newbie making a test run to Chilnualna falls

MountainMinstrel · Post by **MountainMinstrel** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:03 pm

Hi everyone. I am a 50yr old(?) newbie who hasn't done any backpacking for 30+ years. But that is changing this year, as I am going for a three day to Jennie Lakes at the end of this month and Mt. Whitney in October. I have my pack and basic equipment all ready to go (about 20-25 lbs. without food). I am planning on taking a day hike to Chilnualna Falls this Sat. with the pack to see how it goes. Do you think this is a good idea? I just feel that I would rather sort out any problems on a solo day hike than to hold up my companions next week. What do you think?

Thanks

DoyleWDonehoo · Post by **DoyleWDonehoo** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:56 pm

MountainMinstrel wrote:... I am going for a three day to Jennie Lakes at the end of this month and Mt. Whitney in October. I am planning on taking a day hike to Chilnualna Falls this Sat. with the pack to see how it goes. Do you think this is a good idea?

Well, doing Chilnualna Falls (2100 feet of gain, 3.5+ miles) in the summer heat is akin to beating yourself with a stick. Jennie Lakes is trivial in comparison, though if you do Whitney from the east side, well, nothing is going to prepare you for that (west side is better). A hike to Ostrander, Sunrise, Poly Dome, Young, 10 or Cathedral lakes may be more revealing.

krudler · Post by **krudler** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:56 pm

Sounds like a great idea to me! You can always turn back.
Enjoy!

MountainMinstrel · Post by **MountainMinstrel** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:50 pm

Well it looks like a tie here so...I will be up probably before dawn to try to beat at least some of the heat, and taking mucho water. It looks like I could cook and drown all in the same day. But at least I'll get the chance to test the rain gear

MountainMinstrel · Post by **MountainMinstrel** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:23 pm

Well I survived the hike to Chilnualna Falls and I have to say, Doyle you were right. I do feel a bit like I have been beat with a stick. But I made the whole thing without any real difficulties and am chomping at the bit to get out of here next week. Jennie lakes here I come!!!

You know this may be the perfect way to make a 50 year old feel like a kid again.

krudler · Post by **krudler** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:13 am

Woo hoo!

dreamer · Post by **dreamer** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:47 pm

Hey newbie. Glad you liked the falls. Pretty area, really. As for Whitney -- if my best friend could make it to the top when she was a smoker (hard core smoker back then) and had a hernia that needed surgery, then so can you! She was well into her 40s then. Might encounter some interesting weather in October, so be prepared. We spent one night the first time, and then I went once in a day. Hard, but I'd do it again if I had a chance. Only this time, I'd want to time myself.

Snow Nymph · Post by **Snow Nymph** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 12:25 am

MountainMinstrel wrote:
You know this may be the perfect way to make a 50 year old feel like a kid again.

Exactly how I feel on the weekends!

MountainMinstrel · Post by **MountainMinstrel** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:53 pm

If anyone is interested here are some shots of the hike.
http://community.webshots.com/album/552941569UDjcwF

Trailtrekker06 · Post by **Trailtrekker06** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:32 am

Looks like a beautiful place, thanks for posting the photos!

High Sierra Topix

newbie making a test run to Chilnualna falls

newbie making a test run to Chilnualna falls

Re: newbie making a test run to Chilnualna falls

Who is online