Hi, all... been a while, and thought it best to update everyone who's followed this thread in the past...
There's a memorial for Mel (SierraMel) on Sunday, July 3rd at her home in Long Valley, near Mammoth Lakes. Mel's husband, John, has invited all who knew Mel to join in the festivities, and plans have been stewing since a planned reunion gathering ("Reunionpalooza" on thebackpacker.com site, under Trail talk) was revised following Mel's passing.
The yard is large enough for anyone interested to camp out there. Traditional 4th of July fireworks will take place over Crowley Lake Sunday nite, July 3rd.
Some may recall that this originally started as a roughly week-long camp at Reds Meadow, following the fireworks, and that is still our goal. The plan is to secure [unreserved] sites in Reds Meadow at a time when most campers will have completed their holiday weekend campout, so with luck, there should be sites available. Up to six tents are allowed on one site ($20/nite), and though a larger group initially was signed up for the trip, some will not make the trip.
For those of you who would like to share in Mel's memorial, feel free to come any time from Friday, July 1st forward.
Tioga Pass, I'm informed, should be opened up today, and though there is upwards of 18 feet of snow at elevations higher than Reds Meadow, there are ample opportunities to hike and backpack at lower elevations in, and around the area.
Lastly, since Mel's hubby, John, hasn't worked much in this tough economy, while there is no "fee" to participate, any donation (suggested $10-$20) to offset his expenses would, I'm sure, be appreciated. We'll probably pass the hat, as it were, but being there to help us celebrate Mel's life - your presence - is all the contribution Mel would surely want, so if you're in the area, or looking for a great reason to spend some time in the Sierra, please feel free to join us.
You can obtain more information by:
1) emailing me at
obiwan_canoli@sbcglobal.net,
2) go to thebackpacker.com, search for the "Reunionpalooza" thread
Thank you all!
Michael