Maverick's 2016 Annual HST Meet-up

[Jimr]

If a dozen show up that would be a very high ratio.

[markskor]

Hesitant to post this. But 23 people coming together at an off trail location? That is just wrong... I think there are better places for large numbers of people to come together. Mike

+1.
Maybe just me too but - somehow feel that larger groups and magic places, (especially those well-kept secret spots, off-trail Sierra) are not the best of pairings. Yes, HST members will certainly respect the area but ...sigh!

Sort of explains the reason why not going...Unless family, three is even too large a group for me backcountry.

[rlown]

If you have such a concentration of people, it would be more appropriate to set up a latrine at the camps rather than spread "it" everywhere. The best way is to dig a 3'-4' hole with a set of post hole diggers. Who get's to carry that?

you can wrap a lightweight tarp around the privy for privacy (assuming 3 trees), and locate all the waste in one place down deep.

just a thought.

[freestone]

If you have such a concentration of people, it would be more appropriate to set up a latrine at the camps rather than spread "it" everywhere. The best way is to dig a 3'-4' hole with a set of post hole diggers. Who get's to carry that?

you can wrap a lightweight tarp around the privy for privacy (assuming 3 trees), and locate all the waste in one place down deep.

just a thought.

Or Mav could require everyone to bring Wag bags and carry it out.

[WarrenFork]

Hesitant to post this. But 23 people coming together at an off trail location? That is just wrong. Methinks some should consider alternative plans. Great people, I understand but totally contradictory to purposes of wilderness. Woe to the person heading to the Lyle Fork of the Merced expecting to find solitude only to find dozens of people scattered thru out the basin. I think there are better places for large numbers of people to come together.

Mike

Well said. Other outdoor recreation forums organize "meet-ups" such as the annual Yosemite Facelift, where members gather to camp in the frontcountry and help out on projects that ameliorate some of the accumulated human impact on the park environment.

Quite an ethical contrast with arranging a mob scene in a near-pristine area.

[Electra]

I somehow missed this post until now. Not sure I can make it at this time but will see how things play out as we get closer. I know the area very well so regardless of my plans, i am happy to share beta on various routes and nooks and crannies along the way. One route I have not seen mentioned that provides huge rewards and an interesting route into the area is to take the JMT towards Donohue Pass and take the drainage towards Mt. Maclure. Climb the Maclure 'glacier' and cross the divide into the headwaters and make your way to Hutchings.....

[KingMouth]

I have been following this thread since it was inactive in early November.

I was originally hoping to get the time off to do it, and went so far as to plan out an 8 day trip with the meetup in the middle. This is an area that I've never been remotely close to, and I normally hike solo. It was a little out of my norm, and after reading a lot of trip reports, it really interests me. It seems to be the same case for a lot of other folks too. So many that it is clearly too many.

Therefore I think I will do the same hike during a different week. Maybe ask if one or two others are interested, or just make another solo trip. It just seems like the setting demands solitude!


I hope to make another meetup in the future at a less popular locale.

[maverick]

I have been following this thread since it was inactive in early November.

I was originally hoping to get the time off to do it, and went so far as to plan out an 8 day trip with the meetup in the middle. This is an area that I've never been remotely close to, and I normally hike solo. It was a little out of my norm, and after reading a lot of trip reports, it really interests me. It seems to be the same case for a lot of other folks too. So many that it is clearly too many.

Therefore I think I will do the same hike during a different week. Maybe ask if one or two others are interested, or just make another solo trip. It just seems like the setting demands solitude!


I hope to make another meetup in the future at a less popular locale.

Hi Hugh,

Don't allow the high numbers to dissuade you from coming, the numbers may be high now, but they will drop off by the time of the Meet-up, job, medical, and family issues will change some folks plans, they always do. Also, many people will not stay 2 days (Thur-Fri), some will arrive Thursday afternoon and move on early Friday morning, others will come in Thurs morning, and then move on Thurs afternoon, but whichever variation you do, the main focus of this Meet-up is to meet one another in a beautiful Sierra location, the length of time you would like to stay is totally up to you, after which you can continue on with your trip, and enjoy all the solitude you desire Hugh.

I too am a solo backpacker for a reason, love the solitude, all my trips are solo, besides the Meet-ups and searches, but our HST community is important to me beyond just the computer screen, it has enable me to create some long lasting friendships with some members, which has enhanced my life experience Hugh.

[Hobbes]

Somehow the meet-up has erroneously developed an image as a latter day Sierra club event @ Tuolumne or Boy scout jamboree. To be honest, I've probably come close to hanging out longer with random people I've met along the way - either chatting on top of a pass, cruising around fishing, etc - than with the HST group at the two meet-ups.

First and foremost, everyone seems to fit a basic profile, which is an experienced backpacker who tends to hike either alone (solo) or with a partner. As such, while everyone is curious about meeting other actual people behind the names, the over-riding tendency is to seek out solitude and/or break into smaller groups after some initial socializing.

I would frankly be astounded that anyone would want to hang out for more than dinner & initial introductions, other than those who have met before in prior years or other organized events. In my mind, everyone will be thinking the same thing: I'm going to find my own private lake with some buddies. So, hopefully this false image has been dispelled.

However, there is another issue at play, and that is one of exclusivity. Let's assume 16 people make it to this meet-up - even though they are experienced people who practice LNT and would be gone like ghosts in the morning haze down multiple routes with very limited impact, it's the very concept that they were **invited** there in the first place that is the chief objection.

There's really no defense against this accusation, because those being accused don't need to defend themselves against this kind of charge.

[rlown]

Pretty sure everyone with an internet connection was invited, but i do applaud the LNT comment.