Minnow Creek backpack reservation

[SSSdave]

Always a relief to receive mail from the USFS or NPS with a confirmation reservation inside. Friday 5/4 put a wilderness permit request in the mail and just received it this Monday 4/14.

A two person 9-day trip from TA Edison Cold Creek Trailhead late July. That will be our main trip this summer. I had a couple other week long trips planned, but given the droughty winter and uncertain wildflower conditions, didn't want to gamble on making the effort into those destinations. One was up and over Taboose that I will only bother with the huge effort if conditions are more predictable. Thus changed to this trip. And moved the trip up a full week from original plans given the droughty conditions. Hefting our usual overly weighty packs, I've fashioned a rather leisurely itinerary with just 5815 vertical feet up and down over just 27.3 miles. Basically a basin basecamping trip with one layover day and 4 other days of less than 3 miles. Lots of good photography and excellent fishing.

Tentatively if weather cooperates, we will likely keep pretty close to my usual highly detailed plan as I will be doing a considerable amount of rambling about most days to specific perspectives I want to be at optimal times of day. For example one afternoon will climb up in the afternoon to a bit north of point 10816 in order to get all the big lakes plus Graveyard Peak in a frame. Well at least that is my plan.

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.46924,-118.97726&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We will only go an easy 5.3 miles to just above the west end of Graveyard Meadows on the first day to where the creek steepens. Thus will have time to explore the meadows, aspen groves, Sierra juniper domes, and jump in and lounge around the stream. Second day will be our only day at the Graveyard Lakes, a popular basin I've never visited, and have some possible excellent late day perspectives towards the big peaks to the southeast. Third day will be up and over Graveyard Pass and down to a lightly visited secret with an exceptional view. Then a day at Olive Lake, two days at Minnie, day at north end of Peter Pande, and then back over the pass and back down to the meadows to stage a quick exit on day 9.

[tim]

You might want to keep an eye on the blowdown reports. Lots of mess in the Fish Creek area and they haven't even got to the Silver Divide yet: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 367033.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;