Hi, we're doing a 6 adult + 6 kids (4-6 y.o.) + 2 llama backpacking trip into Lyell Canyon this week.
1. Does anyone have a recent mosquito and bear activity report around Tuolumne Meadows?
2. We are taking all bear safety precautions we have read about such as separation of bear canisters/tents/cooking areas, but are there any other recommendations around setting up our camp? For example, is it better to keep all of our tents (i think we have like 5 smaller tents) close together vs. separated? perhaps it makes no difference to a hungry bear? i've heard banging pots and pans are common to try and shoo them away -- but doesn't that mean we'd have to keep those cooking equipment nearby our tents?
thanks for any advice,
drew