No CA Wilderness Trip II

“OK, people...It's less that 2 weeks for our planned hike, and the last post on previous thread was 5/9... Methinks it's time to get serious about logistics.

Dates & Times?
Who's going?
Where we going?
Where & When do we meet?
Bringing you canine?

Chime in, friends, and invigorate me with your participation!”

“Here's what I have, everyone please jump in w your ideas.

Friday night 5/25 we meet somewhere around Tahoe. Need suggestions here, if all else fails we can probably meet at Sugar Pines Pt. State Park, or DL Bliss State Park, both right near Lake Tahoe on HWY 89. Hate car camping, but it's only a meeting spot for 1 nite. I like to spend first night sleeping at elevation before hiking, allows me to become acclimated.

Saturday AM head to Eagle Falls TH, drop off a couple cars, then drive around to Echo Lake TH. Take the ferry across Lower & Upper Echo lakes & hit the trail. Hike up to Gilmore Lake. This first days hike is just a little over 8 miles. First two miles are probably the toughest, we climb from 7400' up to about 8300'. The next 4 miles or so is basically level, with a gradual decrease down to 7600'. The last mile we climb from that low point of 7600' back up to 8250' at Gilmore Lake.

Sunday's hike is also just a little over 8 miles. We start at Gilmore Lake (around 8250') and for first 2.5 miles gradually climb to around 9400' (Dick's Pass area on the map). The next 5.5 miles is all downhill to Eagle Falls TH, which is about 6500'.

I don't know about the rest of you, but this is my first BP trip of the year. Been on a few day-hikes, but I'll probably want to take it slow, enjoy the scenery & click away with my camera a bit rather than race along.

Two of us from here...me & Wanderer Jr.

We don't mind dogs.

Once we all confirm, I can pick up permits. I forget what the cost per night is, whatever the going rate is. There's also a charge to take the ferry, I believe it's $6.00 per head. The ferry cuts off a few miles & is worthwhile the first day IMHO.

I have 2 maps in .tpo format (Day 1 and Day 2) for any who can open them, if you want let me know via email & I'll send them off to you.”

“Just measured the distance, the ferry across Echo Lakes cuts 2.6 miles from our trip. If we don't take it, the first days' hike will be closer to 11 miles.”

“Time for me to chime in, though it's probably not even worth two cents.

I agree with the ferry idea, and although it's not my first bp of the season, I'm all about enjoying the trip rather than eating up miles. That's what cars are for.

Car camping the first night seems almost mandatory unless we want to night hike. Either way is cool with me, but as a flatlander, aclimating to elevation probably isn't a bad idea.

As far as where to meet up...I don't know the area so will gladly go along with whatever someone else comes up with, and not even bitch if it's a crummy campground.

Counting the days!”

“Things look bad for me as my foot isn't healing a quickly as hoped. I will probably have to miss this one. I have been looking forward to meeting all of you in person, so hopefully we can get together for a trip later in the summer.”

“As far as I can tell, I'm a go. Work is kind of closing in, but I should be able to take the time off. I think I may drive up early in the morning on Sat. and meet everyone there. I have a stationwagon. Just tell me what trailhead to meet at. Also, are dogs o.k. on the ferry?”

“I believe dogs are allowed on the ferry. When I spoke w the rangers at the Camino station, they said that they were thinking of charging this year for large packs that take up a passenger seat, so they might ask you for a couple bucks. Just my guess, but if it's not crowded I doubt they'd charge for either a dog or a pack, they always seemed like pretty down-to earth people in the past.”

“First time poster but I have been reading this thread for awhile and thought I'd pass along some observations from last weekends day hike.

Was trying to get to to Wrights Lake but snow on the road stopped me near the Lyon's Lake trailhead so I did that instead. This trail has allot of neutral to north slope and was about 1/3 snow, 1/3 water flowing down the trail, and 1/3 clear trail. The snow is melting fast and you guys may not have much to deal with by the time you get there, and the south slopes looked good. But you may want to be prepared just in case.

Hope you guys have a great trip!”

“Thanks a lot for the update rockbuck. You may have seen my mini trip report last week, I had to turn back as well whenever I went in from Eagle Falls. If weather continues as-is we should be OK.

Welcome to TT!! Why don't you join us?”

“Thanks for the invitation Wanderer but I already made plans to be in there at Gertrude on the 24th and 25th. Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time and I would love to hook up with everybody the next time you get together. I really mean that and hope you guys do another one soon!

I may try another day hike this Sunday and will post a report.”

“We certainly do appreciate the updates, rockbuck. I just got back from Hawaii and am watching the snow *very* carefully. Don't want any system shock, you know ;^)”

“My sympathies Tommy...NOT! ;-))

I think you're timing is gonna be great for that trip. Of course I'm biased because I'm just gonna be in a different part of the wilderness.”

“Hey Wanderer, I got to wondering if there's a varmint issue to contend with? I wasn't planning on packing the bearcan, but it's going to be a limited duration hike, and I could make room if it were appropriate. Whadya think?”

“No critter issues of any significance. I carry all my chow in a bag. I call my bear bag a critter bag, since I'm usually more concerned not about bears, but about mice, squirrels, raccoons, etc. This year my critter bag is an Ursack, which is suppossedly impervious to small gnawing teeth. If need be we can put your chow in with mine, my son has one also so we'll have lots of room.

If we're lucky we'll spot some yellow-bellied marmots, There are quite a few up there, beautiful animals.”

“Yeah, and they REALLY like to get into your sh!t. I've had to chase off a few in the middle of the night. I've never seen any big mammals up there tho.”

“If y'all are camping near the lake before heading in, that is where the bears are active. Only once have I caught a glimpse of a bear in Desolation, that was near Gilmore Lk, and as soon as it saw me it took off.”

“You're ahead of me Dunk, I know they're there but I've never seen a bear in Desolation. Gilmore is our camping spot Sat nite.”

“I need a confirmation of who all is going as I am picking up permits early next week. Right now I have reservations, but have to pay whenever I pick up the actual permits. So far I have 5 of us - Obi, me, Wanderer Jr., Tommy & Roseymonster. Snail's Pace, sorry about your foot buddy, catch you next time! Anyone bringing any "significant other's" - Tommy? Anyone else want to join us? If not, if you guys don't mind I may invite another 2 from around me, 1 adult & 1 14 yr old boy scout, my son's age...I have reservations for 8.”

“No qualms here.”

“Fine by me.
I just wish I had a significant other, let alone one who would hike with me.

Maybe I'll bring pooch...leaning against it, though.”

“Tommy- my sympathy. My significant other doesn't like my Sierras either, at least not up there in the high places with the granite and white pines where I always want to be. Wish I could make your trip. I've only been on the edges of the Desolation area.

Wanderer, what's your email address? I'd love to see the .tpo file. What topo area CD? I don't have the All California CD just a couple single area ones.

fraser@humboldt.edu”

“Bill, click on the poster's name & you'll be taken to his/her profile. You'll find most email addresses there.

I'll send you the day 1 & day 2 files for this trip, they're from the TAHOE CD. I also have the Shasta-Lassen & Trinity CD's, I bought before they put everything together. Wish I had the entire state, now I can't decide whether to keep buying the individual ones as I need them, or, break down & buy the entire state. I think it's about $200...whew, that could be a lot of camping gear!

Welcome to TT, are you a newbie?”

“Bill F, you're up in Eureka-Arcata too, I'll be passing through next Friday on the way to the Siskiyous. There's at least 2 other TT'ers up there, keep an eye open for calnatv and alps.”

“Man, more than anything I don't want to do this, but I have to back out of this trip. I've had a real bear of an assignement at work that just hasn't been progressing like it should and it looks like I'll need that weekend to try and tie it up before the month's end. My apologies for any inconvenience and I really appreciate all the work you've done, Wanderer. I really would like to have met everyone, but I guess there is always next time. Let's make it soon. Have a great time and I'm looking forward to the trip report. Watch out for those late season avalanches.”

“Ahh the temptations of you adventurous ladies! But alas, I'll be there this fall!”

“Naked Ape, you're going to have a GREAT time out here...I live here & I still get excited readin' about all the places I need to go!”

“Hey folks... Just reading about this trip for the first time. I might be interested in joining in. I live in Sacramento. If all goes well and I can make it, I would like to bring my dog as well. Comments?”

“Wanderer, those TOPO! California CD's are now $99. They lowered the price, after offering rebats of $20 per, for the CD's people already bought. The deal's over with, though, but you can still get the CA CD for half price now.”

“Freedom!

You moved to Sac and vanished on us! I hope all goes well and you are able to get out there with us.

Who all is coming from Sac and do we want to carpool?”

“Time to organize, people. I'm ready. I can come up Thursday, but Friday morning would be fine - just need to know who, where, what time to meet, map and/or directions to same...”

“I work until late Thursday night; good to go Fri. AM.

What's the idea for Sunday night? Make it to the second set of vehicles and car camp again? We all have Monday off, right?”

“Sorry guys, I didn't get up there this weekend like I had hoped so no report. But, I strongly suspect that most snow/water issues will be significantly mitigated by next weekend. If it was half as hot up there as it was in the valley this weekend the chipmunks will be carrying canteens!

I'm still heading up Thursday. Hope you guys have a great time and maybe we can exchange reports next week?!?!?!”

“Thanks Tommy! Seemed that when I moved out to California, I gained more work and less hours in a day. The last year has been brutal, but a great year for personal growth.

I would have to go to work Friday morning, but could head out around Noon or so.

Can someone email me the details at claudia@ilovejesus.com

Mucho Thanks.”

“Here's the list, I think. Chime in if I've missed someone:
1. Wanderer
2. Wanderer Jr.
3. Obi
4. Tommy
5. Freedom? love to have you, please confirm so's I can get a permit for you - I think we're all dog lovers...

My permit reservations are for 8, I have 3 others I'd like to invite if that's it from the TT board...1 adult & 2 of my scouts, both 14 & good bp'rs who've been in the area before.

Pls get back to me ASAP to confirm, either via email, or post here. I'm planning on picking up our permits on Wednesday.”

“Hey gang--

I was just going to email Freedom with the details, but realized we still have no meeting place!

How about that Sugar Pines SP? Can we make that official?”

“I'm in. Friday morning should be fine for me.”

“Official by me if no one objects. Unfortunately it's a "car camping" spot, but easy for all to find & close to the trailhead. I'll be there by about 5:30 - 6:00 Friday evening. Look for a white Toyota Landcruiser with a funny looking roof rack. There are two relatively large-capacity cars coming from Sac including mine, so we should easily be able to jockey cars where we need them.”

“Once I know the details I can see if I can plan it. How many days, miles etc. Looks like there will be GREAT weather this weekend.

My dog is getting on the old side, so I take in account the length and difficulty of the trail before I can commit. If it is too much for her, I need to find a doggy sitter for the weekend. But that is a little thing in the BIG scheme of life.

I sure could use this little get-a-way!”

“Hey Wanderer! Just re-read the thread and realized you have some details listed. It would be greatly appreciated if you email the Topo's.

This will also be my first real hike this year. Went up to PNW for St. Patty's, but that was a quick 10 miler for 2 days.”

“Would love to send them...your email address isn't listed tho. Mine is, send me a note so I have your return address & I'll get them out tonite! Glad you can join us!”

“Freedom, check your email, I found you! You should have the TOPO's”

“Make that 3 relatively large capacity cars...I'll take my Cherokee.

Freedom--wanna lift? I got doggie room and everything.”

“Also, I can't find the post, but someone? asked about coming up Sat A.M. Why don't we tentatively say we'll meet at the Eagle Falls TH at 8:00 Saturday A.M.?”

“I got curious... Presumably, "we" are meeting, initially, at Sugar Pine Point State Park on Fiday? And we're to spend the night there, starting our hike the following morning?

Has anyone secured a campsite there? It's a state park, and should be full for the holiday weekend. Where do I look for everyone? What time do I start looking for ya? It's pretty damn close to zero hour... don't wanna leave these last minute details to the last minute... If I get up there Friday morning (before noon), I need a plan.”

“Update from my end...

Picked up permits today, and also have free parking passes for 3 vehicles at Eagle Falls TH. I spoke with Echo Lakes Chalet people, they confirmed that they plan to have the ferry running by 9:00 A.M. Saturday morning - we may be the first customers of the year!

Unfortunately the state parks don't take reservations until June 1 - this includes Sugar Pines Pt SP, DL Bliss SP (which is also right on Lake Tahoe), or any other that I'm aware of. Everything is on a first-come, first serve basis only. Sugar Pines Pt SP has 175 sites, DL Bliss down the road from there has 168, I'm "guessing" we can get a spot without much trouble, I believe a lot of "family campers" still think it's too early for camping. I'm VERY open to suggestions on where else to stay Fri Nite if anyone has ideas!

I expect to arrive at Tahoe between 6:00 - 6:30 P.M. Friday. If you want to try to hook up Fri Nite, look for a white Toyota Landcruiser with an add-on roof-rack - that's me! Hope to have a campfire going Fri Nite.

Worst case scenario... If we don't hook up Friday night, lets plan on meeting at the Eagle Falls TH Saturday morning at 8:00. Once we're all together, we can consolidate backpacks into a couple of vehicles for the drive around to Echo TH, and decide on which vehicles to leave at Eagle Falls. The drive around the lake from Eagle Falls to Echo is only about 35 minutes.

These are only my suggestions...please jump in if you have other ideas that would smooth out any of my rough edges!

Oh, yeah.... big rainstorm yesterday just about cleared out remaining snow at Echo... we can still expect to find some on north slopes of the mountains, Dick's Pass might be fun! I camped last weekend at lower altitude, about 3600', and was surprised at how chilly it still was at night...I'm bringing my long undies to sleep in!”

“Folks.... I have done a some research on this trip in the last 2 days. Thanks Wanderer for the Topo's. Went out an bought "Tahoe Sierra" and read up on the hike. This looks like a great weekend get-a-way.

But I am perplexed as what to do. I will be moving in the next month or so, and need to downsize my belongings and prepare to rent out my home. A 3 day weekend means I can get a HUGE amount of the work done. If I join in on the trip, I don't know when I will get a chance to get ready for the move.

I am really torn here, and was looking forward to meeting some fellow hikers from the area but I am leaning towords sitting this dance out. (Can I still be listed on the "alternate" list?) ha ha ha... Love of the outdoors may still outweigh time management and personal responsibility. (Who likes being responsible anyway???)”

“I know what you're going thru Freedom. Priority setting can be an incredibly demotivating aspect to the human experience.

Oh well, if you really MUST clean your house, if you really DON'T want to get out & get your endorphins flowing, if you really DON'T want to experience world-famous Desolation Wilderness, if you DON'T want to take some time for yourself, to re-charge your batteries, to savor the pleasures of life in Northern California, if you really DON'T want to meet these other strange people who post here, well, then, clean your house. Otherwise, see you Friday or Saturday AM!

Incidentially, if it makes any difference, there's another adult female joining us ...she's an accomplished business professional I've known for awhile, just didn't want you to think you were the only XY...or is that XX?? I always get confused...”

“Moving, Schmoving

I'm moving next weekend and have only scratched the surface of packing. I'm gonna take Friday and Monday off and make this a 4-day weekend of backpacking. I'll worry about the crap on Tuesday.”

“OK... Wanderer, thanks for all your efforts on our behalf.

Since it appears that no one other than I will be there as early as Friday morning, here's what I'll do: I'll head to Sugar Pine, and secure a site large enough (if available) for all of us. I will leave a message at the entrance to the campgroud - either with the ranger at the entrance, or a written note posted somewhere appropriate, and will list the camsite I'm at. I'll get an E to everyone today with some additional details.”

“1) females are XX

2)thank you Wanderer for all the background work, and obi wan canoli for keeping us in check and the email

3) Freedom--Of course, we spend so much time and money in school to prepare us for work, and we move all over the country persuing work--these things must be done--but hiking in the Sierras...this is whywe work in the first place. IMHO.
See ya tomorow!
;^)”