High Sierra Topix

My first post!

I've been nail-biting for some time, after hearing everything regarding the blowdown. I'll give my "info":
So, I was planning on doing the High Trail/PCT with my friend (just left the Army, and this was going to be our "reunion" of sorts); we were going to start in Agnew, and head to Thousand Island Lake. After finding out about the storm, we've been wondering what to do. When we finally decided to just buy our passes and cross our fingers, we see that they're all sold out!
So now, we're doing the JMT - from the Postpile to Thousand...but things still look bad.
Oh yeah, we're starting on June 28.

I've been trying hard to accept that it's just how nature works, but I can't help but get frustrated - we've been talking about this trip since he was deployed last year...

I guess my question is: any veterans have experience with something like this? If so, what to expect? If the trail is still closed, are there any nearby alternatives? I've never backpacked this area before, and the last time I was anywhere nearby was at least 20 years ago. We want to be fully prepared, including last-minute changes of plans.

And here is our info:
Level and Terrain:
Me = Somewhere between Level 2 and 3. Used to hike/backpack a LOT, but haven't in a long time. I still remember most everything, and am in decent shape.
Friend = Strong level 3. Used to 50-mile ruckmarches in the Army carrying 80+ pounds.
Interests:
Primarily getting away for about 4 days 3 nights. Forests, Lakes, Streams...we mostly want to hang out for a few days in (general) solitude in a beautiful backdrop. Some fishing, some pictures, no rushes, no "real" goals.

Hi Don,

Please read: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... f=1&t=4205" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This will allow us to recommend alternatives routes according to you and your
friends experience levels. Thanks

Edited to add info. Thanks for the direction - I'm quite out of the messageboard loop.

Hi Don,

Great area but there are to many if's this year because of the windstorm.
According to the map on the NFS site access to the Minaret Lakes area
and Lake Ediza area is obstructed.
Minaret Creek, Shadow Creek, PCT, trail sections are obstructed, leaving the
Silver Lake area the only place you will be able to gain accessto the 1000 Is
Lake/Garnet Lake area.
Hopefully by the time your trip rolls around things will be more accessible, but
if you really want to go to 1000 Is Lake than get some permits out of Silver
Lake as soon as possible because it could be the only entry point into the area
which means getting a permit will be very difficult.
You could also go down to Horse Meadow and go to Miter Basin which is quite
beautiful, and the upper lakes will have thawed out by then.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6366&p=44119#p44119" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... f=1&t=7634" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
In a month places in Yosemite out of Tuolumne Meadows will open up even more
like the Cathedral Lakes area, Lyell Canyon, Vogelsang area.
SEKI will open up even more from the east, like Bishop Pass into Dusy Basin, or
the upper lakes out of Big Pine area.
The Lake Sabrina area has several beautiful lakes to visit like Sailor Lake, Midnight
Lake, and Baboon Lakes to name a few, if thawed (these lakes are 10900 ft and up).
Many of these places are very popular so getting permits early or being flexible
and using the walk-in permit system (permit issued after 11 am the day before
your trip). http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/recreation ... owto.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also check out this thread on ways to find locations: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... f=1&t=7663" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; that may interest you.

Absolutely. And there are great areas to explore just North of there, out of Twin Lakes or Leavitt Meadows. Emigrant Wilderness is full of great adventures and destinations.

Don't let Mother Nature keep you from having a great trip. Go with the flow, take what she gives you, and you will love these areas.

We have lots of suggestions on our website.

balzaccom wrote: We have lots of suggestions on our website.

Probably a lot of suggestions in the form of TR's on this website as well. Use the search function on the top right of this page to find trips you might like to take.

Thanks!
I've already begun searching out Plan B (as well as C, D, and E). I'm pretty much allowing nature to dictate our course. Vogelsang looks like a pretty awesome alternative...
We've planned this for so long that we're not going to let much get in our way.