Howdy,
Y'all helped with some previous guidance. I've been watching/reading these Topics the last few weeks and it's encouraging to read water crossings changing from waist to thigh to ankle deep water; but I'm sure it all depends on the specific area. I'm coming out with 10 Sr/Jr High youth (AZ desert rats) for a 4 day hike starting July 20th; TM, Vogelsang, Merced Lake, LYV, YV. Planned to day hike from LYV to Half Dome 2nd half of Thur.
Our equipment is inexpensive and we have nothing but hiking boots of various vintage (nothing extra for snow or for water). We weren't planning on needing the HSCs but will need enough dry ground for 4 - 7x7ft tent pads.
My experience and their limited experience is crossing water on forest service bridges, strategic logs, or boulder hopping with some splish splash in 4 to 6 inch streams. Reading the other trail descriptions I'm concerned about foot root by day 2 or 3. Working to get them all in wool or blend socks. It appears that the week of July 19th will be like a normal early June?
Now that I've described our in-ability.... Would you think that things will dry out enough in the next 10 days for a reasonable trip?
- some discomfort will be healthy for the young!
- we are still hoping for this specific hike (have Permits)
- trying to find new trails (permit issue) or campgrounds without reservations is iffy for an 18 hr drive
By the map I see that on some days there are multiple ways to get from point A to B. Any suggestions on better way between each camp site?
Thanks for your time reading through the babble of a nervous man...
"Atlas is Shrugging"