April 26, 2006
Dear participants, I hope you're looking forward to your Sierra Club vacation as much as I am. I'm sending this letter from my parent's home in AZ where I'm visiting at the moment. I arrived here on April 18 for a short backpack trip in the Superstition Wilderness. Then, I'm staying for a dance event in Phoenix. You are probably aware of the terrific amount of rain California has received this year and the consequent above average snow pack in the Sierras. We will have no problem getting to the lake for our kayaking. It's at 5600' feet, so I'm sure it will be thawed by then. We can also do some hiking around that lake. We'll also have no problem getting into Yosemite Valley, which is at 4000'. We'll be able to hike to the wilderness lakes, which are between 6500' and 7700' even if we have to walk through some snow and wade across some creeks to get there. Be sure to waterproof your boots. Gaiters may be useful as well. However, there is a possibility that the Forest Service will not open the dirt roads to the trailheads if there is still a lot of melting snow on them. We'll find other places to hike, at lower elevations if we need to. Keep up your exercise program. You should also practice walking up and down hills in your hiking boots, carrying your daypack. On our outings, the leaders will each have a first aid kit with emergency supplies. We do not carry any over the counter medication such as aspirin, so please carry your own medications and blister care. Let's practice conservation by using reusable containers for our lunches. Bring a cloth bag to carry your lunch in and a plastic container with a lid for your sandwich. We will be following and discussing these Leave No Trace principles:
Happy hiking, Linda Linda Conklin (209) 532-2956 home lindac@mlode.com WHAT TO BRING (*optional) Clothing Hiking boots (waterproofed) Shoes for indoors Water shoes for kayaking Rain jacket or poncho Heavy jacket Lightweight jacket Sweater or sweatshirt Long-sleeved shirt Short-sleeved shirt Shorts Long pants Socks Underwear Sleepwear Swimsuit Hat with brim *Gaiters Miscellaneous Towel and washcloth Flashlight and extra batteries Toiletries Earplugs (in case your room-mates snore) Books/journals Prescription and Over the Counter medications As few electronic devices as possible. Hiking and day trips Daypack Plastic box for sandwiches Cloth bag for lunch Insect repellent Bandanna Toilet paper and baggie The Ten Essentials - see below *Nature guides *Camera, film, charger *Binoculars *Hiking pole THE REVISED TEN ESSENTIALS Navigation - (map and compass or GPS) Fire - (matches or lighter) Signal device - (whistle) Sun Protection - (sunglasses, sunblock, lipscreen) Insulation - (extra clothing) Nutrition - (extra food) Hydration - (water and purification system) Illumination - (flashlight or headlamp) First-aid kit - (wound management and medications) Emergency shelter - (trash bag or space blanket) Knife |