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Winterfest 2007View Messages“I would love to go this year! It's a long drive, though (8 hours or so). Anybody heading north from the Central Valley that would like to carpool?” 2:41:09 PM 12/11/06 “It's a 651 mile / 13 hour drive from Seattle. *ouch* I don't know if I'll be stopping in Oregon to pick up ladyhiker or not. *crossing fingers* Kilgore” 9:30:30 PM 12/12/06 “Kilgore.....please take the time to stop for Ladyhiker and get some rest. We all know what happens when you don't...... ;o)” 10:52:12 PM 12/12/06 “Ladyhiker may not be able to come. I'll stay in a motel if I have to, I just cant put that many hours on the road in one day of driving. Kilgore last edited: 12/13/06 11:55:47 AM” 11:54:16 AM 12/13/06 “I thought I'd find this trip on here. :) I remember last year I drove to Bunny Flat trailhead and met Kilgore & Bob. I was looking forward to the trip but was simply too concerned about the storm so decided to turn back. I didn't feel comfortable camping in a place called Avalanch Gulch in such a storm. Based on the snow accumulation on my car I guessed it was snowing almost 1'/hour. The front of my vehicle was pushing snow down the mountain. On my drive back to Cottonwood, I was thinking about how hard-core you all were only to find out "all-ya-all" turned back a couple hours later. Went to Bob's house to party. ;) I could have gone for that. I didn't know what hotel Pepper was in in Shasta either. I'll be in Cottonwood from Christmas through New Years. We are having a huge NYE party but I will hike in to meet ya Steve. You live in Anderson(?) and I own property in Cottonwood and we've never met? Sad! I'm about 45 minutes from the park entrance and I'll hike in and party with ya all for awhile but don't think I'll spend a night. We are going to have too much going on and I gotta stay on the "good side" of the wife. Hopefully I see ya there for an evening cocktail. You okay for firewood? Flip” 1:20:19 PM 12/13/06 ““Rebecca...Have a great New Years! Perhaps we'll see you and David at one of the full moon trips next year.” mtnsteve 6:18:07 PM 12/10/06 Absolutely! That was a great trip last May, although it's a sunburn I'm going to remember for a long time - I think I still have the lines from that one. Ouch! Here's hoping you all get some fresh snow and then some sunny skies!” 3:02:23 PM 12/13/06 “Hey Flip, I'd be surprised if we haven't run into each other and not realized it. Swing by Yates Gear next time your in town and say hi if you have the chance. Hope you can make it by for a visit...I'll save some Hot Damn for ya. I'm going up on Sunday to check the area out and haul in a little firewood. I'll post pictures when I get back. Rumi/Kilgore...you be carefull, hear. Rebecca..hope to see ya both soon. Note on firewood.....there usually is plenty up there, if we forage a little. Where we ocassionally run into trouble, is when it's wet. It's nice to have some dry wood to feed the stove and keep the wet wood going. If anyone wants to bring up a little hardwood or kindling, I wont argue. The stove will take wood about 2"/3" in diameter and 12" long....or there abouts. I'll measure it in a couple days when I go over the stove to be sure it's ready.” 1:18:39 AM 12/16/06 “Steve - the solo trip was enjoyable, but there wasn't any good snow. I headed down to Mammoth and spent a day near Crystal Crag above Lake George. The following day, I hiked up to the base of Mount Lyell - just north Of Mammoth. The trail was snow covered, but relatively easy to navigate. I now have a burning desire to spend more time in the Eastern Sierra. I was hoping for good snow the last day or two, but still no luck so I headed home to get some things done. Rob” 10:11:57 AM 12/17/06 “I think this should fix the BOLD(/b) Did it work? last edited: 12/17/06 4:47:40 PM” 4:44:04 PM 12/17/06 “No? Let's try this...” 4:55:19 PM 12/17/06 “Sos what did I do wrong? I think the bold started midway through one of my posts. Can't think of anything strange I did. Ok I'll take that back, I have done many strange things, but not posting. *grins* Kilgore” 11:52:27 PM 12/17/06 Looking good “Thanks Naviguesser! Rob, glad you had a good time. The snows are kinda thin, but at least it's cold, thats holding what there is. Ran up to Silver Snag today to check it out and haul in some wood. I think we will be OK on the fire wood, there is a bunch of fresh blow downs from the high winds a couple weeks ago. The wood I cached will help if the wood up there gets rained on. The Ranger told me the low temp at Manzanita Lake this morning was 11°. There was around a foot at Silver Snag. We seem to be following the same weather pattern we had the last 3 years. If that is so, we will get hammered around Christmas and the week after.  ”12:01:19 AM 12/18/06 “"If that is so, we will get hammered around Christmas and the week after." Just so it's nice and sunny or even light snow for New Years. ;p Hey, I liked that big bold print. Put it back. LOL” 8:38:38 AM 12/18/06 “Song (kilgore) all you have to do type 4:30:32 PM 12/18/06 “Huh? can you say that in english now? Hey Navi, Are you still planning to stay here on your way thorugh and carpool with me? Have we heard from Jason? Going Jason?” 9:13:10 AM 12/19/06 “Boy, I typed a lot more than THAT! Kilgore, you typed "bracket" Big sigh "bracket". The computer read that as HTML for BIG type. Can you read that now Song? 8^) Staying at your place? I had some minor surgery and I don't know if I will be able to do this trip. I'm watching how the healing is going so I can make the right choice as time gets closer. I just bought a Kelty Raidiant 4 season tent, but I can't let my desire to try it out influence me! I've not heard from Jason. last edited: 12/19/06 10:31:39 AM” 10:26:11 AM 12/19/06 “Songbyrd I'm still hoping to make it. Takara is getting cold feet (haha) - she's not sure she wants to go. I'm going to be pissed, but I'll try to be reasonable. She just doesn't understand how important the mountains are yet - but she's learning. I'll let you know in case you want to carpool. If you need to formalize your plans - you can go ahead and plan without me and I'll drive up alone. I'll definitely be there for one night - not sure which yet. Rob” 10:20:15 PM 12/19/06 “Well....it looks more and more like I will not be able to make this huge event. It caused me too much heart ache last year and I am not sure I am up to that. Although, the closer I get to the date the prognosis may change. It all depends on the 'weather' and it has nothing to do with the weather outside. You all know that weather, snow, cold, wet, etc doesn;t scare me. ;o) Besides, if I am not coming, the weather outside will probably be perfect and there will be no avi danger and you will actually stay in Lassen and will be able to use the cache of wood and Hot Damn and those dang permits we all keep applying for. Hmmmm......maybe I'll drive up for the day????” 11:05:21 PM 12/19/06 “Navi, you okay? Jerry and I have become a pair of perpetual 'maybes.' We'll figure it out before the New Year.” 1:22:07 AM 12/20/06 “Rob, That sounds good. I want to carpool. I wasn't sure if you were a yes or not yet. Even if Navi goes we can still carpool. Can you stay 2 nights or only one? I was hoping for Friday- Sunday. Sandyann, I thought I was the bad snow deliverer. Every trip I went on last year snowed out. Come on and join us.It's good to be out with friends when the "weather" is not good. Karen, Hope you guys make it. I'd be good to see ya's again. Navi, same for you.” 8:20:46 AM 12/20/06 “Weather forecast is looking good.” 9:57:33 PM 12/20/06 “Songbyrd... Only some of your trips got snowed out - others got blown away, lightning, hail, etc.. We did have some good storms the last couple of years, huh. I love it! Rob” 10:13:05 PM 12/20/06 “Yep, a blast in more ways than one. (giggles)” 8:31:23 AM 12/21/06 If anyone geocaches... “I just downloaded 4 caches that MS placed in the Silver Snag area. Maybe some of us can snowshoe to find them.” 11:56:44 AM 12/23/06 “I went to the Doc yesterday for the follow up to my surgery, he said to give it 2 more weeks to heal before I do any hot tubbing or exercising. 8^( Is there going to be a "Post-New-Years" Winterfest?” 1:35:32 PM 12/23/06 “Too bad Navi. Are you gonna do what the Doc says?” 5:50:20 PM 12/23/06 “I think it would be the wise thing to do.” 6:04:21 PM 12/23/06 “y'all have fun!” 6:05:55 PM 12/23/06 “The Quadrantids Meteor Shower will be peaking on Jan. 4th. You folks might have to leave the teepee and go outside.” 6:34:42 PM 12/23/06 “So Nav... tell me what kind of surgery you had! Somtimes those docs are way too conservative. Rob” 1:53:27 AM 12/24/06 “Anyone want to carpool from the Sac area? I'm planning to go up Sat and return Mon.” 10:24:10 AM 12/24/06 “Sorry you wont be able to make it navi...perhaps we can get you to one of the full moon hikes? I usually reset those caches to level 5's during the winter. I also archive "Shadow of the Moon" till the snows melt. It's not very user friendly when buried by snow...the others were placed with Winter in mind. Things are looking good for the trip. I'm gonna head up this Tuesday and check things out...perhaps stash more gear. Have a great Christmas everyone!” 10:26:11 AM 12/24/06 Snow? “Do we have an update? I'm stuck in Modesto until Tuesday eve or I'd just drive up and take a look.” 10:16:52 AM 12/25/06 car-pool! ““Anyone want to carpool from the Sac area? I'm planning to go up Sat and return Mon.” songbyrd601 8:24:10 AM Hi Ya' songbyrd, I just signed up as a "maybe", but I'm about 95% sure I'll make it :). Your Saturday - Monday dates work for me, lets see if we can hook up. Any other Sac people heading up?” 6:07:15 PM 12/25/06 “Cool deal! Hope to see you Wanderer. I'm heading up tomorrow to "test" my new ski poles. May drop off a couple items. I'll report when I get back. Weather report for the area looks promising.... Tuesday: Rain and snow...windy. Highs 40 to 45. Snow level lowering to 5500 feet by afternoon. Snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches by late afternoon. South to southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph over ridges. Tuesday night: Windy with snow and rain. Lows 27 to 33. Snow level lowering to 4000 feet. Accumulations 6 to 12 inches...except up to 18 inches over the highest peaks. South to southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph over ridges. Wednesday: Snow showers and rain showers in the morning...tapering off to scattered snow showers by afternoon. Highs 33 to 41. Snow level 4500 feet. Snow accumulation 4 to 8 inches. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 55 mph over ridges. Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers. Lows 25 to 33. Thursday: Mostly sunny. Highs 38 to 46. Thursday night: Partly cloudy. Lows 21 to 29. Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs 38 to 46. Friday night through new years day: Mostly cloudy. Lows 23 to 33. Highs 34 to 44.” 6:28:30 PM 12/25/06 “Oh, and I have an extra pair of snowshoes lying around, if anyone wants to borrow let me know & I'll bring them up! last edited: 12/25/06 6:51:08 PM” 6:49:56 PM 12/25/06 “Okay... so Takara and I are coming in on Saturday early. We're planning to stay until Sunday afternoon, then we're going to have to bail for New Years eve as we have arrangements in the City. Something for both of us - I have to accept that ;) What's the story on permits. Do we have plenty or do I need to contact the NPS for arrangements? Songbyrd - sorry, hope wanderer comes in and you have someone to carpool with. You know you're welcome to join us if you decide to do one day only. Can't wait to try out some of my new gear ;) Rob” 10:31:43 PM 12/25/06 Do it yourself “Rob...you can fill out permits at the entrance to the park now. Just look to the building on the right of the entrance station. There may also be some in the day use, self register stand, by the entrance to the Loomis Ranger Station. I'll check tomorrow.” 11:06:12 PM 12/25/06 “Wanderer, That'll work. I think we're neighbors. ;) I'll email you. Rob, No worries. See you two and your new gear on Sat. Bearcrossing, Did you find a carpool yet? You could always drive here and ride in with us. Then your half way. Just a thought.” 9:03:42 AM 12/26/06 “Well, we got snow. Chain signs were up at 8:30am. You can get current chain requirements here You'll be coming in on 44. The road through the park is NOT open. There were no permits available in the day use register, but you can get them at the entrance...just behind the stop sign on the right. Use Silver Snag @ Manzanita Creek for your campsite name.  The weather is looking good. It should snow for the next couple days... clear/partly cloudy with a slight chance of light snow Saturday night and Sunday......or not, LOL. It might be easier and quicker to use the hiking bridge behind the Ranger Station to intersect the road. They sometimes plow the road towards the camp grounds for a few hundred yards. Just walk past the bathrooms and you'll see it. Who might be coming in on Friday? Steve, Susan and I should be in the parking lot by 9:00/10:00am. last edited: 12/26/06 7:11:12 PM” 7:07:19 PM 12/26/06 “We're looking good for coming this year. We would drive part way up on Friday, then hike in on Saturday. Do the Saturday folks have an ETA?” 8:06:48 PM 12/26/06 “HiYa WannaBP, how are you guys! Tell Jerry I said hello. Songbyrd & I are emailing about leaving here "early" Sat A.M., no specific time yet, right now I'd guess we'll be up there sometime mid-morning, maybe around 10:00?” 8:55:38 PM 12/26/06 “All - I will miss the festivities this year. =( Too many other expenses and things going on to allow for it. It really sucks too cuz I got a Mountain Smith sled to pull all my gear. Oh well, Robert, have some Kahlua and coffee for me. Steve, I am counting on your consuming some Hot Damn in my honor. I will refrain from any dancing between now and the stoke of Midnight on New Years Eve ......:o)” 9:17:40 PM 12/26/06 “Wanderer, 10 AM sounds good. Sandyann, we'll miss you. That sled sounds way cool, almost as good as Santa's.” 8:51:15 AM 12/27/06 YAAA for us!! “Storm packing a big wallop Fast-moving system expected to bring heavy snow in Sierra, up to 50 mph winds in the Valley. Last Updated 12:30 am PST Wednesday, December 27, 2006 A powerful winter storm is expected to leave California an early New Year's gift today: up to 2 feet of fresh snow on Sierra Nevada peaks. The National Weather Service declared a winter storm warning in the Sierra through 4 p.m. today, with at least a foot of snow expected above 5,000 feet and 2 feet or more at higher elevations. A heavy snow warning was also in effect in the vicinity of Mount Shasta and the Oregon border.” 9:14:26 AM 12/27/06 “I may not have the opportunity to hike in and enjoy a cocktail with you. We simply have too much going on right now through New Year. We have a lot of family here. Steve - Looks like good weather for you all. I will stop by Yates. Everyone have fun and have a Happy New Year. Flip” 9:32:19 AM 12/27/06 “I'm out. The family wants to do an XC ski day trip closer to home, so we will head up to Woods Lake on Sunday to reminisce about last year's "Winter Fiasco," assuming I am well enough by then.... Have fun!!!” 12:50:24 PM 12/27/06 Trail(head) Report “I just drove up to Lassen to check the conditions. Went prepared (almost) to ski up to Silver Snag. It was much colder than at 4000' and quite windy. I realized I had forgotten two critical items, something to protect my ears and a snot rag. So the trailhead report is 12-15 in. of fresh snow on a base of nothing. I used and recommend the bridge to shorten the distance. It is to the right of the restrooms (between the restrooms and museum). If anyone is needing accomodations for Thursday or Friday night, I have room, heat and all the amenities except satellite TV. My house is 10 miles from the park and I would welcome some company. Call me at 530-474-1636. Craig” 5:08:55 PM 12/27/06 “Thanks for the report Craig. It rained after I was up there last and washed the snow out at Manzanita Lake. I'm hoping that what was at Silver Snag didn't all wash away and there is a bit of a base. It should set up a bit by the weekend. We may be pitching the Tipi on the ground if we cant get enough snow piled up for the snow pegs. Not to worry, it just means you should bring your ThermaRest Chairs/Pads to sit on. We can throw a couple tarps down and spread out :-) Craig...I'll give you a call tonight when I get home.” 6:17:48 PM 12/27/06 Sigh...... “I'm not going to make it this year to the annual gigglefest...er.. ah.. I mean Winterfest! Workload has eased up, but my mother has been in the hospital and her recovery is very slow and I'm not comfortable leaving town right now. And the worst of it all... I bought more Hot Damn! to share with MtnSteve, have a new stove that will work in the snow and not have to beg to use everyone's stove, found a great new down jacket to keep me warm enough (Hot Damn on the inside, down on the outside!), and have a great new Camelback to pack skis and snowshoes.... Big sigh.... But most of all, I'll miss laughing until my sides hurt and ringing in the new year (by time zone) with special friends that I have shared the last 2 New Year's with! Another BIG sigh.... Happy New Year everyone! I'll be back next year! last edited: 12/27/06 7:44:43 PM” 7:42:05 PM 12/27/06 << back to Winterfest 2007 page
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