Lurkers Please Introduce Yourself =)

[Penstemon]

I’ve lurked for a few years, tried to join 2 or 3 times in the early 2020’s but was never successful (I’m technologically challenged...). Finally tried again and was successful getting a profile last year! But then had nothing to post because all the snow from last year sent me out of state (grand teton, sawtooths).

I started backpacking in 2017. Since then, I’ve been up in the Sierra for 1-3 night trips maybe 3-4 x/year. Usually go by myself, as I don’t really have any friends who like to backpack, other than my spouse; fortunately, I also enjoy my solitude and the break from constant communication of our day-to-day world. And after taking two or three navigation courses, I’ve wandered off-trail a few times. But nothing like the trips HST members post, so I live vicariously!

Much gratitude to the HST community for years of mosquito and stream crossing reports!

[maverick]

Hi Penstemon,

Welcome to HST! Happy to hear that you were successful!
We enjoy TR's from all over the world, which can be posted in our "Beyond The Sierra Nevada" section.

[new2backpacking]

I am an avid hiker but new to backpacking. I’ve only gone on a couple of relatively easy backpacking trips twice. Six months ago, I decided to give it another try. Next week, we’re going to Sabrina Lake. This forum, esp. the incredibly well-written TRS has helped me immensely. So, thank you. Wish me luck.

[maverick]

Hi new2backpacking,

Welcome to HST! Have a wonderful and safe trip. Looking forward to your first TR!

[303]

Hi. Been lurking for years. I mainly go out to Emigrant from Crabtree or Gianelli once or twice a year for the past 15ish years, but now I'm doing it with kids and it's a different ball game entirely. No more "that looks fun" -> type 2 or 3 "fun" stuff. Registering and de-lurking to get a bit more info on river crossings (looks good) and seeing if i can stitch something together out to Big Lake that won't wipe out the kids. Also, after years of Gaia it seems nobody likes it anymore and everyone is going over to CalTopo, is that right?

[MtnRunner]

Hello, my name is Jason, and I'm a new member here. I'm 50 years old, and work in the automotive industry. I have always had a passion for the outdoors; camping, fishing, but most of all natural scenery. I live in the foothills in Placer County, so Placer, Nevada, Sierra, & El Dorado counties are where I usually explore.
I am not a runner; my user name is because of my 1988 4Runner that I use to get to some of the more difficult places to access in the Sierras. I look forward to sharing the photos and videos I shoot in said places with you.

[maverick]

Hi 303,

Welcome to HST!

[maverick]

Hi Jason,

Welcome to HST! Thanks for the intro video in your other post.

[Macfie13]

Hi my name is Ian, I'm in my mid 30s. I grew up in the central valley but always made regular trips growing up to the Sierra visiting family or hunting and fishing/general exploring in the Groveland, Jamestown, Sonora, Arnold and above areas. I've been backpacking for about 15 years. First ever backpacking trip was attempting the southern half of the JMT (Florence to Whitney), had to turn around as one for our party got pretty sick, but was able to complete it the next year. I have since done the southern half 2 ish times and the northern half once. Learned to do it without resupplying so I tend to bias more towards that punishing version of backpacking, staying out for 12 days as the longest trip yet and love it. Getting more into XC backpacking and also love skiing, and just started winter camping. Also getting in ww kayaking/climbing a bit but still early days.

As for backpacking goals, hoping to one day (soon) do the HSR, and always looking at some other traverses and long weekend trips.

For some trail reports:

I was up in the sawtooths at 4th of July (went in on Robinson creek TH) and the mosquitos were terrible by crown lake I'd say a 4 probably. Went up/down Matterhorn and over the pass just to the south (class 2-3) and lucked out with some winds that kept them down in the valley there leading to horse creek. Beautiful though and no snow at the summit (some over horse creek though).

Last weekend July 11-13th I was at devils bathtub down near lake Thomas edison with some coworkers and mosquitos were a 3 on the way in but a 1-2 at the lake. Had some heavy thunder / lightening and rain after going up and down graveyard peak (were just shy of the summit when the clouds started building and decided to turn around). But also beautiful and great views to the south of the mono divide, etc.

Browsed for years and I really appreciate the knowledge and experience of folks on here and of those I meet on the trail. Thanks and happy trekking to all!

[goodcampsite]

Hi, I have lurked for some time, and am still amazed that my username was never taken before. I am an experienced but aging backpacker who lives in the Bay Area. I lived in CO and my wife worked for NPS in Yellowstone so I have hiked in many nice places. I listed myself as a "level 4 explorer," but no longer remember what that means. There must be a list that explains what the levels mean. Can someone direct me to this?

I am hoping to do a few trips in the Eastern Sierra and/or Emigrant in late August/early-mid September. I am most keen to wait out mosquito season (worse for my wife than for me). Any condition reports about that (I've browsed some here but the info is incomplete, especially about Emigrant). I promise to post trip reports afterwards.