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On July 4th, 2001, we led our largest backpacking trip ever, with a dozen people! We spent 5 days in the John Muir Wilderness (south of Yosemite, north of Kings/Sequioa Canyon). We had a huge group of 12 with mixed experience: Grizzled Veterans (30+ days): Linda, Dave, Wai Hermit/Self-Sufficient Guru (experience in solo bpackin'): Walt Newbies (5 days or less): Shapoor, Annika, Robyn, Brian, Ingrid Bear Bait (first time!): Linh, Tony
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Here's the group of Intrepid Adventurers Standing: Walt, Shapoor, Annika, Linh, Brian, Wai Sitting: Dave, Linda, Nick, Robyn, Ingrid, Tony
Here we are with our packs, which weighed 37-47 lbs! Walt, Nick, Shapoor, Annika, Robyn, Tony, Ingrid, Linh, Wai, Brian, Linda, Dave:
The hike-in was TOUGH! We took a 5-mile boat cruise across Lake Thomas Edison, hiked a mile over the Pacific Crest Trail, and then hoofed along for 8 miles, with a 2300' elevation gain (starting at 7700' where there is already 20% less oxygen than at sea level). To exacerbate the tough uphill hike, the mosquitoes were the most aggressive we have ever seen. Ominous rumbles of thunder ripped across the valley as the sun began to disappear behind clouds in the afternoon. It took us 7+ hours to get into camp. The hike was beautiful and pristine, when we were able to rest and take a look:
We finally arrived and set up camp. Our reward was our very own camp area; no neighbors!!. Here you can see the tiny specks of our tents among the trees:
Rain & thunder ripped occasionally thru day 2 & 3, reminding us that this pristine country was owned by Mother Nature. Here we are, wet and tired, trying to eat during periods of lighter weather:
They say necessity is the mother of invention. Fashion is everywhere! So true! Ingrid did not bring any rain gear, but she went ahead and made a poncho, complete with drawstring and pockets, out of safety blanket, ziploc bags, gauze tape, and string:
A campfire was sorely needed after the on and off damp & drizzle. By a massive group effort, we gathered semi-dry firewood from under fallen logs, collected excess bits of paper and tissues, carefully and patiently formed a little teepee of kindling, and tried to light it...while it was raining. After this failed miserably, we poured 6 ounces of unleaded gasoline onto the !#$%!# wet pile, created an eight-foot flaring fuel fireball, and finally, a roaring wood fire. We proceeded to dry out damp towels and clothes, then roast marshmallows:
On day 4, we moved to Twin Falls on Bear Creek and again had the area to ourselves:
It was warm enough outside (finally!) to play in the water. A crazed lunatic grabs hold of Annika as Dave yells & runs for it:
Shapoor & Annika refill their water bag:
Tony and Wai try their luck at fishing. Walt and Shapoor also fished. Everybody caught something!
Walt enjoys napping in some sunshine on a warm piece of granite: After a beautiful and relatively easy hike-out, we made it back to civilization!
This is our Trip Summary: OFFICIAL TRIP STATS: |
