High Sierra Topix

Yeah I'm in one of the big clumpings: I just turned 47 today. I suppose some probably suspect I'm older than that because I tend to write about Sierran experiences that go back up to 40 years ago; this is a product of being introduced to the mountains at a young age by my dad. My first trip to the Sierra was 1965, I believe, and my first SPS summit was Alta Peak in 1967 (or maybe it was Mt. Hoffman?).

I'm not presently in top death march condition, but I don't blame that on age. I suspect that is mostly a product of not going up as much as I did in the past, particularly 1988-1997, when my wife and I were fishing anywhere from 50 to 105 different high country lakes a year (including some super remote ones), and 1979-1988, when my dad and I did our best quick strike peak bagging trips. The reduction in High Sierra trips is mainly a product of having young kids.

Like many recreational athletes, many parts show wear, particularly my knees (two operations on right side and various problems with both), and my back. Most of the wear and tear is a result of playing way too much basketball (don't play anymore), although I've been dinged up a few times on off trail backpacking trips (knee hyperextension on one, broken finger on another, broken ankle on yet another). In any case, I plan on being fit enough to be capable of off trail backpacking to remote Sierran destinations for many years. I will need to be so that I'll be able to take the kids up when they come of age (older one is 4, younger one is 9 mos.). Besides, I still have several hundred lakes targeted that I haven't fished yet.

One way or another 47 is old only if you're a professional athlete. In any other walk of life, including enjoyment of the Sierras, I believe 47 means one is still a young person.

Happy Birthday to you giantbrookie. (insert music)

I celebrated 46 while on the trail in Yosemite last month. Mentally? oh...29. I do credit my love of hiking/backpacking for my health, fitness and wellbeing. I'd probably be fat if I didn't hike.

I'll be 64 in a coupla months, and hope to be found on the trail near timberline anytime in the next few decades. Alive and hiking, that is! What a great group to be a part of! This poll is a neat idea, Eric, I had no idea we are all such youngsters!

I'll be 48 in a little over a month. My daily mileage is less than it was when I was in my twenties but I am still out there.

CREAK, GROAN. I turned 70 this month. I ahve been camping since I was 7 so my stretch is 63 years. Can anyone beat that? This summer I went out on 5 trips, incudign a great 5 day one from Agnew Meadows to Tioga Pass Road and one to Iceberg Lake. Not too bad? OK I now cheat a little. Mules take the gear in on Day 1 and on the 5 day trip I rode a horse on the very steep parts (going up to the High Trail, from Rush Creek to the meadows and up to Donahue Pass).

59--Hiked into BensonLake from Saddlebag lake (3 days to get there due to late starts and old body) Thank God for ultralight gear and hiking poles! Second night at Benson a group of real old farts showed up. One was celebrating his 68th birthday.

Mike

50 and 1/2 great years!!

Seventy on my next birthday. Still going, just not as fast as in the past. My first trail trip into the Sierra was with my father and mother over Kearsarge Pass in August, 1946. I still remember how dark blue the sky was at the pass. Been hiking the Sierra ever since except for a few career-related time-out's.

36 last time I checked.

I've pretty much decided that age is mind-related. (and knees and hips--but 800 proof ibuprofen does wonders!). It's good to see this website operational again. It seemed I'd barely got signed on last year when it up and disappeared. (Ok, I'll also admit to havign been busy with other stuff for much of this time.) But I've just been enjoying reading through the forums again.