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Climbing and ... Climbing => Everywhere Else => Topic started by: Brad Young on July 27, 2011, 07:09:16 AM

Title: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 27, 2011, 07:09:16 AM: Yes, it's the title of an excellent guidebook about backpacking in the south part of the range. It's a book that has always fascinated me and, finally, this trip, we got to see and experience some of the areas described by it; we were there, and "self propelled" for 3 1/2 days.

We're in Disneyland now though. Three days and four nights. This family vacation is definitely "well balanced."

To start, my friend Dean helped us with the long drive to Kennedy Meadows trailhead. We didn't get going on the trail though until after 3:00 in the afternoon. But, after all, when a young beauty is hiking with her "Dirty Girl Gaiters," what does time matter?

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5979372759_bda1369abe_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5979931096_c5f93764b4_z.jpg)

The hike along the South Fork of the Kern River was warm, but very pretty and mostly flat:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5979373779_61165a86ea_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5979931930_88242beb0e_z.jpg)

After just five miles, with the sun already behind the mountain and with no further assured camping (with water sources) for another six miles, we decided to camp at a pleasant little spot alongside Clover Meadow:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5979375453_da7d376a77_z.jpg)

As usual, the girls each did a full share of setting up camp (Katie especially get's right on setting up the tent, while, normally, I get water and Tricia helps with the tent and starts getting sleeping bags out and deployed).

And that's it for the first day. Not much milage, but we were back on the trail, back on our way, and "all systems go" for another 49 mile trip.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 27, 2011, 09:27:05 AM: Saturday started out beautifully (and stayed that way all day). As always backpacking, I was up a little early for my breakfast while the girls slept:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5979377361_a76a5eabbc_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5979934496_8e6706844c_z.jpg)

We hiked up Crag Canyon for two pretty miles, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation (this was the first of a lot of elevation gain today - part of one of the biggest, hardest PCT days we've had):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5979377777_684ffc6ce0_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5979379099_bc655c253a_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5979380359_2c827c3649_z.jpg)

After reaching the top of this drainage, we started down into Beck Meadow. This meadow joins with Monache Meadow, which is the largest meadow in the Sierra Nevada:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5979940492_13ac1c0730_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5979941442_6e0786ac82_z.jpg)

Continued easy hiking eventually led to an idyllic setting at a bridge over the South Fork Kern River, just under seven miles from our start:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5979384485_f488670ded_z.jpg)

Note in that last photo, the big peak on the horizon? That's Olancha Peak, one of the more prominent mountains in the south-most Sierra. More than ten more miles of hiking, 3,500 feet of elevation gain, and the rest of the day would take us to a point on it's shoulder where we'd eventually just crap out for the day near the only source of water we could find.

Meanwhile though, lunch at the river was very nice;

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5979942582_9ed41e0343_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5979386425_f0b42454fc_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5979943158_1ce8125791_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5979943666_635d406075_z.jpg)

That last photo, by the way, shows the effects of eating freeze dried blueberries.

From the river we started up gradually. This part of the Sierra is flatter than what we're used to up north. At least it is in some places:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5979945984_4e818dd2c0_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5979945382_4cf76356c2_z.jpg)

As we got higher the scenery became more alpine:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5979390229_dc22b0b92a_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5979390923_1daf0e6b36_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5979391865_741e3ec345_z.jpg)

Here's the view looking back into Beck Meadows from up high (if it looks like a long way to have hiked, well, it felt that way too):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5979391333_338f47f274_z.jpg)

By the time we'd gotten up onto the Olancha Peak massif, we were getting close to tired. Lots of uphill, warm temps and full packs made this a significant hike. Finally, after 17.3 miles, we came across a small stream and a nearly flat spot. The sun and our energy levels were very low on the horizon. We dropped packs and made camp (with a nice view to the west):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5979395999_0c264a9341_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5979953184_e0fac96450_z.jpg)

And that was the end of the second day. I've known for years that the girls can do long, hard day hikes, but on those they've carried little or no weight. Now I know now that they can also do the same hikes with weight (and, here, the difficulty wasn't just the distance of 17.3 miles; we gained almost 5,000 feet total in those miles, up to an elevation of 10,500 feet).

In a way this was a critical test. In a year, when we can get back on the trail, we'll likely do seven or eight days of similar distances in a row, with weight and with lots of serious passes.

Up next: more wonderful, beautiful Sierra Nevada hiking. And a reminder that water isn't everywhere in the southern Sierra.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: skully on July 27, 2011, 01:28:06 PM: Right on, Brad & Co. :)
Man, the grass & such is raging in the burn area, huh? I'm not too hip on the DG gaiters, but then I'm not a "dirty Girl" either. ;)
Thanks a heap, ya'll.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 27, 2011, 01:34:44 PM: really nice. looking forward to more...
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mynameismud on July 27, 2011, 02:52:58 PM: Stellar. Like the head high flowers. Almost a bushwhacking pic. kinda got excited.

good times.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 27, 2011, 04:59:07 PM: Day three was another beauty, but tough work too. Once we started packing we made quick work and got back on the trail:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5979957118_d7dffd65da_z.jpg)

Four easy miles led past Gomez Meadow, across flats to Death Canyon, which we thought might be the last source of water for ten miles (it was):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5979401595_2c7f8d3371_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5979960000_0a9335d212_z.jpg)

We tanked up on food and water there, expecting next a 2,000 foot elevation gain in the sun.:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5979960388_fb81af93d0_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5979403927_175cf29a18_z.jpg)

Here's a shot of my band-aided and taped foot, which hurt every step, all because of a stupid move on my part: I "repaired" my hiking shoe with shoe-goo type material and then didn't check it to see how the repair went. It was only at the trail-head that I realized that I had just this one pair of hiking shoes and that the left shoe had unremovable little blobs of glue right where they would rub my little toe badly (more on this one later):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5979403599_07ca0a855f_z.jpg)

We only treated and took three liters of water from Death Canyon. This was mostly because that's how many water bottles we had; it was also partly because I was too reluctant (spelled l-a-z-y) to pull out the six liter bag we use when we get to camp and fill and carry part of that. I turns out that maybe I should have done so. Up we started into a series of 22 switchbacks:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5979405323_6ddf011f51_z.jpg)

We rested often, since it was still fairly early:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5979406273_ac010be011_z.jpg)

Near the top of the climb we reached again the true pacific crest (defined as where, on one side of an imaginary line, one fallen drop of rainwater runs to the Pacific Ocean, whereas on the other side of the line it runs to the Great Basin). The views from this point down to the Owens Valley were dramatic:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5979408381_3a433e82ac_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5979966944_9596f9cebf_z.jpg)

We topped out on the climb, but still had seven miles to go to a sure source of water. And water was needed; we ran out of our mere three liters just partway through the seven miles:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5979971046_a948f91bf6_z.jpg)

At least the views back toward Olancha Peak were sublime:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5979970678_3c1feacabe_z.jpg)

Eventually we arrived at a low rise of forest between two large meadows; this was actually on the pacific crest again. Although it looked dry, looks were deceiving, Diaz Meadow had a well-flowing creek and we tanked up in camp for the rest of the afternoon.

And this campsite was among the best. Lots of water, lots of flat, soft ground, lots of afternoon left, great views, and no mosquitos (at least until a short period right at dusk):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5979414269_18194df61d_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5979975484_688ee2a8a7_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5979974568_335bd5204c_z.jpg)

And so passed day three and another fun 14.7 miles. The long afternoon set us up for a relatively early start and 12 miles to the pickup point on the next day.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 28, 2011, 07:23:56 AM: Another beautiful California morning started our fourth day:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5979418381_f373167d1f_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/5979422803_34baa99947_z.jpg)

But it was still a little chilly at 9,800 feet:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5979978236_6cceb1d4f1_z.jpg)

A quick few miles led us to Mulkey Pass, the first of three passes on the PCT from which one can bail to the Horseshoe Meadow trailhead:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5979424649_6ede66b78c_z.jpg)

Trail Pass came next on what amounted to a large half-circle around Horseshoe:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5979427185_7451d9f8ee_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5979427847_c3be3d3f3a_z.jpg)

After less than eight miles we came to Cottonwood Pass where we would leave the PCT down to the trailhead and Vicki. Here's Tricia almost to Cottonwood:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5979986926_e1d6b2ae6c_z.jpg)

Here's Katie having just left the PCT:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5979988248_cc15920c18_z.jpg)

We ate lunch up high before heading down the many switchbacks:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5979430761_1f7e6a5bba_z.jpg)

The hike from Cottonwood to the trailhead took an hour. Vicki and I had thought we'd meet up there at about 2:00 p.m. (she drove from home to the trailhead that morning); she got there about 15 minutes "late" and we arrived six minutes after she did:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5979431089_865c5c4bf4_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/5979990154_fb5d47de85_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5979990496_986c6399a8_z.jpg)

Once at the car we packed and cleaned up as best we could for the drive to Disneyland. After four days of nursing my foot the sock, bandaids and tape all came off as one with the skin (never again take an untested shoe - I'm old enough to know better!):

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5979432965_d04e5a94ee_z.jpg)

And so ended another good journey. We hiked just over 45 miles on the trail, bringing our total milage from the Mexican border to just over 747. We had fun. And that's it now for around a year. Next summer we'll pick up from this point with the goal of backpacking all the way to Tuolumne Meadows, followed by another trip to Sonora Pass (50 minutes from our house, what a contrast to the early days on the trail when the drive down took 10 hours!).
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 28, 2011, 08:16:16 AM: Oh, and one for the Stroms:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5979400791_76e57d597f_z.jpg)
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 28, 2011, 08:36:41 AM: MULKEY MEADOWS!!! WOOT!!!

my favorite ghetto of the Sierra

barely running rivulets of rust colored water in cow pie infested meadows.

Did that trip starting at Cottonwood when I was a teenager. The trail was grim going up and down over horse trails.

First lightning on a backpack.

digging the 'higher' part of this trip as it includes areas where I've been.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: skully on July 28, 2011, 03:37:12 PM: YOWZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!5!!!!!!!!!!2!!!!!!!
Nice foot Gobi, Brad. I knew there'd be some carnage. ;)
Heal that thing up, man. It hurts just to look at.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 28, 2011, 08:44:04 PM: Quote from: mungeclimber on July 28, 2011, 08:36:41 AM
MULKEY MEADOWS!!! WOOT!!!

my favorite ghetto of the Sierra

barely running rivulets of rust colored water in cow pie infested meadows.

Did that trip starting at Cottonwood when I was a teenager. The trail was grim going up and down over horse trails.

First lightning on a backpack.

digging the 'higher' part of this trip as it includes areas where I've been.

Wow, glad we could reawaken some memories (although maybe they would have been better left alone?). The switchbacks up to Cottonwood (which we came down) will be a formidable uphill when we go back next year.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 29, 2011, 08:43:06 AM: are all your PCT entries on the East Side, or starting at high elevation roads?
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 29, 2011, 08:49:18 AM: From now until Donner Pass most will be from highway passes (120, 108, 4, 88, etc...). The next one entry though will be from Horseshoe Meadow, which is reached from Lone Pine.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 29, 2011, 09:29:46 AM: Highways or East Side entries, or all the way to 120 from Horseshoe on the next push?
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: lasher on July 29, 2011, 09:47:16 AM: I recognize that blueberry tongue!

Ouch on the blister. You really should know better.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 29, 2011, 06:07:41 PM: Quote from: mungeclimber on July 29, 2011, 09:29:46 AM
Highways or East Side entries, or all the way to 120 from Horseshoe on the next push?

That is an excellent question, one that will certainly have to wait until I'm de-Disneylanded and will also probably wait until early next Summer. We'll do some training backpacks early next Summer and then see.

You should join us for such a trip. Of all our climbing partners you're the one who climbed first extensively with Katie. You should join her on a backpack too.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 29, 2011, 09:03:55 PM: Would love to. My own annual family backpack trip got kyboshed due to work travel overlapping that i can't get out of.

I have lots of areas that I haven't been into that I would like to check out.

I also have a couple backpacking + climbing trip ideas if you need ideas for training trips.

one thing to do also is a replenisher hiker that comes in while you are in the high country. You get fresh fruit, sweets, a good evening meal, then can ditch your trash with the replenisher too.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: jewelzsez1 on August 04, 2011, 03:13:52 PM: Looks like another great PCT chapter -- given your post hike destination, we might just call it your very own "California Adventure." I'm especially impressed with the backpack sizes and distances given the weight. Too bad we'll have to wait so long to see what happens next...I was just starting to enjoy this book.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on August 04, 2011, 05:56:26 PM: Quote from: jewelzsez1 on August 04, 2011, 03:13:52 PM

given your post hike destination, we might just call it your very own "California Adventure."

Now that's really quite clever (those of us who've been to Disneyland in the last ten years will get it).
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Shawn on August 05, 2011, 05:05:18 PM: Looks like another excellent installment in your ongoing PCT saga with the girls. The pictures and narrative are great, as usual. Makes me totally want to put this experience high up on my to-do list. Alas, Julie is more fixated on "just climbing" for now... ;-)

<btw, my 1st post, yipee!>
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mynameismud on August 05, 2011, 10:14:40 PM: Shawn, Julie Welcome.

On another note,I did not get the reference.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on August 06, 2011, 06:23:31 AM: Quote from: Brad Young on August 04, 2011, 05:56:26 PM
Now that's really quite clever (those of us who've been to Disneyland in the last ten years will get it).

The southern California Disneyland Resort now consists of two parks, not one. The classic Disneyland itself has been there since the mid 1950s. Across the plaza from it's entrance now is "California Adventures," a large, second and separate part of the resort.

California Adventures is pretty cool. Its rides and attractions are themed on the "best" parts of California. My absolute favorite ride is "Soaring Over California." On this you ride a simulated hang glider over the whole state, seeing all of it's most beautiful parts. It's complete with simulated wind, banked turns, the smell of orange blossoms when you're flying over that part of California, and a huge IMAX style movie screen that you're "soaring" in front of. It's quite a thrilling ride.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mynameismud on August 06, 2011, 08:31:01 AM: Have been to a couple of IMAX shows and they are impressive.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Uncle Stinky on August 07, 2011, 08:32:59 AM: Very Nice! Love your TR's about the PCT.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Shawn on August 08, 2011, 10:02:18 AM: Wow, I didn't realize that "California Adventures" was so cool, I will have to try it! I also heard great things previously about the haunted tower or whatever is is, it sounds like it's genuinely scary and fun :) Did you try that one, Brad?
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: skully on August 08, 2011, 02:37:50 PM: I'm pretty sure that Brad's been purty near everywhere, twice!
Hehehe.
He does awesome TR's, though, huh?
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on August 08, 2011, 03:32:12 PM: Quote from: Shawn on August 08, 2011, 10:02:18 AM

I also heard great things previously about the haunted tower or whatever is is, it sounds like it's genuinely scary and fun :) Did you try that one, Brad?

It's called the Tower of Terror. We did it twice ;D
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on September 02, 2011, 07:13:17 AM: Promises are promises. And they must be kept.

Tomorrow, while many of my friends climb at The Lost World, a fantastic local crag, I will be driving to Sacramento with my girls to attend a Taylor Swift concert. This is me paying them back for an unusual and "extra" three day backpack on the PCT over this last Memorial weekend.

It would be nice to go climbing. But I've got Sunday and Monday for that. I'm looking forward to doing what my girls are looking forward to doing. Plus, tomorrow is my older daughter's 16th birthday - yikes!

Trip report to follow.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: squiddo on September 02, 2011, 12:13:44 PM: Quote from: Brad Young on September 02, 2011, 07:13:17 AM
Promises are promises. And they must be kept.

Tomorrow, while many of my friends climb at The Lost World, a fantastic local crag, I will be driving to Sacramento with my girls to attend a Taylor Swift concert. This is me paying them back for an unusual and "extra" three day backpack on the PCT over this last Memorial weekend.

It would be nice to go climbing. But I've got Sunday and Monday for that. I'm looking forward to doing what my girls are looking forward to doing. Plus, tomorrow is my older daughter's 16th birthday - yikes!

Trip report to follow.

Don't fall in love with the music Brad. I can't WAIT to hear the TR
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on September 02, 2011, 06:10:49 PM: Thanks, Marc. I'm not sure why you're concerned, perhaps you could TELL ME WHY. Otherwise I'll think you're just MEAN.

As a matter of fact though, I already like her music, so I'm more worried about WHAT TO WEAR. If I wear the wrong thing, I'm worried that Katie won't have THE BEST DAY. Actually if it came down to it and she wanted to know whether I was going to wear short shorts in particular, I guess I'D LIE. Katie is a pretty good kid (and tomorrow is her birthday); she's got for example A PERFECTLY GOOD HEART. But I think she'd rather that I be INVISIBLE than be seen wearing those around her.

Anyway, we'll have fun; I think it's unlikely I'll come home thinking I SHOULD'VE SAID NO. And, on Sunday, YOU DON'T HAVE TO CALL, because I'll post up and I'll make sure I include at least one PHOTOGRAPH. So, tune back in then, you'll have a chance to read more (LUCKY YOU).

'Til then, STAY BEAUTIFUL.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mudworm on September 02, 2011, 08:31:18 PM: So Brad, did you get some clothes that will make you invisible? :D

Sorry, I'm way behind on catching up with the posts on the forum, but the last post (which happened to be on top) cracked me up -- very real as if I could hear you and visualize (you in the short shorts) through those letters. Did you just discover the Caps Lock key?

Happy B-Day to Katie! 16, what a sweet age!
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on September 03, 2011, 01:15:13 PM: Mudworm, put some of the CAPITALIZED words into a search engine with the name Taylor Swift.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: squiddo on September 03, 2011, 02:22:37 PM: Quote from: Brad Young on September 03, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
Mudworm, put some of the CAPITALIZED words into a search engine with the name Taylor Swift.

I never SAID I didn't like her. SHE has talent:-) I just imagined Katie in all of this, parent and all. My first concert was AC/DC.....can't believe my dad bellied up to that bar.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mudworm on September 03, 2011, 08:00:59 PM: Quote from: Brad Young on September 03, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
Mudworm, put some of the CAPITALIZED words into a search engine with the name Taylor Swift.
Oh wow, that is super cool! :D
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on September 04, 2011, 07:20:12 AM: Well, I did it, I went to a Taylor Swift Concert.

I'm leaving in a few minutes (I'm climbing/doing guidebook research for the rest of the weekend). I'll post a few photos and more detail after the rest of the weekend. But, first a few impressions:

- Overall, I had a blast. Part of this was due to the quality of the performance and part was due to the fun my daughters were obviously having;

- And the girls did have a great time. I caught myself first looking at them looking at her, and, then, laughing out loud at how much they were enjoying it, clapping and singing the words to every song;

- Taylor Swift is a very good musician. It impressed me that she has musical skills (she plays a lot of instruments) that match Lynn Hill's ability in climbing. And she performs her music with the obvious joy of someone like Peter Croft traversing a High Sierra ridge. A pleasure to watch;

- Even though I was warned ahead of time, I was still surprised at the disproportion between male and female attendees. Row after row after row of the arena was filled with only girls and women. It didn't seem to be a proprietary thing though, everybody I could see seemed to be having a good time regardless of gender (and regardless of age also; at age 50 I may have single-handedly increased the average age of attendees by a year).

- Fatherhood is great, and I'm glad my older daughter Katie got to spend her 16th birthday in a way that she'll not soon forget.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on September 04, 2011, 08:34:28 PM: To finish the "Taylor Swift trip report," below are two photos that prove that my girls can and do clean up. These were taken as we were getting ready to leave:

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6115157958_1f0e84bb3c_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6114613651_1aab6637ce_z.jpg)

We didn't get home until 1:15 in the morning, and, as a result, I kinda dragged climbing today, but it was all totally worth it.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on June 22, 2012, 11:46:41 AM: Plans and preparations are coming together for our next leg. We'll start where we left off at Horseshoe Meadow and then over Cottonwood Pass. We plan on being 10 days from there to Lake Thomas Edison (where Vicki will meet us).

The current start date is July 22. Although I'd considered carrying all 10 days worth of food, three climbing partners are now going to meet us at Kearsarge Pass trail at the end of day four with a resupply (thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave, Bart and Jerome).

It's already been a great summer, but this is the one event I've been most looking forward to. Fingers crossed for continued good health and good weather.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: squiddo on June 22, 2012, 12:06:34 PM: Quote from: Brad Young on June 22, 2012, 11:46:41 AM
Plans and preparations are coming together for our next leg. We'll start where we left off at Horseshoe Meadow and then over Cottonwood Pass. We plan on being 10 days from there to Lake Thomas Edison (where Vicki will meet us).

The current start date is July 22. Although I'd considered carrying all 10 days worth of food, three climbing partners are now going to meet us at Kearsarge Pass trail at the end of day four with a resupply (thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave, Bart and Jerome).

It's already been a great summer, but this is the one event I've been most looking forward to. Fingers crossed for continued good health and good weather.

Top of Keasarge?. Wow they are GOOD friends Brad that's a tough climb up in itself. Great adventures friend.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on June 22, 2012, 03:05:07 PM: Quote from: squiddo on June 22, 2012, 12:06:34 PM
Top of Keasarge?. Wow they are GOOD friends Brad that's a tough climb up in itself. Great adventures friend.

No, not the top of Kearsarge, but a few miles further where the Kearsarge Pass trail meets the PCT (near Bullfrog lake).

Yeah, they are good friends indeed.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 20, 2012, 12:26:55 PM: OK, it's official, I'm starting to get excited about "The PCT Volume 17," coming up starting on Sunday.

1. Starting to wrap it up here at work;

2. I've gotten 22 pounds of food to Dave for he and Bart and Jerome to shuttle in for us via Kearsarge Pass (!!!);

3. Our gear is ready to be packed and then stowed in the car;

4. We've got our permits and bear canisters ready (the required stuff);

5. Everyone is healthy.

6. We've got ten days and 135 miles to go (to Lake Thomas Edison).

Now I'm just waiting for six A.M. on Sunday. It's hard to focus on other stuff.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: F4? on July 20, 2012, 02:09:47 PM: Good luck!

Jenny told James @ some point "Trisha walks far distances"...

So, now I get to hear randomly...."did you know Trisha walks far distances??"

PS, no FAs allowed, just pictures....
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mynameismud on July 20, 2012, 03:00:02 PM: Sounds awesome. I will be at work all weekend so have some fun for the rest of us.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 20, 2012, 03:19:01 PM: Sunday?

Ok, maybe see you Saturday then?
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 20, 2012, 03:33:29 PM: Yeah, we'll be home all day tomorrow.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: CruxLuv on July 20, 2012, 09:29:29 PM: Super stoked for you and can't wait for the next installment!
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: Brad Young on July 21, 2012, 01:58:42 PM: Tricia will start with an 11 pound pack, Katie has 21, and I will start with 47 pounds. Not too bad. (Thanks yet again, Dave, Jerome and Bart).
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: skully on July 22, 2012, 05:11:12 PM: Have a good time out there. ;D
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 22, 2012, 10:07:29 PM: Miwok and I saw them leave this morning bright and early. All signals were 'go'

Though there was this one teenager type character who looked not so happy to start so early. 6:30ish, I believe.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: F4? on July 23, 2012, 06:45:01 AM: I hope they stop off at either the Mobile or Schats in B-Chip....
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: mungeclimber on July 23, 2012, 10:12:38 AM: The chef at Mobile has apparently moved onto a place in Mammoth.

Rumor heard this weekend.
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: F4? on July 23, 2012, 11:16:38 AM: Squiddo will have issues....
Title: Re: The PCT Volume 16: Self Propelled in the Southern Sierra
Post by: waldo on July 26, 2012, 06:20:36 PM: Brad, great work on the PCT! I've been over Cottonwood Pass many times back when my kids were kids. You had some tough ups getting there. It's out of your way, but I favor the area around Sky Blue Lake and the Miter. Congratulations again!