My original plans called for a 1-nighter to the second of the major Ten Lakes and back the same way but I've just scrapped a day hike elsewhere so I can do the whole loop, coming out at Murphy Creek. Those ponds now look look like an ideal camping spot and it would probably be about July 20th. Thanks for the tip. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
For those who have hiked the Ten Lakes trail, can you recall if there are any sources of water for camping purposes at the eastern foot of Tuolumne Peak before reaching the Glen Aulin/May Lake junction? The National Geo Trails Illus map does not show anything in the way of creeks in the 8,750' to 9,250' range but the map scale does not permit showing everything. I'm talking mid-July. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
What are the chances the park will reopen other areas in the valley to Curry Village type lodging to make up for the lost revenue? Previous posts under other threads have indicated park mangement policy often favors money over environmental concerns, at least in the valley. This is no small monetary loss to the park and we all know money talks.by tomdisco - General Discussion
I noticed that he began his 5-day trip on the 28th in perfect weather. The special storm alert came the 29th and the snow actually hit on the 30th. Neither he nor the permit station probably had any way of knowing at departure time exactly what was coming. Having said that, a 5 day trip on the Red Peak loop in late October is not very good thinking, especially camping 1/4 to 1/2 mile off trailby tomdisco - General Discussion
Regarding the Bearikade canister, apparently the greatest feature of value to backpackers is the Weekender model is 1/2 pound less than the standard Garcia. They sure are pricey to buy. I wonder if Yosemite has a much larger deposit requirement on these for rentals. If these are really available at TM that's what I want. Anything to save weight is a plus.by tomdisco - General Discussion
I thought they only carried the one regular size Garcia cannister. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
I've never been there late in the season. Don't think I'll ever shed the vision of thundering waterfalls and raging Merced River. Mist Trail without the mist? Anyway, great collection of fall photos. It's appreciated. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Thanks for all the replies. I'm still going with the advanced reservation system but just wanted a peak at the short notice process if plans had to change unexpectantly. If that were to happen I will now know enough to show up early with a list of alternate choices and wired for flexibility. I'm traveling from the east coast so it's not like I can come back another weekend to cover lost grounby tomdisco - General Discussion
I presume Ten Lakes comes under Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center. Is that correct? Anybody know where the cut-off is between jurisdictions of Tuolumne and Big Oak Flat? Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
I'm aware of the 60% (advanced reservation) -vs- 40% (same day or day before) quota system for wilderness permits and plan to use the advanced reservation option for a trip in July. Best made plans can sometimes unravel for reasons beyond one's control. If this happens, the "same day or day before stand in line" process would have to suffice. Aside from July weekends, what has been sby tomdisco - General Discussion
eeek, I agree. My planned trip in July includes a total of 5 overnights on 3 different trailheads. Two of those nights are in the Glen Aulin area but far enough away to avoid the noisy bunch and bears (I hope). I'm thinking of just north of McGee Lake and just north of Glen Aulin on the Pacific Crest trail near Conness Creek. Another night is near Sunrise but actually a little ways down thby tomdisco - General Discussion
vdrummer, Thank you very much for posting the article on rescuer John Dill. Most of us never get a chance to meet many of the rangers or rescue professionals at Yosemite. It's nice to put a face to one of those dedicated souls ready and willing to show up on the most dire emergencies. Obviously, John is legendary amoungst those professionals but I say that quietly out of respect for his modesby tomdisco - General Discussion
Oh yeah! I forgot to add one fee category: Day trail biking fee for common folk----------------------$ 100. Biking fee for departing U.S. presidents--------------$100,000. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
It is apparent that the woman I talked to at the Valley Center may not be aware of the Hetch Hetchy parking permits since it pertains to anti-terrorism as apposed to normal Yosemite concerns. I personally don't care since Hetch Hetchy hiking would not likely be one of my choices. I wish I could remember where in the Valley she said they do require a permit; it was not Happy Isles. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Mike, Tell that to the lady at the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center at 209-372-0308. She will deny it and claims the Valley Wilderness Center has final word on such misunderstandings. Go figure. Which center required that of you? Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
I finally called Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center to get answers to my trailhead parking questions. Basically, all trailheads that don't have a specific parking lot asigned for backpackers allow roadside or turnout area parking. Prior discussion on this site has made reference to needing parking permits. I asked them about this and was empahtically told that they do not require backpacker parby tomdisco - General Discussion
Nevermind; I just spotted his follow-up post. Didn't sound like they had an enjoyable trip. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Did anyone spot the next post on that site about a Yosemite treck? A guy said he and 2 friends were leaving 10/2 for 4-5 days on the JMT knowing that rain and snow were forecast. He said if there was no post by Monday (the 6th) to please inform the Friends of Yosemite Search & Rescue Team. Well, there has been no follow-up post! Is everbody supposed to assume they are snowbound somewhere?by tomdisco - General Discussion
For future reference: There are a couple trailheads off Glacier Point Road of interest to me, Ostrander Lake trailhead a mile past Bridaveil Campground and the next trailhead on the right that goes through Mono Meadow towards Mt. Starr King. Are backpackers allowed to park here? Also, is backpacker parking allowed in the parking lot at the Chilnuala Falls trailhead behind Wawona Village? Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Louis, I did a search on Anne Donnelly and all I could come up with was that she was an Irish oil painter born in the 50's who worked mostly in Europe and a little in the US. There were no references to this particular painting. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Check it out: http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_jul2005/bearfeeder.htm This is an old URL so I apologise if it's been posted before on this site. Also, can somebody tell me how to post live link URL's on this site? Jim Post Edited (09-21-08 08:02)by tomdisco - General Discussion
Frank, Good to hear you have had such great luck with the bear boxes. It's reastores my confidence a bit. Anybody else wish to chime in on the subject of trailhead bear box experiences? As for Lee Vining, I don't mind the drive to TM; will be leaving early for the overnight hikes. Besides, I need an occasional night of best sleep possible plus the creature comforts of my own private hot showby tomdisco - General Discussion
Frank, I will be flying into Reno and can not bring propane canisters on an airplane. Also, my overnight pack hikes will be alternated with overnights in Lee Vining. If I bring all my food with me I will not have a motel every night to store the extra food for subsequent hikes. I have no experience with communal bear boxes and do not feel comfortable leaving expensive food where it could be sby tomdisco - General Discussion
I contacted the Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce. The prepackaged meals are available at Mono Market and gas cylinders are sold at Bell's Sporting Goods. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
willydoit, There are some places on the JMT to get great shots of Nevada Falls but eventually you will be spending a fair amount of your time in the trees. Taking the Mist trail isl definitely more up close and personal. I just don't know how much water is going over the falls this time of the summer. Never been there this time of year. In June the climb up the Mist trail is an awsome dispby tomdisco - General Discussion
Frank, No problem. I live on the east coast and will not be back until next July. Actually, my wife and I had experience flagging one down this year. He had just left the Dog Lake parking lot heading west when we ran out from the trail and waved at him to stop. He immediately stopped for us but this was a quiet area on a side road instead of Tioga Road. One of the trips I plan to take nextby tomdisco - General Discussion
From your experiences how flexible are the Toulumne Meadow shuttle bus drivers to doing pick-ups and drop-offs at unscheduled points along their route? Example: Official stops are made at east end of Tenaya Lake and west end at Sunrise Lakes trailhead. Would they occomodate a stop at Murphy Creek trailhead halfway between? In this case I'm thinking more about a drop-off. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
Frank, Upon entering these URL's every one of them yielded a message that said "URL contained a malformed video ID" and would not bring them up. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion
There has been a lot made about the wet steps on the Mist Trail but the only place it's wet is for a short distance below Vernal Falls. That said, I've come down that way with a full pack and it can put quite a strain on your knees if you are not accustomed to it. The JMT switchback descent can be almost as hard on the knees simply because it is longer by 1.1 mile. Each way has its good and bby tomdisco - General Discussion
Somebody (Mike?) said much of what a backpacker may need for supplies is available at the store at TM. Do they have an acceptable selection of pre-packaged meals similar to what one might find at REI or Outdoor Provisions? Does Bells Sporting Goods in Lee Vining sell these or is that just a tackle shop? Anyplace else recommended in Lee Vining? Thanks. Jimby tomdisco - General Discussion