Gear

It is time to talk about gear. I used most everything I had and can easily see conditions having come up that would have caused me to use what I did not. At the start of the trip my pack wieghed, including my camera bag and about 1.3 liters of water, 27 pounds. That placed me squarely in the middle of our group vis-a-vis pack weight. Adam had a comparable weight but definitely had more water: Konrad had perhaps 3 pounds less and started with about a half liter of water (he and Andy routinely carried that little as Andy really knew how water rich the area was): Matt started at 32 pounds with two liters of water: Andy had 38 pounds and was carrying extra everything so he could keep Konrad's load light. For the five nights we had planned each of us contributed a single group dinner. I know Andy carried considerable extra food. I carried my usual extra day's worth of food and assume Adam and Matt did too. We also had an abondance of canister fuel. Something like 3 big canisters and a small one. I had a big one and little one. Way more fuel than we needed. I never touched the big one and the little one had plenty left. I don't know how exhausted the other canisters were. I had fully planned to have more hot meals for breakfast and hot tea. Had it been colder I would have. As It ended up I came home with two hot breakfast left and all my teabags. Were I doing this trip alone one large canister would likely be more than enough.

 Could I have used my Gossamer Gear Maraposa? Sure, though I think it would have been less comfortable than the McHale Speed Bump as it has had a tendency to slip on my shoulders. I'd have shed 2 pounds going with the Maraposa but the extra comfort was worth it (I'll have to give the Marsposa another go sometime though).

 The Miuntain Laurel Designs Trailstar worked quite well. It is spacious beyond compare for one hiker and no doubt a true gram weenie would balk at the trail weight of 25 ounces for shelter, stakes, lines, and 6x3' Tyvek floor. I don't think I'll ever set it up as fast as MLD claims it can be done. I know I have to work on getting a tight pitch. All that room meant I could be a bit less picky about site selection. Andy had to carefully site his Tarptent Squall so he and Konrad wouldn't slide all over the tent floor. I'd take this shelter again.

 I think the coldest it ever got was mid to upper 30s. We had frost at Guirar Lake but only just a hint of it. My Golite Ultra 20 Quilt was more than enough. My Integral Designs Hot Socks kept my feet comfy. I never used the down balaclava funding my Possumdown Bernie sufficient the one time I used it at Guitar Lake camped cowbow style under the stars.

 As for clothing it worked out just fine. Longsleeve Thorofare Shirt did fine service keeping the wind off and I didn't feel the lack of a more traditional windshirt like Anfy's Montane Featherlite (I've one of those too but it doesn't fit as well as the Thorofare). Nothing special about my other clothing. The Keen sandals were a definite hit though. The sandals worked very well especially when fording streams. As astute readers know I've a knack for not managing to cross streams without getting wet. The sandals let the water in and out and given the wonderfully dry climate things dried off quite quickly. While I don't think i'd wear the Keens on a trip on root and rock laden trails of the Midwest or East Coast on the less cluttered trails of the High Sierras they're keepers: at least when the weather is warm.

 Food. Nothing special here. The buritos from Packit Gourmet were OK. My cheese and dry hot saussage were a good thing. The scones, as reported didn't work but that's because of my failure. I think Andy's beef and bean chili was a clear leader in our meals. If you're willing to put the time in for the home prep and time on trail to rehydrate ingedienrs you can do very well by your digestive needs. Just remember to bring a pot scrubber, a piece of onion bag works well, to clean your pot.

 On the electronics front you have seen some of those results already. Everything you have seen and heard here has come from the iPhone 3GS. I recharged using the PowerMonkey. I didn't really use the solar cells to recharge the batterypack. I should have run tests. I know it works and works very slowly just not exactly how slowly. I also had my Samson Zoom H2 audio recorder which I very much like except for one thing: the on/off switch. Twice the switch ended up in the "on" position and my batteries drained away twice. Very annoying and it means I have much less high quality audio than I'd like. My aging Canon point-and-shoot 710IS worked as well as I could hope. Nothing special there. Finally, I had the Garmin Colorado 400t which we used to check we hadn't missed the turn for Big Arroyo Junction. I still think the display is lousy and signal acquisition times are woefully slow.

  ** Ken **

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Day 7, The Long Drive Back

We filled our bellies with good food and drink at the Whitney Portal store and zoomed down the mountain at breakneck speed (Andy was at the wheel) towsrds the small town of Lone Pine where we had found, through Matt (and maybe Jen's) work a place to stay. Matt and Adam had a 50s style room I think while the rest of us had a standard modern, Probably overpriced considering the bed and coach/bed options, to spend a night and get ourselves and our clothing clean. I've no doubt we left the bathrooms at least far worse than we found them. All I could really wear were longjohn bottom so I stayed put in the room instead joining others at McDonalds. No real loss. When the laundramat opened in the morning Andy and Konrad were there to do 3 small loads to get our stuff fresh and clean. Cleaned up and comfortable we went for breakfast. Adequate food and mediocre service were our lot at this busy little place. Well you get what you get.

 We planned to take a more round about route back to the other car. Through desert and mountains we would drive pausing at a desert brewery with some tasty and some awful brews and so-so service. It was going to be a long drive since mountain roads are slow and twisty things. I bet after all was said and done we used up three extra hours getting to the grove with the Sherman tree because of how we decided to drive back. Not awful but a long day. Probably especially so for Andy who was doing funky things up front in the passenger seat to not get carsick. Adam was doing his best not to get tossed into me or Konrad.

 After meandering through the park for longer than seemed needful but probably wasn't. We began the drive to Fresno. Campgrounds in the park were full and to be honest I was perfectly fine with this. Matt kept trying to get in touch with Jen to confirm she had managed to get Konrad, Andy, and I a great deal for a Las Vagas room (she had) and to find us a cheaper place in Fresno. Around 11:00PM we pulled into a Four Points and a very nice room awaited us. If doing it again I wish we could have shortened the drive maybe I'm just griping because it is tough to take part in conversations from the back at times.

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** Ken **
 
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Day 6, Mt. Whitney

Midnight. Itvis chillier out now than it was five hours ago but not as cold as I thought it would be. Perhap the big boulder behind me and the low rock wall are blocking the wind. My alarm didn't go off. Not good. I caused it go off and Andy said, "we changed to 2:00AM." so muchbfor trying to help out, back to bed.

 The alarm sounds. It is certainly colder. I have a bit of frost on the quilt. Heavenly bodies ate lower in the sky and nowhere bright enough to see by unaided. Signs of life from the others in our group as we pack up and maybe have a bite to eat before beginning our night hike to the trail junction with the spur trail to the summit of Whitney some 2.9 miles and 1,700 vertical feet above Guitar Lake.

 On with the longjohn pants and puffy jacket. No doubt something will come off when we start to really climb. With Adam leading the way we began our assault on the trail. Darkness surrounded us and we just saw our small headlamp lit worlds. Once in a while a stationary light marked a campsite of some person or group who camped away the bustle, such as it was, of Guitar Lake. I suppose if you get set with water, unreliable after Guitar Lake though this morning we crossed much flowing water, you certainly could camp Brobdingnagian the lake a bit closer to the top of the mountain. The climbing grew steeper and pauses became a bit more frequent to rest. I wondervif anyone else really needed those breaks. But we were making progress. Now and then we would gaze back and see a trail of bobbing lights following our path. A train of orcs someone said. But nothing sinister here.

 Slowly slowly slowly. The sky began to lighten. You could begun to see we had really gained serious ground. Guitar Lake became visible way off in the distance and granite crags nearby became more impressive. The swutchbacks, generally of quite good quality, continued. I plodded on with Matt keeping me company as we worked our way upward. I don't think we were ever terribly far from the others but I am sure the climb took more out of me than them. I was still not 100% and I had pretty much concluded that I would not make the final four mole roundtrip to summit. Maybe I could gave done it. No way I could do it as fast, or likely even close, as the others. If that makes me a wimp so be it.

 It would take us all about three hours to reach the junction sign and find packs of folks who had already begun their summit attempt. The wide rogravel area with cliffs on one side falling away and a cliff on the other blocking any hope of sunshine for hours yet was windy and cold. Quite chilly. At least the others would be moving and staying warm. I just huddled at that spot under my sleeping quilt now and then chatting with the intrepid souls with more omph than I who were readying themselves for their climbs or who were coming back from frigid windy sunrise assaults. Very cold for me (yes in hindsight I should have begun my descent right away. I wasn't having significantmaltitude issues it was more my bowels and concern about being way too slow for the group).

 Video shot near the end of the final switchbacks to the junction.

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I can't believe I neglected to take a photo of the sign. I hope someone else did. Kiss the sign and feel proud because to get this far requires a good bit of work and the descent will be no cakewalk. I feel a bit bad that I've not done the summit but the mountain is not going anywhere. When the boys returned a bit before 11:00AM. Matt and Adam torrme off down the trail while the rest of us tore into my Boars Head sausage first. Then the climb to Trailcrest before the 99 switchbacks down to Trailcamp. Finally sunshine and warmth. The shivers we all had been experiencing faded away. Andy and Konrad pulled ahead and from a switchback below Andy called up to say let's just meet at Whitney Pirtal. Then they pulled ahead. I plodded on. The switchbacks are moderately rocky but the footing is actually not bad. That isn't too say this is an easy teail. It is not. Especially when the sun really begins to best down on you and everything heats up. Down down down. The turns slow me down. Big steps slow me down. A couple bathroom breaks slowed me down. Scores of people passed ne going down. Hordes passed me going up. How do the dayhikers do it? Their roundtrip is about 22 miles with something like 5,000 feet of elevation gain between the summit and Whitney Portal. You don't see them carrying much water let alone cold weather clothing for the top. But hundreds climb this sunbaked rocky trail.
 
I reached Trailcamp and its lake whose name I do not know at 1:00PM. It is a lovely deep blue lake with hard hot rocks surrounding it. Your most pleasant final campsite on this side of the mountain. Sure you could camp near Trailcrest but that'll be chilly and waterless. When I left this lake around 1:30PM I didn't know the toughest bit was yet to come.
 
The hike from Trailcamp enters a section of rocks that pour heat off of themselves. The trail, for me, was tougher here with less good footing. I feltvi did better on the previous section. Worse I managed to not really see the pretty lakes like Mirror Lake as I went by. Sure the spit by Outpost Creek a mile and change from Outpost camp was nice but this section was just hard. By this point in the afternoon the only people I was seeing going up were thise planning to camp. Many more scampered past me on their way down. Some I'd seen heading to the summit hours before. It would take 2.5 hours to reach Outpost camp.
 
That campsite certainly seems pretty enough. Being below treeline makes a world of difference. I passed some folks who recognized me from on high and continued the 3 plus miles down. Finally the footing improved but the trail seemed endless. Climbing up and bit then descending and leveling out as it came to the Lobe Pine Lake and Whitney Portal fork. You stroll a gravel path through lush forest with the sounds of Lobe Pine Creek (I assume) in your ears thinking I must be close. Then you see the mountain valley belie, way below, and you wonder. Switchbacks again. Good footing but I'm still slower than others and these things seem endless. Now and then I would heat a cat engine but it never seems to get closer. On abd on. A long seeming stretch. When I waded the North Fork of Lone Pine creek and passed the signs about permits and entering the John Muir Wilderness I felt I must be close. I was but it didn't feel like it. Just after 6:00PM I walked past the trailhead sign and utterly failed to get an iPhone snapshot to share with you. Minutes later I found the gang sipping drinks and tracking down a hotel for the night. They had been at the store for about 90 minutes. That store is staffed by very helpful people and the Mooseberger was something else ( couldn't quite finish it, remember my system was still not quite right, though better). What a haul this day turned out to be.
 
** Ken **
 
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Day 5, Whitney In View

We would start the day before sunrise. Before twilight. Venus could be seen and the Moon was still up. We awoke around 4:20AM intending to on the trail not long after 5:00 to see how night hiking would work for us. It wasn't cold and there was no wind. We would warm up as we climbed the inutual 700-800 feet over 1,2 miles into the mountains. Adam lead the way with Andy, me, Konrad , and Matt trailing. I followed the red light Andy had turned on and we made surprisingly good progress over the rising trail covering the fistNce in about 50 minutes. A good wak. By this time there was ample light to see trail by and we broke into our usual groups with me last in line. Up the craggy trail we went. I passed a couple near some rocks who I thought had camped there but probably really camped just beyond the chilly waterfall we gathered at 10-15 minutes later on. That was a swift bit of water and slipping off the walking stones would have been very annoying. A windy cold spot at about 7:30. But a good place to fetch water and get ready to climb through the next bit of forest. I was keen to find a sunny spot so I could sit down and have a snack and when a rocky curve presented such a chance I took it.

 Climbing open swutchbacks that would lead to more alpine forest and meadows. Good places for emergency bathroom breaks. Andy and Konrad passed me during such a pause. Oh joy. We mrched on past the sign telling us Crabtree Meadow was 4.4 mes away (I first went down the wrong path causing Andy to come back and look for me. We met at the sign as I was going to ask a backpacker where the proper trail was). More climbing. Walking open level bits baking in the sun. Hello , a pretty stream and a shaded hillside. Lunch spot! I broke out the Jalapeno Jack cheese and Sndy, who HD been dehydrating black beans and beef, fired up his stove for chili. Wonderful long lunch. People passed by and I can only hope they gazed longingly at us eating mouthwatering food.

 At 2:00PM we hauled our butts into Crabtree. I was still feeling bowels issues and the pit toilet was my good friend there. Nice view too. It is a hot hike from the lunch stream to Crabtree. Even though it descends modestly but it felt like such a slog.

 The last stretch to Guitar Lake was surprisingly easy if not straightforward. Sure at times I had to pause in a climb to catch my breath but I covered the distance more quickly than I thought I would and at times I was moving eTher slow on purpose. Guitar Lake looks like it deserves to be explored but unlike Andy and Konrad I didn't leave camp once I arrived. Adam and Matt had been there for hours trying to find shade amongst the rocks. They had dinner ready. I ate modestly and not long after the best alpinglow had faded, long before I bet the campers next door packed it in, I went too bed. After all, I thought we were to rise at midnight for a 1:00AM climb to Trailcrest intersection, 2.9 miles and some 1,700 feet above. Sleep was what I needed.

 Photos are of Guitar Lake. You pass some other fine lakes on that trail nut I'm not sure you can camp at them. timberline Lake struck me as very pretty.

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** Ken **
 
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Heading home

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Day 4, Cold, Hot, and Sharp

I've been a bit behind, though so much better this trip than many recent ones, as I spend a couple hedonistic days in Las Vagas at Thehotel at Mandalay Bay. I've been mediocre for the casinos as I've barely gambled a buck. But the testuraunts are doing well by me as did the spa. But I find I have time to kill so let's do somerthing useful and write about the fourth day of the hike.

 We would leave Moraine Lake around sunrise. That might sound exceedingly early but it gave us the chance to dawdle at Kern Hot Springs and take our time strolling up the river valley later on and not bake too much in the heat. It would be a 14 mile day.

 Matt and I would leave first with the sun dappling the forest and now and then blinding us. Colors shifted from dusky to vibrant as we passed Sky Meadow (sp) which is an enticing spot even though it is a dry lake. The hiking is not bad until you get to the big descent of the day down into the Kern river valley. Over the next couple miles you drop a couple thousand feet into even more verdent forest. Photo 1 gives just a hint of an idea. Around 9:00AM Matt and I had made it to the bottom. We hadn't stopped much. A photo here and there and moments to marvel at how deep the valley was and maybe for me to catch my breath.

 As we walked through the forest amongst some big boulders we were leapfrogged by Adam, Andy, and Konrad. It isn't a race and we would be on their heels when we came out to a more open area with superb views of a long waterfall cascading off the cliffs from whence we had come. The cold Kern flowed off to one side and we strolled though a sandy wash across the bridge and then as I climbed into a new bit of forest I was callesmd by the others who were already settling into the hot and warm pools of Kern Hot Springs (video). We would hang out here for varying amounts if time with Adam and Matt leaving first, then me just before noon, and the rest a little later.

 To the right and just above the rocks at the river's edge amid the grass and oozing warm mud is a reddish wood structure concealing a tub big enough for one that is full of water that is probably 110-114 degrees. Plenty darn hot. A metal bucket, with a hole in it, can be used too fetch cold water and you can plug the hot flow but the tub will always be hot. Relaxing too once you adjust. Peaceful. But if it is too hot shift to the warm pool below and let your cares float awaybon the crystal clear surging water. The occassional burstvof hot water only adds pleassure to the experience. The infrequent sulfurous burst just adds flavor to a rich varied experience. Is anyone really surprised we hung out as long as we did.

Photo 1: gazing down into the Kern River valley.

Photo 2: Forests along the trail as I walked northerly towsrds camp. When not in a forest you were on open hot ground. Always within earshot of the river though often well above the rushing waters.
 
Ker Hot Springs Video

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8 miles of level and gently ascending terrain must be trod to reach the bear lockers at Big Junction Campsite. It is deceptively easy walking because often you have no shade from trees against the sun. But you do have many, likely not year round as they're not on the map, streams to give you relief. I'm told they can all be forded without getting your feet wet. Hah. The first one, just minutes out of the hot springs, was above my knee deep and I saw no obvious safe dry ford.
 
When I walked by a cateract I thought Andy meant for us to have lunch I dissmissed it since it was in hot sun and lacked water access. I kept going. Working my way north listening to the watervon my left and wading through streams. Lunch at a bug stream whose name I'll determine sometime later. Where are Andy and Kobrad? I'll leave a note. At least then they'll know what is up.
 
On I went as clouds built up to the north and west. I thought I felt a drop of water on my arm but ignored it. Another cool dropon my arm, surely that cNt be sweat. Another minute went by and the quiet afterrnoon continued with another cool droplet. A sun shower barely worth the term was raking place. I was provably within 1.5 miles of camp. My final creek crossing of the wide shallow creek (Whitney perhaps) took longer than it should have as I pondered where the trail was. I forged across and found the trail where it should be and moments later I found Matt and Adam (he was napping in their tent). A half hour or so later a slightly irked Andy with Konrad came in. He was miffed cause he hadn't found me at the lunch spot he thought we should be at. He had said first water crossing I had heard first waterfall. Miscommunication. He never saw my note (the group we had been following, or were they following us, did find the note). Then the hail and rain came down. Sounded line frying bacon on my shelter whereby honkered down to keep dry.
 
The evening campfire was small but kept dome of the bugs at bay as we talked about the day. Cheered the fat with a hiker travelling in tshirts and jeans, and learned how Jack's repaired outersole-less shoes were faring. Aong day but a saticefying one.
 
 
** Ken **
 
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Day 3, Moraine Lake

This was slated to be a short day of about 7 miles of hiking with the first couple climbing switchbacks several hundred feet and then a longer gradual descent through forests and open meadows to the large lake. As such we were slow to rise and get on the trail I think it was near 9:30AM when I left camp (remember Andy, Kobrad, and I didn't arrive at camp last night until just after 9:00PM so a late start was good anyway). The climb stretches over a couple miles and probably rises near 1,000 feet. Like everything here it is sprinkled with stream crossing so you need not carry much water if you so desire. In fact Andy and Konrad just carry half liter flashs and would guzzle an extra half liter at water stops. I don't recall the climb having anything memorable along it. No great sights , sounds, or scents. Yes, I said scents. It was, as a single example, great to walk through patches of mint as we plodded out and up from Hamilton Lake.

 I would leapfrog with Abdy and Konrad for the next couple hours as we worked our way over the mountain. By noon I had topped out and they caught up to me 15 minutes later. That would be our pattern for the day. When I caught up to them an hour or so later we settled down by a small creek for a lazy lunch (photo). It was after this I would meet the mule train. It was also after this that my bowels started to have some issues that were just annoying because of lack of warning (enough said). That would slow me down and make our final arrival a bit later than it would otherwise have been. Those last couple dusty miles to the lake were a drag.

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Moraine Lake is surrounded by pleasant forest and good campsites. Too bad it didn't have a vault toilet like we had at Hamilton. But this lake is emmenently swimmable and sp a fine place to wash trail grime away and at least feel like you might be clean. I was feeling a bit conked so I don't have photos to share but as the sun set the colors changed to deep orange and the lake refkected lovely alpine scenery. I think I have been to more picturesque lakes but this is a very fine camping area indeed.
 
We would end our might again with a campfire. One advantage of having hikers like Adam and Matt along is that they get into camp so early they have time to do camp tasks like find goood firewood thus allowing those of us who arrive later to enjoy a fire I doubt we would ever bother to build. Falling asleep with a riding moon shining into my shelter was a treat.
 
 ** Ken **
 
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Day 3, Moraine Lake

This was slated to be a short day of about 7 miles of hiking with the first couple climbing switchbacks several hundred feet and then a longer gradual descent through forests and open meadows to the large lake. As such we were slow to rise and get on the trail I think it was near 9:30AM when I left camp (remember Andy, Kobrad, and I didn't arrive at camp last night until just after 9:00PM so a late start was good anyway). The climb stretches over a couple miles and probably rises near 1,000 feet. Like everything here it is sprinkled with stream crossing so you need not carry much water if you so desire. In fact Andy and Konrad just carry half liter flashs and would guzzle an extra half liter at water stops. I don't recall the climb having anything memorable along it. No great sights , sounds, or scents. Yes, I said scents. It was, as a single example, great to walk through patches of mint as we plodded out and up from Hamilton Lake.

 I would leapfrog with Abdy and Konrad for the next couple hours as we worked our way over the mountain. By noon I had topped out and they caught up to me 15 minutes later. That would be our pattern for the day. When I caught up to them an hour or so later we settled down by a small creek for a lazy lunch (photo). It was after this I would meet the mule train. It was also after this that my bowels started to have some issues that were just annoying because of lack of warning (enough said). That would slow me down and make our final arrival a bit later than it would otherwise have been. Those last couple dusty miles to the lake were a drag.

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Moraine Lake is surrounded by pleasant forest and good campsites. Too bad it didn't have a vault toilet like we had at Hamilton. But this lake is emmenently swimmable and sp a fine place to wash trail grime away and at least feel like you might be clean. I was feeling a bit conked so I don't have photos to share but as the sun set the colors changed to deep orange and the lake refkected lovely alpine scenery. I think I have been to more picturesque lakes but this is a very fine camping area indeed.
 
We would end our might again with a campfire. One advantage of having hikers like Adam and Matt along is that they get into camp so early they have time to do camp tasks like find goood firewood thus allowing those of us who arrive later to enjoy a fire I doubt we would ever bother to build. Falling asleep with a riding moon shining into my shelter was a treat.
 
 ** Ken **
 
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Correct Day Two Audio

I posted the wrong audio in the Day Two posts. That audio is actually for later in the trip. Here is the right one. You'll see how this audio makes much more sense in the context of the second day. But don't forget to listen to the other one again when I get to our trek from Moraine Lake to Junction Meadow past Kern Hot Sprinfs on day 4.

 End of Day Two Audio

  
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** Ken **
 
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Day 2: an Eventful Day Bearpaw to Big Arroyo Junction

  
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With that recording an eventful day would ginally end. We would get our shelters set up and Adam and Natt would feed us Mac n Cheese as we regailed them with the story of what forced us to go "hard core." but those events were late in the day and it is best to start with the morning at first light.
 
We all wot fairly well. Andy and Konrad were unlucky enough to have to move their Tarptent Squall to a flatter spit do they would slide all over the slick silnylon floor but that was only a minor annoyance. We put our feet on the trail around 7:00AM. Our goal was about 11 miles away and we would have considerable climbing, notably From Hamilton Lake to Precipice Lake and the Kevawah (sp) Gap, to do. Far more elevation change than yesterday even though that day was lenghthened to mealy 13 miles.
 
Leaving Bearpaw we woukd pass above the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, oh the smell of cooking meat for the hikers staying there, winding out way along the mountain side heading towsrds our first bug site and corresponding climb/descent onto a gorge. Phew. But what a raging river to see (Lone Pine Creek). Pausing at a stream and rock outcrop we could gaze back and easily pick out Bearpaw which was quite close as the crow flues but had required mire than two miles of steady walking (photo 1).

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Day 2 part 2

See the photos from part one (previous post).

 We left the stream and headed to what is certainly one of the prettier backcountry lakes around: Hamilton Lake. You have dome climbing to do

  ** Ken **

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Day 2 part 3 )

(I hit send to fast last time, again, so refer to part one for the photos).

 See the photos from part one (previous post).

 We left the stream and headed to what is certainly one of the prettier backcountry lakes around: Hamilton Lake. You have dome climbing to do
 to reach the lake and first you pass what I think of as Lower Hamilton Lake (photo 4). Hamilton Lake is very pretty and probably sported. Great swimming had we taken the time to swim. It was a fine place to rest for a bit and gather strength for the 200 foot climb to Kaweah Gap ( this on top of the 1000 foot climb from Lone Pine creek earlier). The climb bid exposed and makes the ascent in little more than two miles. Fortunately their are streams along the way and a couple lakes. But it is s tough slog. Draining. Tiring. It must be brutal for trail crews who hail jackhammers up to break rocks and improve trail. We saw just suvh a crew perhaps a third of the way up.

 Reaching the unnamed tarn was a nice place to stop though getting water would have been tough. On we went up and up. Somewhere I got confused andistook the uphill trail for what I'd just walked and failed to see the actual trail. I just saw a rock outcrop that kinda had potential. I was phlomuxed and zandy and Konrad came back down looking for me. I should have realized my error but did not. We lost a good hour on my mistake and Andy and Konrad had to come track me down. We got to Precipice Lake which is a fine deep dark clear yarn that I could see being a good place to camp ad long as you don't mind camping under the stars sans shelter. We still had a few hundred feet to climb to the gap before hiking the 3,4 or so miles to Nig Arroyo Junction. It was about 6:20PM. The walk through the valley was actually quite nice ad the sun colored the mountains in front of us (photo 2). The walkng went on and on and the light faded from dusk to dark and we stilll weren't at the campsite. Wr slowed down so as not to miss the turn and so I could hike safely in the dark. It was quite something to pull our tired legs into camp and find Matt and Adam by a campfire ready to get some Mac n Cheese warmed up for us. Though the day was long and tough it ended well and we all came through it well. In some ways this day of hiking would rate as the hardest of the trip.

   ** Ken **

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High Sierras Trip, The First Couple Days

As you already know our trip in the High Sierras came off quite well I eont say without a hitch but that us getting sheadvof the story. Let us instead start mirevor less at the beginning.

 On our first full day Andy, Matt, and Konrad took on the necessary if inorous chore of shuttling a car to Whitney Portal. That left Ad and me with the day to ourselves. We couldn't get a park shuttle until 1:00PM so we had a languid morning at the hotel pool. The shuttle is effecienr and hair raising. The drive up the twisty mountain road, The Dragon, could make some carsick. Adam and I scored a bit of luck when the driver told us tobstay on as hecwas going the Lidgepole Pibd campground for lunch. We saved quite a bit of time.

 That left us the chance to check out the Dakoopta (sp) Trail. After a wrong start that had us going off route across the river we found our way to the nice trail. Sad to say the big waterfall and pool we were expecting didn't appear but on put return hike a mother bear and her cub did. Quite a sight and fairly close and clearly unconcerned by our presence.

 Our next day, day two, would mark the stsrt of the actual hike. We began at Wolverton creek taking theWolverton Creek trail, I think, to Panther Gap (photo 3). That hike through open pine forest was a real treat and the expansive view at the gap was an excellent indicator of things to come. We would hike down to the High Sierra Trail and once on it never leave it until the end of the trip. We fell into our style of hiking qu kly with Adam and zmatt pushing ahead while the rest ofvus maintained a slower pace sometimes with me playing the tail sometimes Andy and zkobrad holding that spot (though as a rule I'm the slowpoke of the group). When we eventually came to the granite slab shores of Buck Creek we quicly decided to the on to Bearpaw. That meant suffering a steep climb into the woods and s meandering hike to Bearpaw but the reward would be a better campsite, a shorter day tomorrow, and some good camp chatter with neighbors around their campfire.

P

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** Ken **
 
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High Sierras Trip, the first couple days

As you already know our trip in the High Sierras came off quite well I eont say without a hitch but that us getting sheadvof the story. Let us instead start mirevor less at the beginning.

 On our first full day Andy, Matt, and Konrad took on the necessary if inorous chore of shuttling a car to Whitney Portal. That left Ad and me with the day to ourselves. We couldn't get a park shuttle until 1:00PM so we had a languid morning at the hotel pool. The shuttle is effecienr and hair raising. The drive up the twisty mountain road, The Dragon, could make some carsick. Adam and I scored a bit of luck when the driver told us tobstay on as hecwas going the Lidgepole Pibd campground for lunch. We saved quite a bit of time.

 That left us the chance to check out the Dakoopta (sp) Trail. After a wrong start that had us going off route across the river we found our way to the nice trail. SAlt the big waterfall and pool we were expecting didn't appear but on put return hike a mother bear and her cub did. Quite a sight and fairly close and clearly unconcerned by our presence.

 Our next day, day two, would mark the stsrt of the actual hike. We began at Wolverton creek taking the Alta trail, I think, to Panther Gap (photo 3). That hike through open pine forest was a real treat and the expansive view at the gap was an excellent indicator of things to come. We would hike down to the High Sierra Trail and once on it never leave it until the end of the trip. We fell into our style of hiking qu kly with Adam and zmatt pushing ahead while the rest ofvus maintained a slower pace sometimes with me playing the tail sometimes Andy and zkobrad holding that spot (though as a rule I'm the slowpoke of the group). When we eventually came to the granite slab shores of Buck Creek we quicly decided to the on to Bearpaw. That meant suffering a steep climb into the woods and s meandering hike to Bearpaw but the reward would be a better campsite, a shorter dAy tomorrow, , and some good camp chatter with neighbors around their campfire.

P

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** Ken **
 
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Getting there

We are getting there today bis the shuttle day. But for Adam and me we will headcto the park via the park shuttle and get settled there. Logistics make thecworld go round.

  
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** Ken **
 
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Into Sequoia Natuonal Park

We had timeto kill so after leaving the fruit stand we climbed into the Sierras, climbing to around 6000 feet and dropping 30 degrees. The clouds had rolled in but the mid 50s air felt gone to use ad wr walked the sandy Grants Grove. It is busy there but you can't help but feel awe as you look ip and up and around at the massive red-brown trunks of trees a couple hundred feet tall and seval feet in diameter.

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Photos:
 
The cabin of Israel Galman (sp) who ran cattle amongst the grand trees in the 1870s.
 
Me at the Welcome sign.
 
The video is one of the first Sequioa you see on the path.

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IMG_0926.MOV (788 KB)

** Ken **
 
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Fruit in A Small Town

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Minkler , California , population 30. This bustling fruit stand features post laden with business cards Fromm all across The States and the world. I picked up some huge peaches aand nectorines as well as some truely tasty red grapes. Wash them in the wishing/washing well and you have a fine treat. Especially fine since I didn't eat on the flights to here.

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IMG_0919.MOV (1830 KB)

** Ken **
 
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Going to California ((tag: hst2009)

While I am not expecting to find a girl with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair like Led Zeppelin sang about decades ago I do fully expect to have a grand time exploring a new portion of the country. Who knows maybe I'll strike it lucky and those wistful musing of the song will come true for me, but like most adventurous travelers who went seeking their fortunes 150 years ago I reckon I will have to settle for something less. Unlike most of those people I won't be selling everything to make this trip, I am not seeking a fortune in gold, and the whole trip will only last a couple of weeks. I fully expect to come away though with a wealth of new memories and that will be very worthwhile.

I'm going to join 4 other people and together we will hike about 75 miles along the High Sierra Trail. This will be a completely new area for me. Sure I have backpacked in the mountains before but I haven't been to this area and from everything I have been told I am looking forward to this trip.

I will be going moderately light but not incredibly light. It looks like my total weight, the from skin-out weight, will be about 26 pounds. This includes an average of a liter of water. At worst I'll start out closer to 28 pounds as I may end up adding more food to my kit then I think I will right now. I could have lightened up this load a few pounds with some different gear choices. For example, I was originally planning to use my Gossamer Gear Maraposa backpack but have instead elected to use my McHale Speed Bump which is about 2 pounds heavier. But I think the Speed Bump will be more comfortable over the weeklong trip.

For those that care my key gear choices look like this:

Shelter - I'm trying out, for the first time, a Mountain Laurel Designs Trailstar. I'll bring a 6x3 foot piece of Tyvek to serve as a floor. This shelter is, in some ways, overkill. It's certainly more spacious than just one person needs. But I like my space. I also am hoping to get a sense of how well it works on a long trip because I fully expect to take it to Scotland next year should I be able to take part in the TGO Challenge (I'll substitute the Tyvek floor with some sort of bug bivy). This will weigh in at about 700 grams with a complete set of stakes and plenty of guyline (including extra lines in case some lines fray).

Sleep System - My GoLite Ultra 20° Quilt combined with my Pacific Outdoor Equipment InsulMat will form the basis of my sleep system. Since I am planning for temperatures that could dip down well into the 20's I am bringing along my down balaclava from Nunatak and synthetic fill Integral Designs Hot Socks.. I will also have a set of Smartwool longjohn pants and top. This is almost certainly way more sleep gear than I need. I sleep warm. But the pants will serve double duty in early morning or evening before the day really warms up into the warmer temps.

Clothing - I'll typically be wearing hiking short, a t-shirt and/or longsleeve shirt (Thorofare shirt), Keen sandals, Tilley Hat. I'll be carrying some socks, a Cocoon Pullover, the longjohn tops and bottoms (maybe I'll ditch the top as excessive).

Food - Nothing to exciting here.

Other Stuff - I'll be taking my usual crop of electronics: Canon Powershot camera, iPhone 3GS, Samson Zoom H2 audio recorder, and a solar charger that may or may not do much good.

With any luck I'll be able to stay in touch with everyone via the intrusion of cellular towers into the wilderness. Personally I will be a bit surprised if I have coverage but who knows perhaps being above treeline will make a difference as I trod through the mountains.  Keep an eye on this Posterous blog but don't forget to look for the possible AudioBoo audio podcast. Also look for me on Twitter, username: kenknight.

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Have You Seen Me

As many of you know I was lost off the Appalachian Trail at the end of last April. I ended up being lost for a week. This is not about the incident itself. A lot can be said about how that happened but this is not the place for that. 

Upon my return friends through a Lost and Found party for me and Ron and Anita gave me this milk carton. While I believe the initial idea may have been Ron's it was Anita who pulled it all together. I think this shows the creative desire of people in a wonderful way. It provides a release of emotion that is healthy for the creator and for all those who see it.

I was, as many of you know, touched by all the people who came down to help in the search for me. I also was quite happy, even if it was a bit of a tease in some ways, to receive this milk carton along with the feelings that inspired its creation. I do believe that being able to come home to welcoming friends and family was a very good thing for me.

Milk Carton Ken

Enjoy!

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Aquapac 104 photos

Somehow I failed to copy the photos into the email I was writing for the Aquapac review. Or, perhaps, the iPhone didn't copy them from the initial email. Whatever the reason here they are. Remember I shot them from the bow of a moving sailboat. The first photo is taken withe Aquapac and the second is naked.

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** Ken **
 
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Aquapac 104 Mini Review

I purchased an Awuapac not long ago and quickly discovered how stIcky that generation was. I commented on thus and Aquapac wrote back saying they'de like to send me a newly available version which uses a new plastic that is leaps and bounds less sticky. That is very good customer service. I have no problem lauding such actions.

 The new model #104 came and it is vastly less sticky then the previous incarnation. The phone doesn't slide in smooth as silk but it is certainly no struggle to get my iPhone 3GS into the sack. It is also considerably easier to remove the phone from the bag.

 While I bought the Aquapac for it's waterproofness I must note that I am not writing this commentary with that in mind. The bag passed the bubble test and that is as far as I've tested it so far. The other key feature of Aquapacs is the clear plastic they use. It is supposed to be very optically clear and especially with a phone like this I believe that is an important feature. You be the judge of these couple videos and photos.
  Photo 1 is shot through the Awuapac and photo 2 is shot sans sack. Keep in mind I was sitting on the bow of a moving sailboat.

 The video is shot through the Aquapac.

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IMG_0886.MOV (2133 KB)

** Ken **
 
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Riverfolk Music Festival - Main Event

During the first weekend of August for the past several years Manchester, Michigan has opened up Carr Park for the Riverfolk Music and Arts Festival. Organized by Mark and Carol Palms this festival has become a local favorite for people who enjoy all sorts of roots-based music. At any given moment you might get to listen to bluegrass, cajun, folk, celtic, or something completely unexpected. The bulk of the festival takes place on Saturday with performances at a main stage plus additional events that take place devoted to children, workshops for dance, and much more. Their is something for everyone. In the past I have volunteered at the festival but this year I came as a patron to both the Friday night party and the main festival day.

Although I was only able to catch the evening set (and had to miss the grand finale) I completely enjoyed myself and believe the audience around me did as well.

Riverfolk Music Festival, 2009—Main Event

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Riverfolk Music Festival - The Night Before

The Riverfolk Music and Arts Festival takes place the first weekend of August in Manchester, Michigan. Join me as I soak in a little fun and frolic at the party that takes place Friday night to open up the festival. Music, dancing, food, and a lively atmosphere help get people in the mood for this annual enjoyable weekend.

Night Before Riverfolk, 2009

Enjoy!

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