High Sierra Topix

A few area's have been updated as of 6/27, like Evolution Creek, Kearsarge Pass
Budd's Creek, and trails in the Lodgepole/Wolverton area's.

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for linking this, Maverick. I saw the recent updates yesterday hoping to get information on the thaw for lakes in the Lodgepole area. Not the info I was hoping for, but I'm glad it's updated.

Wow, what a crazy summer it is going to be.. I can't wait to get up there.

Thanks, very handy link. I wonder what the alternative to crossing Evolution Creek is (crossing further upstream?). I also wonder just how much they err on the side of the caution (aka exaggerate) as to the ice axe required reports.

Q wrote "I also wonder just how much they err on the side of the caution
(aka exaggerate) as to the ice axe required reports."
Check out these shots of Glen Pass for an idea: http://erinspctjournal.blogspot.com/201 ... dmill.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks. I took a look at Erin's PCT journal a little while back for her crossing of Forester Pass. I can't decide if she's my new hero, or if she needs to be involuntarily committed (I'm leaning towards hero).
I was hoping that 2 weeks after that photo, the snow would have receded some. If I were to go over Kearsarge (which should be easier than Glenn), I'd probably head down to Vidette Meadows and then into Center Basin, or as far up towards Forester as I could stand.

After reading Erin's PCT journal I've come to this conclusion. If this pressure, extremely hard work, serious danger (risking your life), no fishing, intense days (all day) is your idea of fun (or proving yourself to an extreme), then this is the year for you. If not, you should do some careful planning time wise and location wise. My idea of enjoying the Sierra might be the exact opposite of Erin's writing. For me to have done something like this I would have to first loose my mind. That's just my perspective, and might only apply to me.

Here's my idea of fun.
Mike and me on our trip to Benson.
tom

I really feel sorry for people who blocked out this year for their thru-hike. Getting 6 months off from work (or whatever) is itself an extreme accomplishment, but probably one you can't just turn around and reschedule to next year at the last second.

I actually enjoy pushing myself to an extreme (though without the risk to life) for a day here or there, but can't imagine going through this day after day. Of course, having done a number of PCT segments in Southern Cal (in 2 or 3 day chunks), doing the entire So Cal section alone strikes me as a sort of torture. Probably why so many of the thru-hikers I've come across seem like they're stoned out of their minds.

quentinc wrote:Thanks. I took a look at Erin's PCT journal a little while back for her crossing of Forester Pass. I can't decide if she's my new hero, or if she needs to be involuntarily committed (I'm leaning towards hero).
I was hoping that 2 weeks after that photo, the snow would have receded some. If I were to go over Kearsarge (which should be easier than Glenn), I'd probably head down to Vidette Meadows and then into Center Basin, or as far up towards Forester as I could stand.

I called lone pine ranger station this afternoon and they told me west of kearsage pass and vidette meadows is a swamp.I dont know their accuracy.
I think basically its just dayhikes to passes for now.

New SEKI postings suggesting crossings at Mehrten Creek refer to different locations for "east crossing" and "west crossing". Pardon my ignorance, but would "east crossing" refer to "from the east side" or "eastbound"?