Events/Trails August Sierras, Dates - 8/17-21

[sdnative]

Sounds amazing. Wish I could make it.

 

[elripster]

Not sure how accurate but Gaia is saying current is 57° and tmrw high of 63°

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Jared can you make it?

Frank

 

[elripster]

Hi gang, I just got back from an epic trip up there. Here's a scouting report (apologies for length):

1) The trail up and down from Bishop is pretty rough right now - don't underestimate it. It is very rocky, there are a lot of pretty deep gullies from water run off, and pretty steep banks. You spend a fair amount of time straddling gullies in the center of the trail. I took my 5th gen 4runner with a decent lift on 33s. I kissed a rock slider once, front skid plate once, and used the locker a couple of times. The slider and skid plate hits probably could have been avoided with better lines. There are a couple of nice creek crossings, not too deep. It is slow going with all the rocks so give yourself ample time to get up and down the mountain. It took us over 2.5hrs from our campsite on baker creek to the staging area at the bottom.

2) Other humans, there were none. We were there Sunday - Weds. On the way up the trail Sunday we saw three trucks coming down. Otherwise we didn't see anyone else the whole time until we saw one family hiking and camping Tuesday afternoon. Since the Forest Service webpage and apps like AllTrails still have it listed as closed, I don't think the word is out that it has opened back up. I'm sure going up Sunday helped a lot too.

3) We camped on Baker Creek in what may be my favorite camp site of all time. Right around 37.16807, -118.48150 at about 10,400 elevation. Great spot - lot of trees, wind cover, fire ring, the creek running by, and you're right on the trail to Baker/Hidden lakes and beyond up to Thunder & Lightning (which is still mostly frozen). The trail leading to it is rough, but worth it.

4) Weather was perfect. I'd say high 40s at night, mid 70s during the day. Still snow on the ground in places. I slept in shorts and a tshirt in a 20 degree bag and it was perfect.

5) The fishing at Baker was phenomenal. Trout everywhere. We caught them on flies w/tenkara rods, spinners, and yellow power bait. You can catch as many as you want, all day long. They aren't huge, but big enough to eat and a ton of fun. The kids will love it. I didn't see any fish at Hidden, but didn't try to fish there. Went for a swim and it was predictably freezing. There is still snow right up to the shore.

All in all a really good trip. You guys will have a great time.

Most excellent report. Now I am really excited to get up there.

Maybe we will fish baker and then head to hidden let the kids play in the shallow area.

Frank

 

[Justsendit]

Sorry, I just found out I'm not going to be able to make it this year. Wife had plans with her girlfriends out of town (and of course she forgot to remind me that she told me about it 6 weeks ago) so I have to baby sit the new puppy. Have fun without me!

 

[elripster]

Sorry, I just found out I'm not going to be able to make it this year. Wife had plans with her girlfriends out of town (and of course she forgot to remind me that she told me about it 6 weeks ago) so I have to baby sit the new puppy. Have fun without me!

We'll catch a few for ya.

 

[RET2]

Sorry, I just found out I'm not going to be able to make it this year. Wife had plans with her girlfriends out of town (and of course she forgot to remind me that she told me about it 6 weeks ago) so I have to baby sit the new puppy. Have fun without me!

So swear the pup to secrecy and take him along, dogs dig road trips with little animals to chase.

 

[elripster]

So swear the pup to secrecy and take him along, dogs dig road trips with little animals to chase.

I am bringing Karleigh on this one. Would then have baby human and dog.

Frank

 

[RET2]

I am bringing Karleigh on this one. Would then have baby human and dog.

Frank

Oh man are you going to have fun

 

[Justsendit]

Oh man are you going to have fun

I would bring her and I'm sure she'd do just fine, but she hasn't had her shots yet and the Vet said we should wait until she gets mainly her Parvo vaccine before we get out into the "Wild"

 

[RET2]

I would bring her and I'm sure she'd do just fine, but she hasn't had her shots yet and the Vet said we should wait until she gets mainly her Parvo vaccine before we get out into the "Wild"

If it's a Heeler no problem, she won't pass anything on to the wildlife LOL I mean it's not a poodle right?

 

[jwbc84]

Jared can you make it?

Frank

The stars didn't align for me this year and can't get away from work.

 

[nckwltn]

@elripster are you headed up to the camp spot on Thursday afternoon/evening or Friday am?

 

[elripster]

Thursday afternoon.

 

[elripster]

Looks like we'll have a smaller group this year. If anyone wants to jump in at the last minute I have updated the first post.


Frank

 

[bemerritt]

Coincidentally I'll be heading up with some buddies. Current plan is funnel lake on Thursday and the rest will be tbd. I'll be in my black 200 and accompanied with a 100, 4runner and a tacoma. If you see us say hi! We will be the ones struggling to catch fish.

 

[elripster]

Will do. We gave up on catching anything funnel but maybe this year will be different.

We will be 2 80s and a 100. My 80 is dark green.

Frank

 

[RET2]

Coincidentally I'll be heading up with some buddies. Current plan is funnel lake on Thursday and the rest will be tbd. I'll be in my black 200 and accompanied with a 100, 4runner and a tacoma. If you see us say hi! We will be the ones struggling to catch fish.

Not to worry, there is a Vons in Bishop on your way home.

 

[elripster]

Hail Mary: In Bishop, at the Vagabond, power steering pressure hose failed. How to get one tomorrow before I drive home and toast the ps pump in the process.


Frank

 

[nckwltn]

Hail Mary: In Bishop, at the Vagabond, power steering pressure hose failed. How to get one tomorrow before I drive home and toast the ps pump in the process.


Frank

Can you run a shorter belt and bypass the power steering pump all together? Will be more difficult to turn, but the power steering pump won't be turning either

 

[elripster]

Can you run a shorter belt and bypass the power steering pump all together? Will be more difficult to turn, but the power steering pump won't be turning either

This pump is gear driven so mounts to the block.

If I could just strap a 5 gal bucket of atf to the hood with a line to the reservoir....

Frank