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Re: taking a tot to tuolumne

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carl_spackler

taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 12:36PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 24

Anyone ever bring a baby up into the high country? We have two nights reserved at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge this weekend and will be introducing a 7 mo old to Yosemite. I’m hoping the tent cabins at the TM Lodge will more easily accommodate an infant and offer convenient mosquito protection. There are also a number of short day hikes nearby that might be easy to bring a little one on (Lembert Dome, Lyell Canyon, Elizabeth Lake, Gaylor lakes etc…)

Any tips, suggestions, or past experiences to learn from? (we will be prepared for feeding logistics, mosquito and sun protection)

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Mom

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 01:38PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 157

There could be a few problems for an infant. First, it could be quite cold at night. Bring plenty of warm wraps. Second, no food can be kept in the tent cabins due to the bears. Lastly, the wood burning stove could be a hazard for a baby, the metal gets really hot when a fire is going. If he/she is crawling be extra careful around the stove.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2012 01:40PM by Mom.

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hotrod4x5

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 02:04PM

Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 1,742

The tent cabins have wood burning stoves? INSIDE?

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The Other Tom

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 04:07PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 625

Quote
hotrod4x5
The tent cabins have wood burning stoves? INSIDE?

Yes, inside. Seems counter intuitive, but no problems as far as I know.

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losthillsguy

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 02:23PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 24

Ear infections can be a problem from the altitude if they have a tendancy to get them.

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carl_spackler

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 02:59PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 24

thanks for the advice,

Yes, according to the TM lodge website, "Each tent will accommodate up to four people - and comes fully equipped with beds and linens, candles for lighting, a wood burning stove and wood". Kinda like a hotel room in the wilderness.

We'll be sure to watch for ear trouble, hot stoves, and cold temps in the middle of the night.

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Hitech

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 03:10PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 254

And I would bring battery power lanterns instead of relying on candles. And a pack and play comes in real handy.

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balzaccom

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 03:19PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 1,468

I would add two more things to watch.

1. dehydration. Humidity up there is about 0, so please keep the little one hydrated. This is really important, and easy to overlook with all the other stuff you have to worry about.

2. The UV radiation up there is also intense. Keep him/her totally covered up and lathered up with sunscreen. That new skin burns in an instant up there.

Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

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Mom

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 03:25PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 157

If your baby is crawling, the stove is the biggest hazard. And if the baby needs to eat in the middle of the night, you will have to get the food from the bearbox in the parking lot, feed the child and then take it back to the bear box.

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Half Dome Hiker

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 30, 2012 03:55PM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 152

Bring earplugs for everybody else. Just kiddin'....

I would consult with a doctor regarding the high altitude. A couple of good points have been mentioned.

As of hiking to Lembert Dome: I don't expect any snow up there but there is a kind of steep passage near the "summit" that could be slippery when wet.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2012 03:56PM by Half Dome Hiker.

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tmcamper

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 09:58AM

Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 33

As far as the campground goes it is difficult. Not sure about the tent cabins.
Two trips we saw people with babies. Both times the babies were up all night crying. Both times the people left the next day.
I now bring ear plugs to the TM campground just in case. Not kidding.

Good luck.

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parklover

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 12:57PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 1,986

Many people take their babies backpacking and camping at a early age and the key is to expect the unexpected and have a backup plan. I think that people have discribed many of the issues you may encounter but I want to stress two of them that you should watch out for - altitude and dehydration. Babies can't tell you directly if the altitude/dehydration is bothering them. Go to: http://www.babywisemom.com/2011/08/altitude-sickness.html for some helpful hints.

Our son was 3 months old when he made his first trip to Yosemite. While we stayed in a Curry cabin and did not camp, it turned out well because we were prepared for any continguency. Now at 16 years of age, he has been to Yosemite over 50 times.

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carl_spackler

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 03:58PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 24

Thanks again for all the advice. We'll keep baby hydrated and look for symptoms of altitude sickness, while being prepared to bail out early if things get too hairy.

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parklover

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 07:16PM

Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 1,986

Have a great time and let us know how things went.

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Ohnivy-Drak

Re: taking a tot to tuolumne
May 31, 2012 09:44PM

Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 931

Quote
parklover
Many people take their babies backpacking and camping at a early age and the key is to expect the unexpected and have a backup plan. I think that people have discribed many of the issues you may encounter but I want to stress two of them that you should watch out for - altitude and dehydration. Babies can't tell you directly if the altitude/dehydration is bothering them. Go to: http://www.babywisemom.com/2011/08/altitude-sickness.html for some helpful hints.

Our son was 3 months old when he made his first trip to Yosemite. While we stayed in a Curry cabin and did not camp, it turned out well because we were prepared for any continguency. Now at 16 years of age, he has been to Yosemite over 50 times.

Baby's face turning blue would be an obvious sign of altitude effects. I've heard stories of that happening.