Bear intrusions are far less likely the farther you get away from campsites that see people on a regular basis. I met a woman on horseback once that told me she always camps away from highly traveled trails; and had never had a bear encounter. I have stayed in some of the HSCs though; a positive is that they are often located in places of great beauty: Vogelsang and Sunrise really stand out inby sierranomad - General Discussion
That's good to hear. Thanks for posting it.by sierranomad - General Discussion
I've been asked once or twice. We went just last weekend and weren't asked.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks Jim & Len. My Trails Illustrated map of Yosemite doesn't give that level of detail for Lembert Dome.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Sierrafan wrote: >regarding how many talk about going "outside" the cables, but I've done it >several times, it doesn't bother me Me too. I feel that it is safer for me (not stuck on the cables) and for others (relieving some of the congestion). I'm not a big risk-taker either. The last time I hiked to HD I chose not to go on the cables at all because of the congestion.by sierranomad - General Discussion
I thought some of the comments were a little harsh until the author said "I haven't seen a better article published about the hike." Fine? Yes. But ranking with the best written about HD?by sierranomad - General Discussion
For 45 minutes it's OK, but the bit about Tuolumne Meadows takes away your credibility - it no doubt is why it was assumed that you had never been to the top. I do agree that people planning on climbing HD ought to have to listen to tips on hiking it safely. Some people just don't seem to know what they are embarking on...I've seen the same thing in the Grand Canyon. Post Edited (09-04-08by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks, Jim. That must be what it was.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks Jim. I did make it to the top, and via the way that you point out, but I wasn't real keen on it. It does lead to another question though. When I got to the top, I noticed that directly below and in front was another "dome" if you will; I didn't expect that. Was I really on the top of Lembert Dome? If so, what is that?by sierranomad - General Discussion
!!!!??? Wow! I'd use "death defying"by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks Bruce, I'll keep Dana on my list. You mention Half Dome, which I've done several times. I'm fine on the cables because you've got something to hold on to; so if you slip (and you've got a good grip) you'll be OK.by sierranomad - General Discussion
I'm interested in hearing what those that have done both Dana & Lembert Dome think. Obviously, this query has nothing to do with the level of exertion needed to make it to the top of the respective features. Here's what and why I'm asking: I want to do Dana, and know that I'm up to it physically (was planning on doing it this trip, but ran out of time). However, I find Lembert Dome toby sierranomad - General Discussion
My wife & I stayed in site e11 and it was pretty secluded. The trade off was that we were far from the entrance, and from the bathrooms. But for me it was worth it. We found the campers there more considerate than what we often experience in the Valley. Fellow campers talked low enough that we almost never heard talking, no radios, dogs, etc. No doubt being in a secluded area of the campgroby sierranomad - General Discussion
Usually they will allow you to select another site, if you ask. In fact, when checking in let the ranger know your preferences - they are usually very helpful in this regard. TM will be less crowded the week after Labor Day.by sierranomad - General Discussion
I camped in the valley last December or January & had a great experience. More solitude than you can often get backpacking, and smack-dab in the middle of Yosemite Valley!by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks tmcamper, sounds like some good advice.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks Jennifer. Guess I'll try to get there as reasonable as possible.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Thanks guys. Any thought on what time I should get in line at TM on Saturday? I'm planning on around 7:30 a.m.; does that sound about right for Labor Day Weekend or should I bump it earlier?by sierranomad - General Discussion
Hi: My wife and I are going to TM this weekend. We will get there around 8 pm Friday and plan on staying that night at one of the campgrounds on Tioga Road, then getting up early Saturday to try to get a campsite for Sat & Sun night. This is my first time trying this on such a popular weekend. Just looking for thoughts on 1) Which campground to try on Tioga Rd? (We would like Porcupine Flaby sierranomad - General Discussion
tnhiker: Regarding your question about whether June is too early: I'd say that depends, in part, on what kind of travel conditions you are comfortable with. If you don't get an answer here, you might try asking at highsierratopix.com. Hope this helps, and have a great trip! Edited: Oh, I see you already got a good reply to this in another thread you started. Post Edited (05-30-08 07:by sierranomad - General Discussion
When I began this thread I kind of expected to be berated because most of my friends would feel very much deprived at the very thought of not having a campfire; but I can see that I'm not the first person to come to this conclusion.by sierranomad - General Discussion
We saw one "macho" man drag a tree into camp. We were irritated, knowing that dead wood needs to be allowed to decompose. But then I noticed that his trophy had roots...he actually pulled the small tree out of the ground!! I about blew a gasket.by sierranomad - General Discussion
OK, so maybe I won't get much support here, but I'm curious. I think that campfires ought to be banned in Yosemite Valley. Period. My wife and I were just there and the day would start out nice, then people would get up and start their campfires. Many were producing tons of smoke. My wife and I were coughing, and vistas were severely damaged from considerable smoke. This happened each of the thby sierranomad - General Discussion
Good to know. I'm heading there in the morning.by sierranomad - General Discussion
I'll give what was probably someone else's most embarrassing moment. I was hiking in Tuolumne Meadows on a trail that made a big "U". A hiker realized she needed to *rap. She decided to go off trail, but ended up halfway between the "U" and faced the trail that she had just left to be sure to spot anyone approaching. So her backside was toward anyone coming down from the oppoby sierranomad - General Discussion
I recently purchased the steripen, and it has a lot of advantages. I'd recommend that you bring an extra battery. The one that comes with the pen doesn't last nearly as long as they suggest. A couple friends and I had to cut a trip short because of this.by sierranomad - General Discussion
It can fill up, but there is usually someone willing to share his site.by sierranomad - General Discussion
Potuz: Another option would be to camp in the Valley. There aren't many campers this time of year. THis would be cheaper than a cabin, would give you the opportunity to get the feel of winter camping without the dangers, and give you and your wife bathroom access. I camped at Upper Pines at the beginning of this month and had a splendid time. Night doesn't need to be a bad experience. I use twby sierranomad - General Discussion
eeek wrote: the men did not have > warm clothing with them and had not taken along much food. > Equipment, including warm hats, matches and waterproof jackets, > had been left behind near the base of the climbing route. > It would be easy to pass judgment, but hind site is 20/20.by sierranomad - General Discussion