLB looks to the right and collectively thinks, “If we were members of that other group we’d climb Mt. Langley. ….Naaawh! But ain’t it grand anyway? The group then hikes on towards Upper or Lower Soldier Lake. Bear boxes are there for us. Good camping and fishing.
5) Day 4. Rest and recoup or move on. Maybe a side trip to Miter Basin.
6) Day 4 or 5. Up early for long hike towards the trail towards Whitney. Will camp where Phil and Co. camped after their slog through sandy valley.
7) Day 5 or 6. Rendezvous Day. The gathering of the clans. The CLB finally comes face to face with the dreaded Sierra Rendezvous 2005 group. Camping at Guitar Lake or somewhere we have permit for. The carefully wrapped bottles of Nav’s and Obi 1 Canoli’s 20 year Scotch are withdrawn from packs and passed around. Group meals are prepared by the women and heaped on the plates of the CLB men. There is much frivolity and mirth at this time for tomorrow there is uncertainty.
8) Day 6 or 7. Up early for Mt Whitney. No turning back for the CLB. People in the CLB are heard and seen quietly sobbing and crying for their Mommas. The Sierra Rendezvous Group laughs and takes off. The CLB manages to get to the top that day. Banners are unfurled. Pictures taken. We all head down the mountain. A final group meal is eaten at a Lone Pine local pub. Many beers are consumed.
9) Day 7 or 8 – Journey home to begin dreary mundane lives.

So ………how does that sound?
last edited: 10/15/04 10:06:53 AM”

“"Group meals are prepared by the women and heaped on the plates of the CLB men."

Yea Right, like THAT is gonna happen.
MOOOOOHAHAHAHAHAHA

"1) the Wheezers and Geezers Rendezvous 2005 crew
2) the Losers and Boozers Rendezvous 2005 faction
3) the Whimps, Gimps, and Blimps Rendezvous 2005 posse"
Damn it. I can't decide which group I belong to! ;-)”

“Can we have those same Sub-Groups in the Sierra Rendezvous 2005 Group?”

“Gotta make up your mind. Slots are filling fast. And why wouldn't the women cook the final group meal? They always did on the Sierra trips I went on.”

“Nope. Only the CLB can have those sub-gruops. It's a rule.”

“CA women must be different than Eastern women.”

“Solitary you are too funny.

I haven't signed up for the trip yet. I will but need to wait and see exactly what options there are. I simply want to see you all again....it's been a long time. I've hiked with mel but need to do a hike with you all again. And, as time goes by, there are more and more newer people I have never even met.

I remember my first trip up Shepherds Pass (was with you Solitary). There was so much ground suck just before Anvil, I laid down in the middle of the trail and fell asleep. Woke up with rain hitting my face and staggered the remaining few hundred feet into camp.

I like Phil's plan except for the Whitney summit thingy. I've been to the top of Whitney once and I gotta tell ya, there isn't any fish up there. If you do go, don't bother taking up your fly pole.

What I may do is stay in Wrights Lake basin for another night then head to Wallace Lake for a couple nights then back down Shepherds pass. I do look forward to seeing everyone again though.

Wingding is correct. Early start is an absolute if going Shepherds Pass.”

“solitary, I think the way you need to look at this is--Would you rather hike over Cottonwood Pass and on to Soldier Lake or hike in Miter Basin?
My perception (never having been there) is that once we get close to Shepard Pass the views will be much more like Miter Basin, much more Sierra like. Or in other words, much more worth the work.

For all of you worried about "altitude" -- Phil, Hodge, Ladyhiker, me and others all live at basiclly 0 elevation.
If we can, you can!
There will be a night to acclimatize in Lone Pine? (5000 ft?). Then the car shuttle, up and down Whitney Portal, to help and a long SLOW hike.
Plus I always have Tagamet in my first aid kit.”

“The views from Shepherd Pass are well worth the struggle getting there. I don't care how good a shape you are in - it is a struggle to get to Shepherd Pass.”

“I click on join this trip but it doesn't register?”

“jvz - you aren't confusing the 'go to trip' with the 'join this trip' link?”

“I really did it this time? Sorry. There really isn't that many of me to go around. I don't know how to take all the me's off of the Join this Trip. Help before too many people see this!!”

“Dang, four of you going. ;-)

Try the 'change status' button.
last edited: 10/15/04 2:02:34 PM”

“Bummer.. I'd like to sign up for this trip, but it looks like JVZ is using all the spaces on the permit.... (bet he also hogs all the good seats at the show)”

“thanks Stomper I'm back to being myself. No thanks to some people tho that just leave you out there, and point and give wedgies.”

“when you say "anvil camp" ...does that mean that all my tent stakes will be bent or useless the first night out?”

“Actually, as I remember it om, the ground was either very hard or I was so tired I couldn't push the stakes in. One or the other.

Nav you're right, once you get to the top of the pass the scenery is great. The really hard part for me was the 9.5 miles up to Anvil. I didn't realize how tired I was until I started to set my tent up and honestly I could barely do it. The next day we went over the pass and hiked to a small lake just below the JMT. The elevation gain was roughly 1800 feet from Anvil to the top of the pass and maybe 2 to 3 miles more of hiking. Again for some reason I was exhausted. I had to ask Phil to help set up my tent. And BTW Phil, I am eternally grateful for that act of kindness. Thanks man! The next day I was fine but those first two days had me wondering.
last edited: 10/15/04 7:54:25 PM”

““CA women must be different than Eastern women.”
GreasyGrimyGopherGutsStomper
10:38:32 AM
10/15/04
ignore this user

Damn right!!!! :D”

“We already have a volunteer!”