Winterfest 2005 is moving!

“Due to the lack of snow and the current 10 day forecast showing nothing but sunshine, we are moving the New Years gathering to Mount Shasta. Shasta will offer us a better chance of being able to ski and snowshoe. It also allows us to have a camp fire. There are neat hikes, ridges to climb and even a peak to bag. If we are really lucky, perhaps we will see a Lemurian or two.

The drive to the parking lot at Bunny Flat will be about 20 min to a half hour longer for those of you heading North. The good news is, the trip to camp is about a half mile. Having camp this close to the parking lot offers a couple advantages....ferrying mutable loads is easy and fast. You can bring up just what you need for the night, then quickly head down and get more food, fuel, lawn chairs, beverages or what ever.

The camp site offers shelter in the woods if needed and spectacular views of the mountain. There is a cache up here as well for those of you that have a GPS.

I will post info about getting permits in a day or so, they are still free, unless you go above 10'000 feet or plan to summit. You can find a live cam of Shasta here.

There are some links to new Topo maps and other info on the trip page.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but with the current weather conditions, we feel it's the best choice.
last edited: 12/18/04 2:17:16 AM”

“You can stop in at the Mt. Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations during business hours for assistance. Or you can self-issue your permits and passes at any of the trailheads that are open. You can also self-issue at the permit station outside the main office of the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station 24 hours a day.

Group size in the Mt. Shasta Wilderness is limited to ten persons in a party. Please fill out ONE wilderness permit for your entire party and keep the green copy with you while climbing. Dogs are not allowed in the wilderness area.

I am checking into the thing about no dogs in the wilderness area....there are dogs up there all the time. I will look into where the boundary's are.

We will be able to get our permits in the parking lot...two permits will cover all of us.”

“Good morning! The view will be awsome. The site is gorgeous. Can the peak be done on snowshoes without an ice axe? Does REI carry a map you would recommend? We can bring firewood and haul it in on the sled. Do we need to let the Lassen folks know we won't be there? I'm mentally ready, but no packing until after Christmas. Time for a cup of coffee. Thanks, Steve.”

“Morning wannabp!

I'm getting really pumped again, the more I think about it the more I think this is a much better site considering the current conditions. It will be much easier hauling gear into camp on Shasta then the 100 lb, 3 to 4 hour hump into Lassen. It makes packing easier too, just throw everything in and take what you decide you need that day. Lots more food and beverage options now :-)

Although the Avalanche Gulch route up Shasta is considered a walk up, a ice ax and crampons are still required. I can bring a couple ax's and crampons if someone needs em. I just might bring the ax's anyway for self arrest practice.

I'm sure REI would have a good Topo of Shasta, you can also print out the one on Webshots if ya want.

Conditions for climbing are good right now and skiing up high is also good. We may be camping on the ground if we don't get some weather in the next two weeks, but there will be snow higher for sure.

Dont worry about the folks at Lassen, I'll call Kelly and let her know.

You can call the 5th Season snow phone for daily updates on conditions and weather.
530-926-5555
last edited: 12/18/04 12:30:13 PM”

“Dang! I still can't go.”

“So, coming south on I5 I get off at which exit and where do I go from there?

I still plan on being there on the 30th, unless I get a late start and decide to motel it the first night. Hey I'm starting to get pumped up again also.

nihilist”

“OK, I wanted to find out what a Lemurian is and did a net search and only came up with this...
The Lemurians who founded the "Pure Land" and "Paradisiacal Garden" on the continent of Lemuria were Lyran Shaman "Journeyers from the Stars". The founders of the Ancient Civilization known as "Mu" by some because its sounds like the cow call of "Moo".”

“is it moving to indiana? :D”

“You would doubt the Legend?

"Legend proclaims that Mt. Shasta in Northern California was the last refuge of the survivors of the lost continent of Lemuria. Here, the tales relate, the Lemurians established a secret colony preserving their ancient customs........According to tradition, many Lemurians migrated to the northeastern part of their continent when it became apparent that it would meet with a devastating cataclysm, and took refuge in Mt. Shasta, which stood on a section of the continent which eventually survived the cataclysms which submerged the main body of Lemuria".


A must read for those who haven't heard of the Lemurians and the magic of Mt Shasta.
"The Magic Mountain"



nihilist...check the trip page for a map, I will get the actual name of the turn off tomorrow.

Spirit Coyote...not yet :-(
last edited: 12/19/04 6:50:42 PM”

“Mmmmmm...that's quite a legend, mtnsteve.

Are there magic mushrooms that grow in the area or something?”

“They are calling for showers in Mt Shasta starting the 27th (60 percent) temps of 45/25 deg in town.

”

“A couple of things about the trip. I'll be a day tripper since I live here and will have guests. However to respond to a couple of postings. The 5th Season has all the rental gear you will need for climbing the mountain if desired. Their rates are reasonable they are on the way to Bunny Flat in town and they are very knowledgable. Avalanche Gulch is the "easiest" route but there's a reason it's called avalanche gulch. It is best not to climb it in the winter. The ridge routes are safer but looking at the snow it may not be good either due to rock. I haven't heard any personal reports about the mountain but on Thanksgiving the conditions well pretty much sucked. No snow below tree line and hard packed windblown ice with boulders above treeline. We've had some snow since then but it's be 50 deg. Those with dogs. As said no dogs in the Mt. Shasta Wildneress and no dogs on Sierra Club property. I think they are getting serious about this. If you have dogs stay off the broadway and the hut but you can still get to green butte by alternate routes. Also you can take a drive to castle lake and have no worries about where you go with the poochies. And it's outstanding. The easiest exit to take is the central Mt. Shasta exit from either south or north.”

“Steve, I see the map now. Sorry, I just wasn't thorough in my initial reading. Anyway, I think I can get there from the map provided. It looks pretty straight forward.

nihilist”

“Well,
I am planning on bringing my three season tent - Mountain Hardware - Room With a View. Alot of mesh, but the rain fly is pretty solid. What do you guys think? Should I break down and rent a 4 season or will mine work okay? I haven't used it in conditions below 25.”

“You're OK. A tent won't keep you warm, none of them really have any significant insulating ability. When a tent is rated "4 season" it means that it can better withstand weight pressures (interpret = snow on your tent!), wind pressures, etc. Here's a quickie Q&A answer from somewhere, I forget where I got it.

"What is a four season tent?"
A tent that can take high winds and snow is a 4 season tent. It must have aluminum poles. It has the structural integrity to withstand snow loading and high winds (usually 3 or 4 aluminum poles). The ability to close all windows and vents to prevent spindrift or blowing snow from getting inside the tent is vital. These tents are not generally recommended for summer conditions because of weight and venting considerations.

What's more inportant is:
1. Insulating your body from the ground. Usually means better-insulating pads, If you use standard lightweight thermarest for routine 3 season backpacking, consider buying a "cheapie" ridge-rest pad or something like it to put underneath your thermarest.

2. Your sleepy-bag. If it's not rated to a low enough temp, you can do a couple things...(1) make a fleece liner, depending upon the material you use this can easily add 10 - 20 degrees. (2) Sleep in insulated long undies, I carry 100wt fleece longjohns which I love. (3) remember that you lost A LOT of warmth through exposed areas... have a fleece beanie or something like that to wear on your head at night.

Cold weather camping here in CA isn't nearly the challenge many think it is. It really doesn't get obscenely cold anywhere here, including the Sierra. Now, when I lived in Chicago... the winters there were COLD!”

“Thanks Wanderer...just curious as I have always rented a 4season when I think I am getting snowed on or a chance of it. I think I will risk my tent since I have a 5 degree bag and I use a ridgerest/zrest (accordian like thing) along with a classic thermarest AND I also have a fleece insert. Chicago may get obscenely cold, but I am a wimp and camping in the single digits is Uncomfortable!”

“Actually I'm a "wimp" also in that I like to be comfortable when I'm out. To me, winter camping doesn't mean being cold or uncomfortable, it means enjoying natures' splendor that you can only appreciate in winter. I don't want to be cold, I want to be comfy, especially when I crawl into my bag for the night, and especially since the nights can be LOOONNNG in the winter.

It will be great!”

“Wanderer - there are some great games to be played in the tent, card games that is. Up and down the river, Liars Dice, not to mention Spoons. When I went to Everest, I was the only American there. I taught them how to play spoons and it was a little dangerous in that dining tent. The difference, we were at too high an altitude to really drink, but the traditional way is that who ever loses, must take a shot of whatever alcohol is on hand. Made many New Years Eve memorable!”

“Good tips from Wanderer. I will have a couple back up tents along just in case, my Kiva and a Megamid. I will keep an eye on temp's and post warnings if it looks like it will get really cold.

Brandycaporaso makes a good point about climbing the mountain (Welcome, by the way) Conditions can change very quickly. Right now the mountain is stable with good spring skiing , if you time it right (corn snow!). The ridge routes are a bit more technical due to more rock being exposed and most of the usual climbing routes are in good condition (info from 5th Season) but those conditions can always change by New Years, if not overnight.

Sandy...I have played games similar to that, we did it with checkers once...after awhile, we couldn't tell who was winning,.

Susan is considering bringing her gas powered blender...anyone have some good recipes?”

“In drinking games, even when you lose you win. heh heh

White Russians for the blender!!!”

“I seem to have developed a heretofore unknown bulge and tenderness in my groinal region. Haven't seen a doctor yet, but I don't think it would be prudent for me to attempt anything as strenuous as Winterfest. Damn!! Will do my best to get it fixed ASAP. Y'all have a good time, have a shot for me.”

“My wife just informed me that we have a New Year's Eve "date" with another couple who are friends of ours... we've been going out together on New Years Eve for YEARS & YEARS and HOW in the world could I not know that???

#&^#$#^, sometimes it's really hard to be a guy & so totally clueless about some things... long story short, I won't be up at Winterfest for New Years, according to "the boss".

&#%$#^&@”

“Snow Showers on the 30th!”

“only 8 more days”

“Wanderer...Damnit man! We'll toast ya... gonna be a lot of that going on I suspect. You'll be missed.

TrailBum...you get well, thats not good to find an extra lump down there. We'll toast you too.

See what I mean.


Sandy...you go girl.
Keep on dancing!


City of Mount Shasta Weather
last edited: 12/22/04 9:51:53 PM”

“Gosh darn it! I get off work on New year's eve at 11am. I mapped this & it's approx 5-5 1/2 hrs from Truckee. That'll put me there after dark but I'm so glad you guys are only 1/2 mile in! I'll make a snow cave when I get there unless there is extra room in someone's igloo. Is anyone making any igloos?
I'll be coming up alone and will need to buy a radio so I'll tune in. What channels should I be on? Sorry I don't have time to read all the old posts.

I'm so bummed that trailbum won't be there. We'll miss ya buddy!”

“There will be room for ya, either in the Megamid or the Tipi.

What channel does everyone want to use??

Does everyone have the dual channel thingy (main and sub channel)?
We could use 12/5
If not, how about 12
last edited: 12/23/04 1:26:09 AM”

“Sandyann, please, please, please keep dancing until those showers turn to snow. You're doing a fabulous job. Don't stop too soon.

We've got radios. I just need regular channel reminders. Ah, 12 for December, 5 for 2005. Got it.”

“Don't you think I should stop now? I don't want a repeat of last year cuz I am coming to the mountain. My family thinks all this dancing is related to some new weight loss gimmick :o)”

“... cause I want plenty of snow! I want ungodly amounts of snow!! I want Donner Party amounts of snow!!! OK, maybe not that last bit but pretty damn close to it. heh heh Freshie fresh is what I want. Plus, I would really like to be able to use the sled to transport stuff.

May the snow gods look favorably on you and accept your dance, Sandyann. May they open the skies and dump the snow!

Meanwhile I will see if my GPS still works.

nihilist
last edited: 12/23/04 11:03:34 AM”

“I prefer an abundance of snow to rain. You are going to show us this dance in the tipi at night, right?”

“Ummm...have any of you checked out my pictures? I am not sure anyone wants to see me dance. However, with the right beverages I could be tempted to do a 'snow dance demo. Careful what you ask for.... :o)”

“So, are we ready for this? I'm hoping that it snows a bit between now and then. Haven't checked the weather report the last couple days, so I'm not even sure what the latest forecast is.

Anyway, now that Christmas is over, I'm starting to get back in the Winterfest mood. I will check-out my stove and other items tomorrow, just so there will be no surprises.

nihilist”

“I checked out the wood stove the other day and went over the tent stakes (got 3 new ones) My partner dropped off the sled at work so I can start packing it on Monday.

I'm going shopping tomorrow for extra batteries, white gas for the MSR and food. I scored some neat items this Christmas for the trip...smoked salmon, chocolate covered espresso beans, a titanium cup (for Hot Damn of course) and a few other items that will make the stay a bit more enjoyable.

Those that are going to get there before me (about 6:00pm Thursday) can camp anywhere near the main site location. I am going to try and get off early Thursday, but I wont know for sure until Monday. I will put up a map tomorrow that shows the area a bit better. The Tipi will be set up to the left of the x-c ski trail that heads to Horse Camp....you will come to an open area heading slightly up hill, look down and to your left and you will see a couple small rises...that will probably be the Tipi site. As long as you are in the general area, you wont have a problem finding us as we set it up Friday. As long as you don't travel farther then a half mile from the parking lot, you will be in the ball park. I think I have a picture of the site....I'll look for it tonight.

It looks like the weather is in our favor...they are calling for snow, that means you should have chains with you, just in case. I5 sometimes requires chains. The temps could be in the low teens. I will have an extra bag or two if someone gets too cold, along with a vapor barrier. If you have room for firewood, throw a few logs in, I'll head back to the parking lot to pick it up with the sled.

Camp coordinates (approximate)
41° 21.570' N
122° 14.421' W
7000'
Radio frequency
12/5
Here is the most current weather forecast, it's for the city of Mt Shasta (3500') we will be at 7000'...

last edited: 12/25/04 11:36:43 PM”

“Sandyann...I have checked out your photos..


and I would love to see you dance ;-)”

“If anyone wants more detailed directions, send me your phone number and a good time to call.
last edited: 12/25/04 11:53:39 PM”

“Damn, now I'm really starting to get pumped for this. It's great to see the forecast showing snow.

I know this must sound crazy, but I have no idea what Hot Damn is. But don't tell me, I want to be surprised. I know it is some kinda adult beverage, but other than that I'm in the dark. heh heh

Speaking of new toys and such, I have some nice new insullated mittens. I always have plenty of options for the hands. I may have a few other new items that have slipped my mind, but nothing major. I can't find my ice axe so I may buy a new one. I was hoping for a new altimeter, but needed to spend the money elsewhere. My only other altimeter is broke. I also didn't get new skis. That was what I really wanted, but will spend the money on more pressing needs.

I still don't know what time I will be there on the 30th. If I get a late start, I may just motel it rather than come in at night. Otherwise I hope to be there in the afternoon and scoot on in with my sled full of gear and goodies. If things really work out, I may get in by noon. If I arrive that early, I will stop by the Ranger station.

What size of wood pieces will the stove accommodate? I have some wood here, but it may be wet.

Yes, we must insist that Sandyann dance for us. But then she might insist we dance for her. Hmmnnn ... I may have to think of a good excuse to get out of that. heh heh

nihilist”

“I'm still planning on coming in on Thursday, the 30th. Wannabp - when is your ETA? I'll plan on working around your schedule to walk in with you. I'm going to start packing today, so I might have a lot of questions since this is my "first" time.... Nihilist - Where are you coming from? I'm starting from Eugene. And.. the Hot Damn? Be careful, you can become invisible.... I was hiking yesterday from 4400 up to 6300. No new snow and what was there was icy, so I'm doing my snow dance also (I'll not be able to keep up with Sandy and Nihilist though)! Bring on the snow! I'm ready for New Year's on the mountain!!”

“nihilist.... Bummer about the skis...but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

We will teach you the ways of Hot Damn...I was thinking about bringing some Ouzo, but then I remembered a couple 4 day hangovers and thought better of it.

Mt Shasta city has 4" on the ground now. They are expecting over a foot of snow on the mountain. There is supposed to be a break after tomorrow for a couple days, then snow again.

The Tipi stove handles wood about 12"/16" and 2" to 3" in diameter. We also could use some real firewood so we can get a fire going outside. I just talked to Rodney and he says he can get plenty of big fire wood.

In the past we have had some rather interesting dancing at a few of our "events"...once, we had 4 or 5 belly dancers and a group of drummers. The Rangers could hear the drumming and knew who it was, but they could only guess at the rest. Rodney was going to bring a cannon to New Years a couple years ago (he's thinking about it this year too) but we decided it would stretch our relationship with the Rangers a tad.

Ladyhiker, I may bring up some high octane Hot Damn along with the regular, perhaps we can fly, as well as becoming invisible ;-)”

“ladyhiker - I'm coming from Seattle. I will leave sometime in the wee hours of the morning... or not. {grins} It should take anywhere from 8-10 hours to drive, according to how many potty breaks I'm forced to make. Oh yea, the weather might play a factor there also. And If I get sleepy I just pull over for a nap. Sooooooo... I'll be there when I get there.

Steve - Ouzo I know about. {big grins} I will just have to do some field testing on this Hot Damn and evauate it myself. Nothing like clinical experience on these matters to clear up the mystery.

Flying is good, but most of the accidents occur during take-off and landing. {smile}

nihilist - ~flying low from Seattle~
last edited: 12/26/04 3:23:51 PM”

“Flying? WOW.... You are experienced in the attributes of Hot Damn, I see.... Will I be allowed any carry-on's for the flight? We'll have to give extra care to Nihilist so that he isn't all white-knuckled about the take-off's and landings.... Be safe... be very safe......

Snow happened in the mountains last night. Went for an afternoon hike around 4000 feet and had about 6 inches of snow. YEAH!! Bring it on!!”

“You can stop now...please.

We have snow.

Lots of it.”

“... this is going to be fun!!! SNOW!!! Are you sure we have enough snow to go around for everyone?

Sorry Steve, I got carried away with the moment. OK, I'm starting to put my stuff together. What to bring and what to leave behind.

nihilist”

“The locals update. It has snowed. There's 2-3' on the ground and it is currently raining at 3500'. Snow level probably about 4000'. People went up to Sand Flat (before Bunny) yesterday and had to break through but they saw a plow. As Steve said carry chains also allow for time. Yesterday the Siskiyous were backed up from Ashland north for about 5 miles coming south on I-5. Going north it was backed up to Anderson from Lakehead.
I should know more about conditions as there is a rescue on Casaval Ridge tonight and will get detailed info.
One thing for sure DO NOT go near Avalanche Gulch or the run out!
Check this site for avalanche conditions http://www.csac.org/Bulletins/Calif/shasta.php
One last thing. There is supposed to have another major more cold front moving in sometime Wednesday for the weekend. The plows sometimes don't keep up with the snow on Everitt Memorial. You will either have to break trail with your 4x4 (carry chains and shovel) or the FS will close the gate at McBride at about 4500'.
I'm hoping they'll plow so I can come play with the dogs.
If dad can't make it from Sacatomatoes I'll try yet 1 more time winter camping if there's hot toddies involved.
Steve-any back up plans if the gate is closed?
last edited: 12/27/04 5:25:45 PM”

“The Everitt Memorial Hwy is closed right now and may not open until Wed.

Brandycaporaso...send me an email if you don't mind, I would like to pick your brain for options. I may have your phone number, do you live in Weed?

One way or another we will do this...finding a safe place where we can all get together is my main concern right now.

Lassen is in good shape right now (go figure) but I hate to change locations again. We will get this sorted out soon.”

“They are running snow-cats into Bunny Flat to check on avalanche conditions and to see what they can do about a rescue for the climber on Casaval. Apparently he is OK and is talking to S.O. every few hours.

The Fifth Season says the road was closed today and may not open till Wednesday. If the next storm is as cold and heavy as this last one, it could be closed over the weekend.”

“... the evening of the 29th, I can go either Shasta or Lassen. I just wonder about Sandyann because she is at Disneyland and I don't know for sure if she will check in before she leaves. I don't know about the situation for the others. Makes no difference to me.

nihilist”

“As you know we are having a problem with the Mt Shasta location for Winterfest 2005. The road up the mountain is closed due to snow and there is a very good chance they will close it again this Thursday with the new storm that's coming this way. I am trying to find another location near Mt Shasta City, but that may be difficult. I do have an idea or two and I am checking them out.

I do have another slight problem...I'm a tad ill. I suspect it's just the flu or a bad cold, but I don't think I could drag 100lb very far no matter where we go. One alternative I have come up with is still near Lassen, right off Hwy 44, at Red Lake Mountain , near Eskimo Hill. We can still have a fire, be about 1/2 mile from the parking lot and we won't need permits. I also am thinking about a spot near Shasta with about the same attributes, I'm just not sure we can get to it, but I'm checking.

I wanted to see what everyone thought. I hate to do this switching back and forth, but considering the road could be closed I don't like the idea of folks driving all the way up there, only to be stopped at the gate.....as I mentioned, I am still working on doing this someplace near Mt Shasta, but I like to have back-ups for my back-ups...especially with this weather.

My head is a bit muddled with the meds, plus I just feel like crap so I could use some input from everyone to be sure we pull this off with a minimum of hassle for everyone.

We need to figure this out soon. I'm open to suggestions.”

“Build it and they will come..... Wherever is ok with me!

I was just looking back for a gear list for us "first timers"... be gentle... Steve, do you have a gear list to go by? So far I have:

Tent (3 Season - is that going to work? Hikerchik - you are welcome to bunk with me..)

Sleeping Bag - 0 degree

Hot Damn!

Now... what else do I need? What about food? Can we cook in the teepee? What suggestions?

Wannabp or anyone else... I can arrange to meet up around I-5 on the 30th and haul others or follow in my truck. I'm not experienced at driving in the snow, so sure would like some company going in...

By the way MtnSteve... Hot Damn is very medicinal... Trust me.. I know this... Trust me.... hee hee hee
last edited: 12/27/04 10:42:03 PM”

“OK, we may have figured this out all ready. I just talked to Brandy and she confirmed an idea I had. If the road is closed or it looks like we will get smacked by a big storm, we can camp near McBride Springs. This is located just below the gate. It will allow us to still have a fire, access to the mountain and be easy for everyone to find.


ladyhiker...I trust you ;-)”