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I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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No Problem. Crossing a pass ?alone late in the day is a cool experience.?
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On Jun 8, 2024, at 7:00 AM, Jingbo Ni <jnistargazer@...> wrote:
I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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I like to get the climb out of the way early. ?That said plans are great but it all kinda goes out the window when you do the trip. ? the magic of it.? Enjoy !Sent from my iPad
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On Jun 8, 2024, at 10:01?AM, Jingbo Ni <jnistargazer@...> wrote:
? I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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Couldn’t say storms are *not* a concern at that time of year, but neither does it storm every afternoon in the peak season. Plan your hike the way you want to plan it, and you can make a call on the day regarding afternoon weather for a pass crossing.?
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On 9 Jun 2024, at 12:01?AM, Jingbo Ni <jnistargazer@...> wrote:
? I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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Thank you, that makes great sense!
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 00:13 Lange Jorstad via <langejorstad= [email protected]> wrote: Couldn’t say storms are *not* a concern at that time of year, but neither does it storm every afternoon in the peak season. Plan your hike the way you want to plan it, and you can make a call on the day regarding afternoon weather for a pass crossing.? I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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Yes, plan is made for break :-) Thanks!
I like to get the climb out of the way early.? That said plans are great but it all kinda goes out the window when you do the trip. ? the magic of it.? Enjoy !Sent from my iPad ?
I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
|
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On Sat, Jun 8, 2024 at 07:06 Tom Kennefick via <tomkennefick= [email protected]> wrote: No Problem. Crossing a pass ?alone late in the day is a cool experience.?
I’m planning our SOBO trip from Aug 23-Sept 15. The wisdom says that one’d better climb over passes in the morning. I understand that this strategy is for taking advantage of better snow conditions in the morning and avoiding afternoon storms. However this strategy also makes my daily itinerary planning less flexible, like always camping before a pass (at least for big ones).? Do you think in our hiking window of 8/23-9/15, afternoon storms still a concern (I know snow should be out of the equation by that time)?
I had experience of climbing over Forester in a late June day, but that was a dry year.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Happy trails!
Jingbo?
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I adore camping just below a pass.? Which usually is 10-11,000'.? It's so nice up there.??
But, mainly, hitting that pass first thing in the morning is almost effortless compared to tackling it at the end of the day.
-- Byron NevinsLead Moderator of JMT at groups.io
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Yes, but sometimes I would like to camp in a lake area that may be more than half days away from the next pass. Let's see, I believe what really matters is the situation in the wilderness at the moment.
Thanks.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 7:05?AM Byron Nevins via <byron.nevins= [email protected]> wrote: I adore camping just below a pass.? Which usually is 10-11,000'.? It's so nice up there.??
But, mainly, hitting that pass first thing in the morning is almost effortless compared to tackling it at the end of the day.
--
Byron Nevins
Lead Moderator of JMT at
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I know it's a natural tendency and the guide books, noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes, but consider going beyond the lakes to a higher location.?? When it's possible to find a campsite, ridges often are more comfortable than the lake basins.? Usually there are far fewer mosquitoes, it's warmer in the morning and less dewfall on your tent.
It may require taking on water prior to the camp, but often you can find a streamlet nearby.??
Clearly, you want to avoid exposed areas if the weather is threatening.? Also, if there are not established campsites, all usual LNT guidance can make it more of a challenge.
Yes, but sometimes I would like to camp in a lake area that may be more than half days away from the next pass. Let's see, I believe what really matters is the situation in the wilderness at the moment.
Thanks.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 7:05?AM Byron Nevins via <byron.nevins= [email protected]> wrote: I adore camping just below a pass.? Which usually is 10-11,000'.? It's so nice up there.??
But, mainly, hitting that pass first thing in the morning is almost effortless compared to tackling it at the end of the day.
--
Byron Nevins
Lead Moderator of JMT at
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I understand the allure of camping near lakes, but my first pick is always somewhere a bit higher. Lakeside realestate is usually colder, definitely dewier, and with more mozzies. If you are swimming or fishing, lakeside is awesome. If not, I’ll always water up and head up to higher ground. Sleeping under the stars on a flat sandy shelf on a ridge with a great view is as good as it gets for me!
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On 10 Jun 2024, at 2:44?AM, Curt Kinchen <ptcurt@...> wrote:
? I know it's a natural tendency and the guide books, noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes, but consider going beyond the lakes to a higher location.?? When it's possible to find a campsite, ridges often are more comfortable than the lake basins.? Usually there are far fewer mosquitoes, it's warmer in the morning and less dewfall on your tent.
It may require taking on water prior to the camp, but often you can find a streamlet nearby.??
Clearly, you want to avoid exposed areas if the weather is threatening.? Also, if there are not established campsites, all usual LNT guidance can make it more of a challenge. Yes, but sometimes I would like to camp in a lake area that may be more than half days away from the next pass. Let's see, I believe what really matters is the situation in the wilderness at the moment.
Thanks.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 7:05?AM Byron Nevins via <byron.nevins= [email protected]> wrote: I adore camping just below a pass.? Which usually is 10-11,000'.? It's so nice up there.??
But, mainly, hitting that pass first thing in the morning is almost effortless compared to tackling it at the end of the day.
--
Byron Nevins
Lead Moderator of JMT at
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I will keep your w in mind. I’ve backpacked in Sierra mountains many times but never had any trips longer than a week. Absolutely there are many many great new experiences I can’t wait :-)
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 22:28 Lange Jorstad via <langejorstad= [email protected]> wrote: I understand the allure of camping near lakes, but my first pick is always somewhere a bit higher. Lakeside realestate is usually colder, definitely dewier, and with more mozzies. If you are swimming or fishing, lakeside is awesome. If not, I’ll always water up and head up to higher ground. Sleeping under the stars on a flat sandy shelf on a ridge with a great view is as good as it gets for me!
On 10 Jun 2024, at 2:44?AM, Curt Kinchen <ptcurt@...> wrote:
? I know it's a natural tendency and the guide books, noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes, but consider going beyond the lakes to a higher location.?? When it's possible to find a campsite, ridges often are more comfortable than the lake basins.? Usually there are far fewer mosquitoes, it's warmer in the morning and less dewfall on your tent.
It may require taking on water prior to the camp, but often you can find a streamlet nearby.??
Clearly, you want to avoid exposed areas if the weather is threatening.? Also, if there are not established campsites, all usual LNT guidance can make it more of a challenge. Yes, but sometimes I would like to camp in a lake area that may be more than half days away from the next pass. Let's see, I believe what really matters is the situation in the wilderness at the moment.
Thanks.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 7:05?AM Byron Nevins via <byron.nevins= [email protected]> wrote: I adore camping just below a pass.? Which usually is 10-11,000'.? It's so nice up there.??
But, mainly, hitting that pass first thing in the morning is almost effortless compared to tackling it at the end of the day.
--
Byron Nevins
Lead Moderator of JMT at
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After having experienced being in treeless terrain on the top of passes with massive thunderclaps and lightning bolts hitting close by, I was motivated to hike early and get over passes as early as possible each day. Nothing in the backcountry frightens me more. You can get lucky and go a while without storms or you can have a week of storms that don’t let up, like I did. I hope you are lucky!
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On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 09:44 AM, Curt Kinchen wrote:
noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes,
Yes, I've noticed this too. The established campsites and guides sometimes overlook great sites with great views over spots that may have easier access to water. I don't mind hauling a little extra water for a great view for the evening and morning.
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For dinner and breakfast I normally need 3L of water . But if I hike a few miles then have my breakfast later at a water source down the trail, I only need to carry 1.5-2L water. Usually before a pass there are some creeks or small lakes, so the distance of carrying the water up should not be long.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 09:44 AM, Curt Kinchen wrote:
noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes,
Yes, I've noticed this too. The established campsites and guides sometimes overlook great sites with great views over spots that may have easier access to water. I don't mind hauling a little extra water for a great view for the evening and morning.
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I second the camp high strategy (weather permitting) and almost never camp at lakes. ? I also avoid high use campsites on the theory that bears and mini bears frequent those places. ? Some of my favorite times have been crossing passes alone in the early AM and late in the day.
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On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:00?PM, Jingbo Ni <jnistargazer@...> wrote:
? For dinner and breakfast I normally need 3L of water . But if I hike a few miles then have my breakfast later at a water source down the trail, I only need to carry 1.5-2L water. Usually before a pass there are some creeks or small lakes, so the distance of carrying the water up should not be long.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 09:44 AM, Curt Kinchen wrote:
noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes,
Yes, I've noticed this too. The established campsites and guides sometimes overlook great sites with great views over spots that may have easier access to water. I don't mind hauling a little extra water for a great view for the evening and morning.
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I hiked JMT twice with different?strategies. One trip was SOBO in late July and early August?, and the other?one was NOBO in mid June.? For the sobo (first time) trip we took a leisure approach.? We only hiked half-day every day, and usually?set up camps near lakes for fly fishing, swimming?and drinking tea. I enjoyed the trip so much that at the end of the trip I wished I could have kept hiking. Well, two years later, my dream came true, I went back to the trail and thru-hiked PCT. It was mid June when I was on JMT section again, and this time I alway camped at a higher ground near a pass to avoid possible postholing later in the day. Both trips turned out?amazing.?
Maria
On Mon, Jun 10, 2024 at 4:38?PM Tom Kennefick via <tomkennefick= [email protected]> wrote: I second the camp high strategy (weather permitting) and almost never camp at lakes. ? I also avoid high use campsites on the theory that bears and mini bears frequent those places. ? Some of my favorite times have been crossing passes alone in the early AM and late in the day. ? For dinner and breakfast I normally need 3L of water . But if I hike a few miles then have my breakfast later at a water source down the trail, I only need to carry 1.5-2L water. Usually before a pass there are some creeks or small lakes, so the distance of carrying the water up should not be long.
On Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 09:44 AM, Curt Kinchen wrote:
noted destinations and established campsites heavily favor lakes,
Yes, I've noticed this too. The established campsites and guides sometimes overlook great sites with great views over spots that may have easier access to water. I don't mind hauling a little extra water for a great view for the evening and morning.
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Lange Jorstad
Granola
WanderingJim