My son and I will be backpacking a section near Thousand Island Lake from Agnew Mdws the week of September 18, 2006. Does anyone know what the expected high and low temperatures are during this time?
Tom (KI6ASP)
Tom (KI6ASP)
High and Low Temps
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#3
dish is correct. Be prepared for extremes. I have encountered a pretty healthy snow storm as early as Sept. 15 in the eastern Sierra (heading over Kearsarge Pass), but perfect weather(low’s in the 40’s and highs in the 70’s) on Sept. 11, 2001 when I last hiked past Thousand Island Lake. I will actually be heading out of Tuolumne Meadows on Sept. 17 on my way to Silver Lake (via Thousand Island Lake), so I will probably miss you by a day. I hope you and your son have a great and safe trip.
Sherpa Steve
Sherpa Steve
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#4
Thanks Dish and Sherpa. I plan on using a Virga Tarptent and WM Versalite, both of which should be fine for this trip. I expect less mosquitos will be around during late September too.
Sherpa Steve, we will stay at Summit Lake the first night out of Agnew Mdws, 9/18. Will you stay on PCT or take the JMT 1k Island Lake?
Tom (KI6ASP)
Tom (KI6ASP)
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#5
Tom (K16ASP): We plan to spend the first night (9/17) at the south end of Lyell Canyon. Day 2 (9/18) includes the climb to/over Donohue Pass, a Donohue Peak side trip and then down the south side into the Rush Creek area. On Day 3 (9/19) we plan to head to Thousand Island Lake on the combined JMT/PCT and continue beyond Thousand Island Lake on the PCT for that short stretch over to either Clark Lakes or Summit Lake (we have not yet decided where we will stay that night). So we may pass you on your way to Thousand Island Lake that day. BTW - Since I have not yet been to either Clark Lakes or Summit Lake, and as they are relatively close to one another, do you have a recommendation as to which has the better campsites??
Sherpa Steve
Sherpa Steve
Sherpa Steve
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#6
Sherpa Steve, I have not been to either lake, but Clark Lakes probably have more campsite variety due to the number of little lakes that make up Clarks. I am assuming we will only make it to Summit Lake on 9/18 since I am not in the best physical condition. To Thousand Island Lake on 9/19. I will day hike to Donahue on 9/20 while son fishes. Tried packs today at REI, I need a large pack to fit my gut. There goes the lightweight plan.
Tom (KI6ASP)
Tom (KI6ASP)
system
#7
Tom (K16ASP): So, on 9/19 I will ask anyone I pass on my way from Thousand Island Lake to Summit or Clark Lakes if they are you. Hope we get a chance to meet you. Re: The lightweight plan, at my age (53), I’ve decided that for every year older I get I take one pound out of my pack, through tech improvements or whatever, This year it was a new tent and down jacket (my old down jacket is 26 years old and my 16 year old daughter had it in her pack 3 weeks ago when we made it to the top of Half Dome). Next year who knows what I’ll do…
Sherpa Steve
Sherpa Steve
system
#9
Dish, thanks for the info. Last year I did amateur radio support for a 100 mile run on PCT from Lake Morena, and it was the first day of hunting season. Guns were firing all over the place. A little unsettling. I remember backpacking in the Adirondacks in the '70s during hunting season. The hunters would give me the eye along the trail, like, if we can’t find deer you will do! My pack is orange, so this should help with IDing any movement they see through the trees, I hope.
Sherpa Steve, I too am 53. Which tent are you using? I am still undecided about tent (SL1 or Hubba) or tarp such as the Lair.
Just got my pack last night, Osprey Aether 60. I have my '70s TNF 0° bag. Heavy but I own it. WM Alpinelite is nearly $400.
Tom (KI6ASP)
Tom (KI6ASP)
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#10
Tom (K16ASP): First I want to question Dish’s statement re: hunting. We will be in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. I thought this was off-limits to hunters (or anyone with firearms, for that matter). I spent 5 days there in Sept. 2001 and saw no sign of hunters. Please correct me if I’m wrong. With regard to my tent, last year I purchased a Sierra Designs Sirius 3 (3-season, 3-person tent) that weighs 4 lb., 11 oz. (trail weight) and 5 lb., 4 oz. (pack weight). I did this because I usually do 2 trips per year, one with my 2 daughters and one of my old backpacking buddy. I did not want to carry 2 tents and the Sirius is one of the few tents that can actually hold 3 people at a decent weight. I’ve used it 3 times and loved it, but no bad weather to really test it yet. Most of the trap’s are still a bit too minimalist for me. I like a little luxury. I hear you regarding the sleeping bag situation. The new ones are expensive and I appreciate your continued use of the old NF. My old 20 degree REI bag is still in service as well, but it’s only about 20 years old (still an infant compared to yours). I’m not familiar w/ the Osprey pack, but I will check it out. I finally upgraded to an internal frame pack (a Gregory Shasta)in 2002. It’s very comfortable and has great capacity for the fantasy 10-20 day trip I want to make someday, but a bit heavier than I would like for my standard 4-6 day trips. Hope I get a chance to meet you on the trail.
Sherpa Steve
Sherpa Steve
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#11
Man…Wilderness boundaries do not exclude hunters. You need to be out of the NF in Park Service lands to avoid them. The closer to any trailhead you are…the more “hunters” you will run into…and these are the dangerous ones. Generally the hunters far from the trailheads are serious hunters and tend to know what they are doing. The ones closer to trailheads are usually drunken suburban morons with a rifle…be careful…some folks tie bells to their packs…
Osprey packs are made here in Santa Cruz and they are fabulous packs…at any rate…have a great trip…you should be getting some great Fall colors
dish
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#12
Thanks dish. I’ll be sure to keep alert and be ready to duck, if necessary. I looked up the Osprey pack. It does look great. I like the weight, as well. Much lighter than mine.
SS
Sherpa Steve
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#13
These last few posts are a great example of how people who love hiking and the outdoors can share their experiences with one another and pass along much needed information.
Wildcat