Season is on now HST, JMT, and PCT plus the normal other hikes that exit Whitney , weekday parking is ok weekends along the road , several folks parking in the day use only area (sign at the parking spot and a bear warning placed on the car ) Bears active every night breaking windows , taking packs left out and food not secured.
Rescues starting and overdue hikers again this season ,
I see many post on the net about them drugs and even tell your doctor how bad you need them . Hey how about do the old plan get here a few days early rest and find the trail head , bathroom and see how you feel. Another hint Turn back if you have a problem!
Recall reaching any summit is half way Same as the point you turn around. The best climb may only be a few feet but if you are safe and can return another day you had a summit.
Group helped a party member down to trailcamp over the weekend from trailcrest , gossip is several hikers went past didn't offer help , this can happen and no blame for the people passing , # 1 they are going to the summit? 2 might not know if they could help and tired from going to the summit. 3 .Like in the war zone and afraid of being shot you are not deserting you are going for help .4 . You may find a drug that enhances mountain ethics. I recall going up to help a lady one day.As a test I ask 33 people if we needed would they help carry the person down. Many years ago all truckers woud stop and offer help to stranded motorist/truckers , farmers would join together to harvest/plow or care for the livestock if needed during winter storms, climbers would most often do a rescue before calling , we may have moved on from those days.
We still have many hikers that help when someone is in trouble and now with cellphones, spots, and inreach and other PLB's most often a call out can save hours to get the word out and a rescue unit can be put on notice of a problem. Now to offset this is when to call and what action do you take , could it just be take the pack, offer food and water and warm clothing and move down ? Or if an injury what do you do?
Cold and windy for days now and the weather forecast is talking snow the next few days at the upper elevation. Leaving at 1 AM will put you in the cold zone for hours so bring layers . Understand that moving you can stay warm but limited time if you stop .You can get cold very quick.
Last edited by Doug Sr; 06/22/22 07:57 AM.
