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:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors