No CA Wilderness Trip II

“Tommy was generous enough to be a sounding board for me. After a quick phone call I he managed to let me talk myself in going. We will be meeting up mid afternoon on Friday.... See ya'll at the campgound. Are we doing a group meal Friday night??? I am willing to bring in some steaks in the spirit of Strider....


Dunk... You're the BOMB!! I love ya man! I guess my "crap" can wait as well. The part that is overwhelming is that I am getting rid of around 50% of my belongings. I want to put as little as possible in storage for my newest upcoming adventure!”

“Hey Obi! I made it to the site finally! And hello everyone else! I'm new to this list and am envious of your trip. I wish I had all my gear so I could go too. By the end of June I should have all the things that I need. How often do you guys go on trips together? And how many of you are going?Freedom--what a dilemna you have. Good luck with your decision!”

“I just back from two days in DW and suggest that if there's anyway possible for undecideds to make the trip you should GO! The weather is great (guessing 40 to 70); there is just enough snow still around to make scenery great but no so much to become too much of an obstacle; and the fish are biting. I hope ya'll have as much or more fun than I did!”

“Hi rockbuck! So that area is pretty great eh? I wish I could have gone with them. I'm new to the list by the way. And new to packpacking. Will be going on my first trip probably in June! I can't wait. Tomorrow I'm going just for a day hike to Yosemite on the Sunrise Lakes trail. Have you ever hiked that trail? I should be in bed right now because my brother will be here by 6am but I'm all hyped up, getting the car ready and listening to great music. So here I am, drinking a beer and finally getting tired. From reading some of the posts, everyone seems really nice. I'd love to go with you all another time!”

“Hi Sheila, Nice to e-meet ya! I'm new here too and there appear to be some regulars here that have set this trip up - sure does sound like a great time! Maybe they'll do another one this summer.

I haven't hiked Yosemite in a long time but would if I lived closer. The DW is about and hour or so from my door so that's were I go, especially for day hikes. Some really great dayhike trails up there. After 2-5 miles you feel like you're in a different world.

You're probably gone as I'm writing this, along with rest of the thread up in DW, so I'll just be smilin' when I think of all you guys up there in the mountains I can see from the freeway as I drive around town doing those mundane chores.

Have great trip!”

“Tommy, Keeter & myself made it back last night around 6:30. It was a great trip -- Even IF it was ALL DOWNHILL!!! Har har har...

Really glad I went. Keeter Dog is enjoying her day off today. She managed enough energy to bark at some folks walking on the sidewalks. I think she is going to make it.

As for me, Feeling GREAT mentally. It was a good hike. Legs are sore this morning, but not as bad as I thought after so many postholes in the snow fields. I was concerned coming down the north side of Dicks Pass. Not knowing what was ahead was the worst part. It is so easy to get in trouble in the wilderness. Great navigation Wander!! I will hike with you anytime!

It was great meeting everyone, and even greater to have dry socks on today! Obi Wan.. Please email or post the URL to the site with the micro lights! I want to get one and saving $$$ is the name of the game!”

“Freedom - www.botachtactical.com. I think they're $12, and they might even be on sale.

Well, it's 24 hours or so after I got back. Like Freedom, legs were reminding me how much more training they need. Despite that, it was a awesome hike. Kicked my butt... but awesome. Guess I won't win any races in the backcountry, but after nearly blowing out my left knee (thanks, Tommy, for stickin' with me - wouldn't have gotten up without ya!), I wasn't going to risk anything, so decided taking it slow was better for the view. Believe that?

Funny, those elevation profiles never do the trail the justice it deserves... LOL, it sure LOOKED flatter than that! Wanderer, thanks for the guided trek. Postholing notwithstanding, we were [almost] always on track. Kinda like "mostly downhill". I think a few other hikes in DW are definitely called for. Good training ground, wouldn't you say?

Sheila - welcome, HC... glad you found your way here. Perhaps we'll all hve the chance to meet you on another group hike? Hope YO was good to ya, I plan to get down that way soon.”