High Sierra Topix

Wandering Daisy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 3:25 pm So how many miles per hour do you walk when picking (and eating) those berries? I think I would end up never reaching Hamilton Lake!

As I've stated elsewhere, I begin the day hours before dawn while the air is cool, so I am doing between 2 and 3 mph for miles and miles. Then the one mile before Bearpaw HSC is where the best variety of berries is found, but only when I hit the season right. I normally hit Hamilton Lake by 3 p.m., which allows me time to stroll around, pick the best campsite away from people and mosquitos, and unwind those leg muscles.

Normally I keep a large ziplock bag in an outer pocket specifically for berry storage.

The best berries of all that I find along this trail are Thimbleberries. They look like a ripe raspberry, except that they are pink to red. They are not very durable, though, so you have to eat them on the spot. I recall them near the trail junction downhill from Hamilton Lake.

In my view, the weight penalty for taking a water filter these days is near zero. My 1L Katydyn bottle with filter weighs 2 grams more than my Nalgene canteen with a sip top. I'm quite happy to pay that tiny penalty for the added peace of mind.

(Also, sent PM to original poster re: carpooling.)

SarahK wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:21 pm I am hiking from crescent meadow to whitney portal… Hoping someone is doing the opposite route and we can swap keys and save everyone a big hassle… or at the minimum pitch on a shuttle company together if you are doing the same route, because im solo and I think the cost is like $800 for the main shuttle group out there!!

Text me. I’m planning on going in August or September.

dylankeithconnors@gmail.com in case you don’t have anyone yet

Dylan I ended up booking a bunch of stuff on the trip, but whats your number, ill message you on whatsapp??

Sure. 6262238059. I dont have whatsapp.
Here’s my IG so you know who you’re putting your faith into.. dylank_connors

Sarah,

Have you backpacked in the Sierra before? Carrying 8 liters of water is insane! Unnecessary and heavy. Unlike the "no-water" crew above, I start with 1-2 liters and have never run out. There are dry sections in the Sierra, but 8 liters is way excessive! Unless you like heavy packs.

What is your objection to filling up as you go? Are you concerned you won't find water? Your map will show water sources.

Lol dylan, funny thing is i don’t have instagram lol!!!

FrankPS - i have changed since i first posted this. picked up my sawyer squeeze and my smart water bottles and ill be set! Carry 1-2 litres max at a time.
All super light weight stuff, heaviest thing is my BV500 and all my food.. starting to get the food together. but hopefully nothing more than 30ish lbs in weight. id be happy with that!!