3-4 openings for Rae Lakes loop 8/12-8/15

Ya, pretty sure I am bringing Sublite Sil.

Sorry, yes Wed. at 6:00 P.M. We can split the gas no problem, I think it's about a 3 hr plus drive from Bakersfield, If I can get off a little early I'll let you know. The earliest I would be able to get off would be around 3:00 p.m. I'll try and schmooz the boss over for early release.

Sheila if you want to come and try for an early morning walk-in permit, your more than welcome to come since this has already filled up, I know they issue walk-in's at a 25% rate I think, which means 75% are reservation and the other 25% are walk-in's, just a thought.

Jack….found out last night that my days off at work got changed without me knowing it…life as a nurse :/ Could trade, but I'd would need a more sure plan, coming from Chico. Thanks for thinking of me. We'll keep trying!

Adan I am sending you a pm with my address let me know if you get it. Jack

Thanks Jack!

Well I asked the boss if I could get off early on Wed and the answer was no. I have to cover for someone else that's on vacation, BUMMER! Sorry Adan looks like will be leaving around 6:15-6:30 p.m. Wed. If for some reason I can get off a few minutes early I'll head straight home. I will have every thing packed and fueled ready to go, just have to load your stuff and maybe get a bite to eat for the road. If any thing changes I'll post it here. Well it looks like all the spots are filled, should be a great trip. I hope everyone takes lots of pic's, the veiws are incredible, as is the journey. Last time on this trip my son and I saw 12 bears, 1 rattle snake, several mamots, and lots of deer. Which reminds me if any one has a Swayer snake kit please bring it I don't have one as of yet, never needed it, but it's always good to have, if no one has one I can ask Kevin if I can use his. I'm not wrighting this to freak any one out, just to let you know and be prepared. Jack

9 years ago, I did this trip, no snakes, no bears and alot of black flies……Jack, we should be ok

I'm not a feard! LOL

I thought snake kits were obsolete now. Oh well, I'm sure they'll change that again too. Any time is fine, I'm just really glad to be invited. I'm chompin at the bit for this one.

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears oh my! That's funny I love it!

The only can i have is the big Bear Vault, 2lbs 9oz or something like that. Out of curiosity, I poked around a bit and found that there are bear lockers all over the trails we'll be walking. Are we taking cannisters because we want to avoid those campgrounds with bear lockers? Just curious, I plan on buying a bare boxer anyway.

The problem with using those boxes in the backcountry Adan is that you don't know how much food is already in there. The first two nights we will be where those boxes are, that being Upper Paradise and Rae Lakes. The third night is up in the air. We could be staying at Vidette Meadows (beautiful place I might add) or possibly further down the trail to make the 4th day easier.

Good point Ken. I dont go too many places that are so crowded so I hadnt thought of that.

Adan,

Prior to this trip, I also only had the 2 lb 9 oz Bear Vault. I decided it was worth $50 to save over 1 pound so I bought a Bare Boxer Contender (Bareboxer.com) a few days ago. That said, bring your Bear Vault and if you and I can fit all our food in it, we can share the weight somehow.

Duly noted Casey, thanks!

When I did this trip 3 years ago I asked the Ranger why we had to carry the canister if there were bear boxes up there, his reply, because it's the law!!, doesn't matter if there are bear boxes. The boxes are mainly for the thru hikers. If I understand it right, if there's room left over you can put your stuff in the box. The jerk I talked to said if he caught me without a canister he would wright me a ticket and I would have to go to Sacramento to fight that ticket. Let's, ask when we get there! I might be able to squeeze enough food in the bare boxer for 2 people depending on what we eat, I've done it with me and my son on a 3 day hike, 4 might be outside the limit though.

For those coming up with me, what do you think about grilling some steaks, baked potatoes, or potato salad, and a mixed green salad when we get to Hume Lake. A big meal with a couple of beers the night before could make for a nice pre hike meal. Thoughts??? So Cal guys, we could save food for you all too, whaddya think?

Sounds good Ken. I went to the doc this week because my gout was acting up. I go back next Wed. to see what the Uric acid levels are, and to finaly start on some meds so I can eat RED MEAT YEAH!!! I'll pass on the beer I don't drink, but thanks for the offer, but the meal sounds GREAT!

Uh, hell yeah! We wont be there until after 9pm though, so we'll probably have to eat on the way. But definitely save me a couple cold ones! Also, shoot me a text if you need us to pick anything up on the way…like more beer!

That reminds me, I forgot to post my info Jack, in case you need to call me for any reason.

714) 240-4496 (cell)
alopez@hartwellcorp.com

Oh, and my name is pronounced uh-don kind of like if you were saying "A Dawn".

Yum, can't wait.

Yeah Ken Adan's probably right, we'll probably get something to eat on the way up, so I wouldn't save us to much if any, at least on my part, but again thanks for the offer.

Ken,

How long will it take to drive from Scotts Valley to Hume Lake?

Edit: Google maps says 4 hours 15 minutes.

Casey, that sounds about right. Dinner at 9pm is kinda tough. We should probably get something along the way. If there is anyway that we can leave earlier I am for it. Kat gets off of work around 3ish, so really it is up to her as to when we can take off.

I don't work on Wednesday so I don't have any time conflicts to worry about. Casey just send me an email if our meeting time changes.