neswstar

Wow - what a trip. didn't climb much but this area is beautiful, and I learned a ton. There were deep deep canyons, waterfalls, sunny days, sticky rock, bogs, smart bears, cairnes to nowhere, crystal clear mountain lakes (great for dipping), endless mountains, minimal bugs, deer, bats and a moon so bright we called it natures light bulb. First day was a late start from Roads End into Charollote campground. Second day, off trail, up Charlotte Dome, over Gardiner pass and we camped on the side of one of the many lakes in that basin. Third day, we drooled over Mt Clarence, and made the call to come back with a bigger time window. Made it up and over the north ridge of Cotter, into to sixty lakes basin in time to watch the sunset on Fin, dinner by moonlight reflecting off the lake. Forth day we took the trail and went over the pass and out to Roads End with a quick dip in Charlotte creek at lunch to cool off. A magical trip to a magical place with a vow to return, who could ask for more.

Haven't tried this yet but there is a co-op in Corvallis Oregon seling this stuff in bulk. If nothing else, the flavor combinations sound intriguing and my inspire you. http://store.yahoo.com/wildernessdining/vegen.html

Been to Tuolumne - it's great, but the transportation thing just isn't working to get there this time. So, I'm thinking it's time to check out a new area and leave Tuolumne for a return adventure. I've ordered the book - thank you. Still trying to put all the pieces together. Sounds like we just can't show up - that we will need permits. Thinking about the sixty lakes basin ( love to swim). Is it nice? How is the rock? Bugs? Bears? Any recommendations off of Route 180 or 198?

Sorry - too new to this - please excuse my misuse of the [TR]

Climb: Sierra National Forest/Kings Canyon - need advise- Date of Climb: 8/25/2004 Have a business trip down this way - looking to extend it and go play someplace new. Looking for real low level alpine rock (below 5.6), something to TR, or just some fun stuff to scrample up. Have about 4 days - Any recommendations? Any reading material advise? Thank you for the help. edited by chuck to remove "TR" designation

You guys make me laugh ( and also not feel so bad about peeling) . It least you got off the ground. We started below the actual climb in a gully full of loose rock. Bad news - but GREAT weekend!! On to new adventures - Have any of you done west wilmans spire or vesper peak? are they comparable? How would you rate for a beginner alpine lead climber? Similar route finding issues?

Thanks everyone for all the help. Disappointing first attempt at leading an alpine climb - got lost - got started in the wrong spot - took my first leader fall - kept climbing, but ended up peeling off - left 2 nuts, 3 biners and webbing ( all good pieces - if you are the one with the booty, although the oval is a little old). All in all a great trip - the lake was delicious(wish I brought my air mattress), the weather perfect, and got in some good exercise. Lots of lessons learned - I'll be back.

thank you

West ridge - that's the plan. Have not done it before but love the area. We'd like to try going in the Commonwealth trail and cut some time. Does anyone out there have any advice on this? We are heading in Friday after work - so am reluctant to do too much exploring. Is the first part of the trail is identifialble? How hard is the rest of it to find? is it easy to lose part way thru? Does it really exist or has it been abandoned? Anybody have it maked on a map? - any info would be welcomed. thank you

Climb: Mount Thompson / Thomson- Date of Climb: 7/20/2004 Trip Report: Looking for beta regarding snow levels. Are the lakes still frozen? Do I need to bring a shovel/ ice axe/crampons for a planned trip this weekend? Any info on bumblebee pass? thank you for the help.