Our trip was planned for 6 days
Thursday - Travel
Friday - TM to Merced
Saturday - Merced
Sunday - Merced to Vogelsang
Monday - Vogelsang to TM
Tuesday - Travel
Friday we arrived in Merced near 6pm, cold tired and hungry. Our second camp set up went very well. With many large trees in the camp, we had a nice dry site. We strung clothesline and tried to dry our gear. We had asked the forum for meal suggestions and used most of them. Our first trail dinner was couscous, foil pack chicken and chix bullion. Hot, tasty, and filling. Great first meal. Via java and a bit of choc and we were feeling much better. Sleep came at dark for three tired guys.
Merced was busy that evening and one large party had left their bear canisters near their tents (instead of in the provided lockers). After snuffling past our tents the bear zero'd in on the canisters. Fortunately one of the leaders woke and scampered the bear off.
Saturday we rested at Merced, taking pictures, swimming/bathing in the chilly Merced, and gathering firewood to use in an existing fire ring. Matt loves a campfire and we started our about 4 in the afternoon.
Several folks stopped by throughout the evening. Dinner #2 was cheese tortelini, italian dressing and pepperoni. Tasty and filling.
You guys recommended the Lewis Creek trail up to Vogelsang Pass. Great recommendation.
We departed Merced about 830am and arrived in Vogelsang camp about 1:30pm. The mile up to the pass took 1:12 to accomplish. We had meal reservations at Vogelsang to lighten our food load (Bear Vault 500 weighed in at 16 lbs at the start).
Dinner at Vogelsang was terrific and plentiful. It was great to meet and chat with all the other hiking enthusiasts and break a little bread together.
One of things we like to do is build Inuksuks (trail guardians) whenever we hike. Daniel is particulary adept and here is his Vogelsang rendition.
Our trek out on Monday was swift as we had friends who offered bed, shower, beer and food in San Jose. (there is a spot near Vogelsang with cell reception, lucky us).
Many thanks to the terrific sharing folks who help three newbies have a great first back packing experience. Your advice and humor, patience with all the questions, was appreciated and even a bit heart-warming. I envy you who have such a treasure so close by.
Thanks for everything
Randy