I got out for a short trip weekend before last. Sorry I couldn’t post here sooner.
Patchy snow above 8500′. Only time it was a problem was at the top of the ridge between Chewing Gum Lake and Whitesides Meadow (Y Meadow Lake turnoff). I just kept to the south side of the snow for a quarter mile or so.
Of note (to me, at least):
- Gianelli Cabin trailhead is way better than Crabtree Meadows, IMHO. Less uphill, more views.
- Used my GG Mariposa for the first time. Loved it. Perfect size for me; convenient features (pockets); carried great.
- Only took my new ultralite down vest (rather than my usual down jacket). Followed recommendation on GG blog post about changing my schedule to avoid hanging around camp when it is cold and instead spending those times hiking. Not that it was cold.
- Most important gear note: I will avoid Samual Adams (Tasman Red IPA) for my post-hike refreshment. Had to slurp much foam that bubbled over when I opened it. Not like I shook it up before opening; I have the same issue at home just moving it from the shelf in the fridge to the kitchen counter. Back to the tried and true Sierra Nevada (Torpedo, but they have some new IPAs).
