Hi there!
Been reading these boards off and on an think you folks are a pretty good source of info. I'd like to tap into your collective resources. We are heading out to do the last 60 or so miles of the North end of the JMT in a few days. We are going in at Red's Meadow and heading North (easier to get a permit). I wanted to pose a few questions...
-Does anyone know of where we can find updated trail info. Most postings (Inyo NF; YNP; various PCT journals) are well over a week old now.
-Stream flows seem to be dropping....but then again SJ valley temperatures have been lower than normal. As the air heats up again will the melt gain pace and substatially raise water levels again or have we passed the days of peak flow? Walking in water is not that big of a deal unless its moving really fast.
-Which HSC are actually open? We were thinking of doing a side trip up to Vogelsang (up Ireland creek, down Rafferty) because we have been up and down Lyell canyon between those two trail heads several times. WDoes anyone know anything about the snow cover on those trails?
-We gave ourselves a lot of time on our permit (we have 11 days to do a trip we could easily do in 5 if the conditions were ideal) so we could have layover days, explore and fish. Any recommendations for places to see or camp? We are not peak baggers nor are ice axe experts but we do have some snow experience, are very fit, and have decent map & compass skills. We hike with poles cause we like 'em.
Have not been to the very end of Lyell canyon...do we have to ford the river at any place or is there only one bridged crossing?
Have you heard anything about Rush Creek?
Thanks in advance for any info....love reading your posts.
Riverkat
"I'm only 48 on paper"