High Sierra Topix

Groups of backpackers often have poor hygiene, so the same bugs get passed around and around. This is especially true if they are sharing shelter, sharing cookgear, etc.

Well, we are now closed till April 15th.

My wife and I just received an email from Recreation.gov cancelling our overnight to Pt. Reyes and providing a refund. Here's the pertinent part:

A location closure has been issued for Point Reyes National Seashore Campground from Tue, Mar 17, 2020 - Tue, Apr 7, 2020 due to Public Safety Concerns .

I was wondering when parks would start curtailing outdoor activities. The shelter in place order for the Bay Area counties says we are allowed to go outside for activities like walking, running, or hiking, but I guess camping isn't considered essential, and the restrooms could also be a sticky point.

Yes, I have a camping reservation for the Marin Headlands for April 19 and suspect there is a good chance it will be cancelled. Our Bay Area "shelter in place" order is currently only until April 7, but I think it is highly likely it will be extended in some form.

I think this virus is going to lead to fewer PCT thru-hikers this year. They usually start in April (some fast ones in early May). All the international hikers are going to find it impossible to get here by then, and much domestic air travel may also be interrupted.

-Phil

wildhiker wrote: ↑Mon Mar 16, 2020 11:42 pm I think this virus is going to lead to fewer PCT thru-hikers this year. They usually start in April (some fast ones in early May). All the international hikers are going to find it impossible to get here by then, and much domestic air travel may also be interrupted.
-Phil

I follow a PCT forum and there is a lot of sadness from the international hikers who have planned for their PCT hike, quit their jobs, sold their apartments, etc. Now they can't come to the US. I'm really sorry for them.

on Aramark's Yosemite Website

UPDATED: March 16, 2020 @ 6:05 PM (PST)
As a result of guidance provided by the National Park Service and public health officials, all lodging, tours and dining facilities in Yosemite National Park are temporarily closing as of tomorrow March 17, 2020. The temporary closure is prompted as a precaution due to coronavirus concerns. The closure is anticipated to last through March 31, 2020.

The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors and park employees is the park’s top priority. We are working closely with public health officials and the park will continue to review operations and reopen facilities when appropriate.

I hate to say it but I've been taking advantage of the virus. I'm moving from Petaluma to Wilton and the traffic on Highway 37 and I80 has been to my advantage when moving loads of stuff. A trip that usually takes 2.5-3 hrs is now around 2 hours.

Went to a couple of restaurants that are still open (probably not now) and they were mostly empty and the service was great.

People are losing their minds with this shelter in place order. I don't mind avoiding restaurants, gatherings, ect. But once the government tells me I can't drive alone in my car, I've got a (recently washed with warm soapy water) middle finger for them.