Laurie: If you're going to be taking the route by Sunrise High Sierra Camp; I recommend that you depart from the JMT at the camp and take the trail over by Sunrise Lakes. THis is more strenuous, and longer, but is more scenic (this section of the JMT is pretty unremarkable). You'll also have opportunity to go over Clouds Rest; which I highly recommend if your kids are up to it (you'll see whatby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
David: Sorry to hear about the theft. As a photographer/videographer who works very hard myself, I empathize for you. I go to Yosemite quite regularly, and will keep my eyes open for your pack.by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Cletus: As you've noted, available campsites in Yosemite Valley are often reserved as soon as they become available. Hodgdon Meadow is about 40 minutes from the Valley. You have a few options 1) you could consider is trying to get reservations for a tent cabin in Curry Village (prices start at around $70). The phone # for the front desk is 209-372-8334 or 8333. Another option (2) is Sby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Max: There's a great site on Yosemite, YosemiteFun.com. Click on the camping link in the upper left hand corner. It gives information on many of the park's campgrounds, and even a link to YosemiteSites (that shows what campgrounds have availability left up to mid-July). Personally, of the Valley car campgrounds, my favorite is N. Pines. It is furthest away from the hustle and bustle of tby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Glad to be of help, Vince. Hope you get a good shot of it!!by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Does anyone know about the current status of the faucet at the Vernal Fall bridge (last year it was removed - looked like they were putting in a new one.)by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Vince: The "firefall" is present right now (see www.YosemiteBlog.com). As I understand it, it lasts for just a couple of weeks. Not sure when it started this year, but you may be too late.by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Bill: Re: Doing JMT solo. I think there are enough people on the JMT that doing it solo shouldn't be too risky (but, then I've never done it, so maybe someone that has would be in a better position to give an opinion). Regardless, though, I also feel that if a person doesn't feel comfortable with something it's best not to do it. After all, you want to enjoy the experience. Having a hiby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Bill: Sorry for the delay in answering, I haven't been in the habit of checking this forum regularly. I know how you feel about your desire to get out and see some good stretch of the Sierra. We live near some of the most beautiful country on earth! Regrettably, I haven't hiked the JMT (or large portions of it, for that matter). A long-standing dream of mine. But I do feel fortunate toby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
10. Where can you find another solo hiker, if you want to team up? You can go to backpacker.com. There is a forum available, with a section on "Find a Hiking Partner". But personally, I'd go solo. Jonby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
If it's the news that you're after, there are newspapers readily available. Post Edited (01-25-06 17:43)by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
The wilderness is not DisneyLand. Trees fall, lightning strikes, there are floods and rock falls. This has been happening since time began. No one can control or take responsibility for it.by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
I agree with eek. August is about the WORST time you could go to Yosemite. If you have no choice, though, go ahead and go. Yosemite is a wondrous place, and is not to be missed. In my opinion, April and May are the best times to go...not too many people, the falls are flowing strong, and the vegetation is luxurient. There are a couple of possibilities for camping. If you can't get reservby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
I have similar sentiments Bill. I don't begrudge people who have campfires when and where it is allowed, as I know that it means a lot to some. But I personally never have a campfire because I feel that it's just too much impact for one (or a few) people to make. Plus, I can see in the dark a lot better without the glare of a fire.by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Greetings: I've been amazed at the number of deaths I've heard about in Yosemite this year. Haven't kept record of them all, but a few come to mind: one went over Vernal, another over Yosemite. Another near Lembert Dome, also off Half Dome. And I believe at least two backpackers. Maybe more. This is the first time I've really kept up on what was happening in Yosemite. Is this a typical yby Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
So they got done ahead of schedule? (work was scheduled to continue through 10/4).by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Yikes! This has been a bad year!by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
?? I backpacked from Tuolumne Meadows to the Valley (via Vogelsang Peak, Merced Lake) in early August. Was surprised to find that niether HSC had opened (not that I was disapointed). I can understand how the snowpack would cause them to open later than usual, but when I was there snow was not a problem. Wonder why they decided to keep them closed all summer?by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
Wow! I read the Fresno newspaper link. I already knew about the Vernal Fall incident this year, but what surprised me was that the body of a man that went over the Fall 5 years ago was never found!by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion
I'm relieved to hear that he was found. It seems there has been an inordinate number of deaths this year! Thanks for the update.by Sierra Nomad - General Discussion