http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php RSS Feed - WhitneyZone General Discussion WhitneyZone Message Board - UBB.threads(tm) http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24103/Re_2012_Whitney_Hike_Calendar#Post24103 Posted by calsurfer:
I will be going from Onion Valley to Mt Whitney with the family August 12-18th. Then a day hike up the main trail September 17th. Happy Hiking, Scott]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 18:08:16 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24097/Re_Yosemite_Fewer_People_Shoul#Post24097 Posted by dbd:
[quote=Steve C] ... I don't believe there are any examples of any trail quota being expanded or rules relaxed. That is what has me so frustrated -- I am afraid they are cutting off access for thousands of people, and that access will NEVER be returned. [/quote] We only want there to be quota if the is a reason based on harm to the resource or danger to the visitors. We should see no relaxation in a quota unless public interest drops to make the quota unnecessary, the increase in traffic is necessary to provide for the good of the resource or safety of the visitors :) , or unless we have "paved paradise and put up a parking lot" and need new rules. The cables are of course a pavement and parking lot. [quote=Steve C]I just don't understand why so many here continue to swat this idea down. ...why so many are so sure all the Half Dome hikers are flipflop tourists who need to be "protected" from all risks. It would be so easy to encourage the park service to just try it -- for just one week ...even for a day. What could that hurt? I am baffled. [/quote] If it would be so easy, why don't you try to make a complete statement of what the rules and enforcement would be? Then we could consider if it were "easy" or believable and how many parking lot attendants it would take to make it work and how many parking lot attendants we want in the wilderness. You might also take a look at the reasons for dismissing "Control Timing of Use" in the EA (Half Dome Trail Stewardship Plan EA) at page 2-14 available at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=347&projectID=29443&documentID=44771 Dale B. Dalrymple]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 14:39:53 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24094/Re_Late_May_Summit_via_John_Mu#Post24094 Posted by saltydog:
Its a beauty. Easy acclimatization, too. Starts out just over 6000 and only goes to 8240 at Hamilton, but the scenery, dramatic exposures and terrain rival that found at much higher elevations on other trails. Then Kaweah Gap is only 10,700 or so, dropping after that down to just above treeline for a good stretch along the upper reaches of Big Arroyo. Finishes at Whitney, of course, but gets there soon enough over days by very manageable increments. This is the MWT for me.]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 13:58:39 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24092/Re_Link_to_face_in_rock_at_tra#Post24092 Posted by Steve C:
I just found this picture from Kali Captain, May 15, 2010, from his [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/kali_captain/sets/72157623951984529/with/4613638013/]Mt Whitney Hike[/url] set. [img]http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4065/4613638013_f1f4035774_z.jpg[/img]]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 13:45:52 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24083/Re_Two_Firsts_in_One_Trip#Post24083 Posted by MooseTracks:
[quote=Burchey]Careful Laura, you need to work on your game. I need to chase, and you sound like you're not running any more. I might lose interest. [/quote] I was just giving you a few minutes to catch up. ;) ]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 08:54:17 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24079/Re_quot_Low_Snow_Year_quot#Post24079 Posted by MooseTracks:
Just a little something out of Tuolumne from last weekend... [url=http://gallery.me.com/moosetracksca#100107]Getting Stronger.[/url] ]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 07:18:35 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24069/Re_Wild_Cheryl_Strayed_on_the_#Post24069 Posted by Bee:
[i]The High Adventure of Eric Ryback[/i]: sort of the king of this genre. I inherited a a whole library of first edition paperbacks and I stumbled onto this one a few years ago (along with [i]The Tracker[/i], [i]SAS Survival Guide[/i], [i]Anarchist Cookbook[/i]....I digress..) ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 22:10:11 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24054/Re_cooking_allowed_at_campsite#Post24054 Posted by MichaelRyanSD:
To answer your question, NO there is no open camp fires on the Whitney Main Trail, I distinctly remember seeing a sign at Trail camp that said that. ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 14:15:47 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24038/Re_Panorama_Trail_Question#Post24038 Posted by CaliHawk:
That is an awesome hike. I did it last July on a super hot day. Even then two Nalgene bottles were enough (and I require more than average water). I also got to see a giant rattlesnake (which I thought was rare in Yosemite) near the bridge near the Happy Isles Nature center. ]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 10:58:19 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24037/Re_Current_Conditions_Mt_Whitn#Post24037 Posted by eddie:
Ryan, I went up the chute. I had the gear but thought if switchbacks was passable why not. Use caution on the traverse between Trail Crest and summit, There are some snow covered icy sections that narrows the trail to almost nothing.]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 10:43:54 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/24014/Re_trails_south_of_Post_Peak_L#Post24014 Posted by RoguePhotonic:
Nice job. Now you can certify us in the field. :D]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 23:34:02 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23961/Re_HSHA_Lawsuit#Post23961 Posted by Bob West:
A bill (H.R. 4849)that would allow commercial packing permits before a ruling on the HSHA lawsuit, passed the House of Representatives on April 27th, and is awaiting passage by the Senate. California Senators Feinstein and Boxer are working to support passage of the bill in the Senate. Supporters of commercial packing are hopeful the bill will pass in the Senate in time for packing to resume as soon as possible. Last year, because of the heavy snow pack, the packing and hiking season started late, impacting commerical guiding services. They need a good season to help recover from their losses last year. The rapid melting of this year's light snow pack will ensure an early start to hiking and packing. ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 07:14:47 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23951/Re_Hiking_Mt_Whitney_in_May_13#Post23951 Posted by wbtravis:
Microspikes are going to be needed at minimum, if you are going in the next week. If you are unfamiliar with MMWT, the route of travel until the trail opens beyond the cables is up the chute, which requires crampons and axe to be done safely. If the trail has been force through the cable, you will still need Microspikes for a while. The 97 Switchbacks on a north wall, more or less and it take while for that to melt off. If you get a map, you'll see what I mean. Although the 97 Switchbacks is the most fretted about area there are a could of other areas along the trail that will get you to pucker, if you are not properly prepared.]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 17:14:53 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23945/Re_Caltrans_proposes_increase_#Post23945 Posted by + @ti2d:
There was a speed limit through Independence? Oh, well, hi, Mr. CHP officer! :whistle: There is also a school to consider regarding the safety of the students. Also there are crosswalks where ALL pedestrians in every CALIFORNIA municipality have the right-of-way.]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:57 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23915/Re_shuttle_service_in_Bishop#Post23915 Posted by rpm:
So are you starting at South Lake, then finish at North Lake? Is there an advantage to the different trailheads? I hiked Bishop Pass last fall and it was pretty mellow until you reached the actually pass. I'm not sure it would make a difference, probably depend on what permits are available for the trailheads. ]]> Sat, 12 May 2012 15:52:17 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23906/Re_Wilderness_Volunteer_Ranger#Post23906 Posted by Steve C:
I looked Ken up while he was in Fresno, working with Shane K at the The [url=http://www.trailcrew.org/]High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew[/url] office and warehouse. Great talking to both Ken and Shane. I'm going to try to get my family involved in one of their summer trail projects. Shane K, Steve C, Ken M. [img]http://stevec.smugmug.com/Other/whitney/i-BDWvsQR/1/M/P1050672-M.jpg[/img] Sawyer Ken -- Getting ready for the crosscut saw course he's teaching. [img]http://stevec.smugmug.com/Other/whitney/i-T8RCcLx/1/M/P1050671-M.jpg[/img] ]]> Sat, 12 May 2012 00:28:39 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23877/Re_December_wind_storm#Post23877 Posted by Steve C:
Inyo has a web page on work progress for the cleanup.: [url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/home/?cid=stelprdb5355082]Wind Storm of November 2011[/url] And here's a link to "[url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5367033.pdf]Work Progress Details[/url]" A picture from the Work Progress details "[b]This worker is actually standing on a trail[/b]" [img]http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/gallery/12/full/434.jpg[/img] ]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 00:24:24 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23874/Re_Permit_Logistics_Questions#Post23874 Posted by Steve C:
[quote=amg]I was just checking recreation.gov for a friend, and it looks like people are starting to cancel, as there are some spots available for june and early july. There are even overnight permits for saturday and sunday june 23-24. [/quote]Cool! I got word today that they were fixing a glitch in the system where group size reductions were not being returned to the system. Maybe they fixed it today, so there are a significant number available. ...or maybe not, and there will continue to be some available. [i]I hope it is this case.[/i]]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 21:59:04 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23863/Re_1_or_2_Hiking_Partners_Need#Post23863 Posted by MooseTracks:
[quote=Burchey]I feel your pain, m'brother. A friend wants me to semi-guide her up Whitney at some point, but I have to track down others to go with us out of respect for the lady. Little does she know, we're all just going to make out in one big sleeping bag made for 3-4 people. [/quote] Again, I'm hurt. Still waiting on that invite... ]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 13:37:41 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23860/Re_Are_trekking_poles_necessar#Post23860 Posted by wazzu:
[quote=tdtz] and [b][i]tassles on the handles [/i][/b]and a big ole horn. kinda like the PeeWee Herman bicycle of trekking poles. [/quote] tdtz, you mean something like these: [img]http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/gallery/12/medium/152.jpg[/img] There not too many poles that are day glo yellow with orange racing strips out there. ]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 13:21:53 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23856/Re_Over_the_Edge_Death_in_the_#Post23856 Posted by Fishmonger:
it's a sport [img]http://tackytouristphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Grand-Canyon-Fall-x.jpg[/img] [img]http://tackytouristphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Grand-Canyon-Fall-Zackin-2x.jpg[/img] ]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 10:23:26 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23846/Re_EXPOSURE_amp_OTHER_DIFFICUL#Post23846 Posted by RenoFrank:
I just returned from my trip to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon. The Narrows was not considered 'cause the water aspect of that hike made my wife nervous. Maybe at another time for me. Our first hike was Angels Landing. I was surprised to find that the final .7 mile of trail was at least 10 feet wide average. There were very few spots where you could look down the edge. We quickly made the summit focusing on the trail. However the exposure on another Zion hike was a factor. We combined Observation Point and Hidden Canyon. We felt we were "on the edge" many times. And at Grand Canyon constant attention was a must or your next step could be 5,000 ft. We went a short ways down South Kaibab Trail and also down Grandview Trail to Horseshoe mesa.]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 09:01:33 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23757/Re_Bears_In_Yosemite#Post23757 Posted by Wayne:
I found a cave not too far from the cabins on the south side in Yosemite Valley. As I entered the cave, I was on the lookout for bears, but, thankfully, there weren't any. However, as I turned around inside the entrance, here was a bear making his way straight to the cave. I was trapped. I immediately raised my arms high over my head (I can't remember if I yelled), getting the bear's attention. He stood up and faced me, then tore out to his right as I tore out in the opposite direction back to the cabins! Quite an adenaline rush!]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 19:49:12 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23748/Re_Hiker_trash_WAG_BAGs#Post23748 Posted by CaT:
"DPH" -- ROFLOL!!! I personally like the numbered wag bag-linked to the permit idea, which has been mentioned more than once in these discussions over the months. It shouldn't be too difficult to implement. As for backwash smell, my recollection of using these was that not only do they contain an effective smell-absorbing cat-litter-like substance (which allows for multiple uses of the same bag incidentally), but also that the plastic bags seal well enough (and the plastic is thick enough) so that the smell doesn't get out. Even assuming it did get out, I'm pretty sure the odor would quickly dissipate in the dry mountain air and would be be limited to possibly the first couple of feet behind the hiker carrying it, and unless another hiker was continuously tailgating the allegedly odiferous bag at [u]very[/u] close range without either falling back out of "smell range" or just passing the hiker carrying the bag, then lack of common sense would seem to prevail at that point. Actually, I would think those MT dayhikers who want to use only modern sanitation facilities would be at high risk in this discussion. Since there are no such facilities on the MT, 22+ sometimes jarring miles over a very full day is a long way to go for most people without the use of any such facilities or without digging a cat-hole or using a wag bag. CaT]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 14:13:42 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23732/Re_Non_technical_peak_near_Bis#Post23732 Posted by CaT:
SammySam - The Moose lives in Bishop, and the mountains you are asking about are her "back yard", so you've come to the right place. :) CaT]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 10:55:50 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23717/Re_Mt_Langley#Post23717 Posted by RadGnar:
Awesome news! Now we will get some TRs from that area. I will be sure to post one as well (may 28th - may 30th). -Cody]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 06:54:32 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23554/Re_Bishop_Pass_Mt_Agassiz_Mt_G#Post23554 Posted by Bob West:
Current sensor data for the Bishop Pass instumentation (11,200 ft at Bishop Lakes): http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryDaily?BSH Snow depth at the top of the pass (@12,000 ft) will be a little more than what the sensor shows. Skiers and snowshoers have been up and over the pass in the last two weeks. A few days ago, reports were indicating solid, patchy snow early morning, and post-holing after noon. Yes, some boots prints in the snow on the switchbacks below the top, but don't count on it remaining. Try to stay on or near the trail above Bishop Lakes, to avoid the major rock-slide area. Snow is melting fast and run-off is acclerating. ]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 11:40:26 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23552/Re_Anyone_have_room_in_their_g#Post23552 Posted by wbtravis:
Yes, the rangers check permits. I think I've been checked 5 of 7 times on the MMWT...once by our own Ranger Bob. One of the those times I was not checked was in May during the week, which really doesn't count.]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 08:09:53 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23542/Re_Everest_Presentation_at_A16#Post23542 Posted by Cindy Abbott:
[quote=SoCalGirl]Cindy... are you coming to San Diego by any chance? [/quote] Nothing scheduled yet. Life is even crazier than it was now that I have added training in Alaska. But as crazy as it is - it just keeps getting more amazing! ]]> Thu, 03 May 2012 18:08:13 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23513/Re_First_Mt_Whitney_now_Mt_Elb#Post23513 Posted by Joel M. Baldwin:
[quote=Steve C]There is weak cellular service on the summit for some companies. Does the Kindle use cellular? [/quote] The 3G versions do.]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 16:07:31 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23507/Re_Tioga_Road_Opening_May_7th#Post23507 Posted by + @ti2d:
HOT DAMMMMMMMMM!!!!! Release the HOUNDS!!!!!!]]> Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:58 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23488/Re_2012_Whitney_Lottery_inform#Post23488 Posted by Steve C:
GK wrote: > [color:#000099][i]Are the "4 avail for walk-in the day before the hike" something new?[/i][/color] No. It has always been that way for the North Fork Lone Pine Creek (and most other trails in Inyo National Forest, EXCEPT the Main Mt Whitney Trail).]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 22:59:08 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23465/Re_Whitney_1_day_Hike_Training#Post23465 Posted by wbtravis:
Fax machine? What's that? In this day and age of no mo' land line. Yeah, I know you can do it by the internet and request drop box...or just call. Vivian Creek is the only trail that you cannot self permit. The rest you can. I like the roads less traveled and the prettier ones. That best describes the west end of the SGW. I did not see anyone on Forsee Creek Trail Saturday...I did not even see anyone footprints attempting to cross the snow at 8,300' to 8,600' to go higher.]]> Tue, 01 May 2012 08:06:16 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23454/Re_Gear_Help#Post23454 Posted by RenoFrank:
I found some nice little velcro ties at Walmart]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:37:17 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23411/Re_LA_wants_to_steal_Mammoth_C#Post23411 Posted by KevinR:
A couple of comments: A year or two ago I read an article Benett Kessler of the Sierra Wave in Bishop had written which outlined her reporting on the LADWP over the years. Those who've lived in the Eastern Sierra, like Bob West, might have a longtime perspective on how effective her reporting has been. In the relatively short time I've lived here (7 years) I've found her reporting objective and even-handed. Despite her efforts to call attention to the bad treatment of towns in the Eastern Sierra, it hasn't seemed to make the overlords more benevolent. I also watched an interview David Freeman gave a couple of years ago to an LA station (an ABC affiliate IIRC) in which he said (and I'm paraphrasing a bit) - "We own the Owens Valley lock, stock and barrel", and a few moments later "We stole it, fair and square!". He had a big smile on his face when he made the second remark, so it took a bit of the sting out, but the message was clear. At that time he was being interviewed because DWP had made a public announcement of their plans to locate a large solar panel array on Owens Lake. I believe those plans have since been abandoned, but at the time I heard many comments from the locals that it was yet the latest attempt by the DWP to avoid ongoing compliance with PM-10 reductions. If you want to read a David and Goliath story, check out the attempt the DWP made to raise the water rates substantially in one of the little towns (Big Pine, IIRC). Based upon the stories I read, it appears a rate increase was long overdue. However, rather than phase it in over time to make the system once again self-supporting, they chose to implement a large increase which would have created a financial hardship for many. What disgusted me was how DWP refused to cooperate with the citizens in exercising their rights in regards to a rate increase. Eventually the increase was repealed due to citizen efforts, but it was another example of how shabbily DWP handles its image in the Eastern Sierra.]]> Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:02:50 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23391/Re_Travel_from_Whitney_Portal_#Post23391 Posted by Bob West:
Perhaps a better entry/exit location would be the Mammoth/Yosemite airport. United Airlines runs daily flights between LA and MMTH, and Alaska Airlines has daily flights to and from San Francisco to MMTH. From Mammoth you have YARTS to Yosemite and ESTA from Lone Pine to Mammoth. All of this depends on the schedules, of course. This local shuttle might get you from Whitney Portal to Lone Pine, if you don't want to hitch: http://www.highsierrashuttle.com/ By offering the above alternatives, I am assuming you are flying from Vermont. Getting from Lone Pine to Fresno would be quite awkward, as Steve has pointed out.]]> Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:24:31 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23378/Re_Portal_Road_Status#Post23378 Posted by Jonishiker:
So there was more to the story, the CHP didn't drive up to Portal just to make a quick $11,700.00. So who pulled the poor guy"s vehicle out of the muck? I hope it wasn't a AAA tow company who refused to help. Or was it the same tow driver or company that was originally called? If this same scenario had happened here a News Truck would have arrived before the the CHP and a manhunt would have insued for the the missing persons,the drivers of the 31-32 vehicles. " 32 Hikers lost in the Sierras,Story at 11:00." This story has become even more interesting now. Who was the friend that didn't make it around the gate? Who are all the folks that got ticketed? A few of them might chose to appear instead of paying? Did any of those ticketed vehicles belong to the construction crew? I know some people, it could become a reality show. Either way,it is more interesting than Octo-Mom.]]> Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:19:39 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23365/Re_Hiking_GPS_with_Preloaded_T#Post23365 Posted by GandC:
There is more than one reason to carry a GPS. Mine goes most places with me for geocaching. Navigational help is a nice bonus, but certainly not the primary reason for carrying it. It's pretty amazing how something as simple as geocaching will teach you how to use a GPS and its functions pretty well. I've been able to use a map and compass since I was a little boy thanks to my Dad and Boy/Cub Scouts, but they usually only come out a few times a year when I'm trying to make sure I don't forget what I'm doing with them. My GPS has yet to fail me, thankfully.]]> Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:21:00 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23343/Re_Hiking_at_end_of_May_need_i#Post23343 Posted by wbtravis:
[quote=lisylu]yes, we don't really seem to experience the seasons here in santa barbara ;). So just to be clear, if the switchbacks are covered in too much snow, the only way up is the chute, which means the only way back is to glissade down? [/quote] We don't get any snow at 1,600' south of the Traverse Ranges, either. However, I seem to go out every weekend with folks that travel upwards 300 miles RT to get ice axe and crampon experience. I have personally traveled in excess of 300 miles one way to take a basic snow skills course and had a few years of experience with ice axe and crampons before attempting the chute...which wasn't difficult. I found the pucker moment at the slanted ice on Mt. Whitney. If you screwed up there, there are some tarns at 11,700' you'd be visiting rather quickly. If the trail is blocked at the cables, the only way up if you are using the MMWT as your route is the chute. This also means you have to come down the same chute but it does not mean you have to glissade the chute. Conditions may prevent a safe glissade. That is something you have to determine on your hike day.]]> Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:38:35 PDT http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/23313/Re_Where_to_camp_night_before#Post23313 Posted by wbtravis:
The overflow parking lot is below the hiker-in campground. There are campsites within the Hiker-in Campground that are legal...pads, semi-legal...no pad but numbered and illegal...used a lot but not numbered. This will get you to 8,300' and stroll up either the Meysan Lake Trail or MMWT the day before will get you higher.]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:55:54 PDT