Pioneer Basin/Mono Divide

“Hey, all let me know if permits change and you have room for another! Yo bear”

“We'll keep an eye out for ya, Jer.”

“woops, sorry I thought this was another hike. I got all mixed up . latter jer”

“Eeek, I didn't know we'd each have to get our own permits :p And I just noticed that there's an Outdoors Club trip leaving the same day and going back to Pioneer Basin - 8 people are going on that trip. So I'm not sure I'll be able to get a walk-up permit...”

“BC, I got all the permits I could for that trip, and they were snapped up by the other hungry TTr's. At this point, who knows if everyone will show up, but this group is very reliable (except Rockman, who's a slacker, just kidding). If you want to go bad enough, you'll have to be in line when the ranger station opens. Did you contact the ranger station?”

“Just as I thought”

“What did you just think, ya slacker?”

“No need to call the ranger station, geologyguy, the reservation availability is posted online on the Inyo NF website... and no, there are no reservations left. No worries, sounds like it might be a bit too crowded back there in Pioneer Basin on those dates for my tastes anyway. I'll figure out another place to go...
last edited: 4/04/06 10:29:56 AM”

“Looks like a possiblity of there still being snow at the higher elevations. I heard a rumor that Mammoth will stay open into July. They just broke the all-time snow fall record, for the resort, this past week. Will be able to ski down Cox Col.”

“After last year's snow hype, I would think that you Californians would welcome global warming.

I'm still NOT packing my crampons for this trip. Aussie did a great job of carrying my pack of the snow last year. I guess I need to pay her more than a hershey kiss this year. How much will it cost to carry my pack for the whole trip?”

“It figures there's alot of snow”

“Matt - let's negotiate.....

1. Filter all my water for me for the duration of the trip.
2. Cup of coffee (freshly ground and brewed) to me in my tent every morning at 06:17.
3. Wash my spoon after dinner.
4. I'm not carrying Eugene - he's probably gained weight since last year.”

“LOL@Aussie!

Does anyone have a first-hand description of what to expect on Class 2 days listed on the itinerary?

Thanks!”

“Are any of the out-of-towners getting close to booking flights ?”

“Ok you party people. Time for some decisions.
First, who wants to stay at Tom's place Friday Aug 4?

Second, when we come off the trail on Thursday, Aug 10, what's the plan? The last day only has 4 miles of hiking, so it would be easy to crank that out then drive home in the afternoon. Or do people feel in the mood for some boogy-woogy.”

“I'd like to stay at Tom's place, but since I will be begging a ride between the airport and trailhead in both directions, I will fall in with my chauffeur's plans (whoever that might be).”

“I'd be in for staying at Tom's Place on the first night, but only if the distant peeps can arrive into Sac sometime in the early afternoon. Matt? Aussie?”

“I think I can get in by early afternoon.”

“I'm taking Fri 4th as a vac day and my flight is only about 2 hours - I can be there anytime from late morning onwards (flight schedules allowing).”

“Sounds good to me. If it's like the rest of the Eastern Sierra, we should decide and reserve soon.”

“Ok, let's get this Tom's place thing rolling.
http://www.tomsplaceresort.com/Lodging.html

It looks like they have a Mens Dorm and a Womens Dorm that is $23 a night and has 7 beds in each dorm. That is definately a cheap possibility. They also have three cabins that have 6 beds in them for about $105-$115 a night. Someone may have to sleep on the floor in that case.

My vote on the day we come off trail would probably be to hit the road and head home. With only 4 miles, we should be at the parking lot by 10-11 AM, if not sooner. The only question about this plan is how to get cleaned up a bit. A shower before the long drive (and flight for me) would be much preferred.”

“I can go either way on the dorm vs cabin or even getting a room. My preference on the last day is also to fly home that day if possible.

Matt - as soon as you've booked a flight let me know and I'll try to get one arriving around the same time.”

“I am in for staying at Tom's Place on Friday night. After the hike, I will probably just cruise on home.”

“Sounds like a plan. The dorm looks intresting to me. I'm in Columbus, so if someone wants to either book some beds or room, I'll gladly pay them on Tuesday.”

“Steve, I reserved you a dorm room. I got a queen room for Jerry and me. Friday, August 4th, right?”

“I just got a dorm room. And for anyone who is interested, breakfast is served starting at 6 AM.”

“Matt, do you have to reserve for breakfast?”

“no, I just asked. The bar stays open till 1-2 AM for those who can't sleep.”

“I decided to splurge - I got a room.”

“Anyone else?”

“I'm thinking it over... the room situation that is.”

“Thanks Karen for the reservation!”

“Your welcome :)”

“How's everyone doing? Everyone have their reservations?”

“Well, I removed myself from the maybe list. Sounds like a great trip with great people, but I think I will have to pass.”

“I just bought my plane tickets, so I guess I am a definate. I will be getting into Sac at about 11AM on Friday and then leaving at midnight on the following Thursday.”

“I can get a flight arriving at Sac at noon on Fri 8/4 and flying out at 21:00 on Thurs 8/10. I hope to book this later today.”

“Sounds good”

“Flights booked for times as stated above. Can you believe my SEA-SMF flight wnet up $10 since I researched earlier today !!!!!”

“i am so envious....wish i could make it out west for this one, but too many projects on the burner(s) this summer....i will have to settle for some shorter trips in west virginia and michigan this year....

you guys have a blast and i will try to make it back out there next summer!!”

“Hey gonzo,
Are you going to be able to do your trip to the southern hemisphere this summer?”

“matt....that trip is on hold due to the physical, mental, financial, and time commitments we are dealing with relative to building a new home....

maybe next year (he says wistfully)”

“Gonzo, this year's trip should be cheap, no $900 shuttle.”

“Hi, Gonzo. We've been remodeling since before we got married. Sometimes, it's better to put things on hold and relax. When's the housewarming? I'm working on getting Jerry to do the ADT in 2009. That passes through Ohio.”

“lol geology guy....

i got out of that expensive shuttle last time....it was cheaper to have my girlfriend fly out, rent a car, and come get me....

wannabp....that sounds like a great hike....our housewarming/wedding is preliminarily set for next spring.....”

“Gonzo, just wait till those guys get the "real" bill for the first night lodging.”

“Here's another link with details on some of this area. http://www.tumtum.com/climbing/trips/Sierra01_Part1.shtml They started on the west side, but did go over Cox Col and into Pioneer Basin.”

“Yeah, I looked at that website, and there's some good info.”

“So what are the snow conditions like this year? By August, everything should be pretty melted off right?”

“I would think so, except on some of the northern facing slopes. Creeks probely still alittle high. But its nothing we have'nt seen before.”