Trinity Alps: Caribou Lake

[Tony Wong]

October 9th to October 12th, 2014

3.5 Days and 17 Miles: 8.5 Miles to Caribou Lake, Point In and Out

Daytime Temperatures: 70F to 78F

Evening Temperatures: 40F to 45F

Trail Head: Big Flat via Coffee Creek Road

Elevation: 5200 ft to 7200 ft at the Highest Point

Ken says, "Big Flat. There are two Big Flats in the Alps. One on HWY 299 and this one at the end of Coffee Creek Rd. So go north on HWY 3. From Hwy 299 in Weaverville almost 40 miles until you turn left on Coffee Creek Rd. Goldfield campground is 4 miles in on your left. Another 18 miles to the trail head on paved and gravel road surfaces."

Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Goldfield Campground

Weather: Make sure station selected is Big Flat, Forks Of Salmon

Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Goldfield Campground

Trip Organized by Ken T. "Gathering of Gear Geeks, A.K.A. GGG"

Jeremy starting a leisurely dinner.

Car Camping at Goldfield Campground
After driving about five hours North from the San Francisco Bay Area, we made it out to Ken's little hide away that was not too far from Weaverville.

Steven from Portland, Oregon
Steven drove eight hours down from Oregon to join this fun fest of geeky love.

Greeting us at this free car camping campground which was nestled among a bunch of private properties was Ken's white Volkswagen Van. on the ground next to his van was a grey carpet that was laid out by the sliding door with Ken sacked out taking an afternoon nap. Only a few yards away was this picnic table with an ice chest full of soda and beers, along with a jug of water for everyone to share. Though there was a creek close by for us to filter water, Ken would have none of that for us, gracious host that he was.

Candle Light Meal Via Black Diamond Orbit LED Lantern 4.7 oz
Ken and Steven enjoying the early night as the light fades

A little bit of warmth on a mild night
It was really nice to past the evening away and sharing stories by the fire as we wondered when the others would arrive.

Ken had brought a compact wood saw that made short work of the logs that we found in the surrounding area. Plenty of firewood for the night.
Sometime around midnight, a lone car pulled up and Doug I, Kat, and Matt spilled out of the Subaru amid laughter, snorts, and mock accusations of Kat having injured or killed a poor and hapless deer that had jumped out in front of them on the dark, mountain road.

They had just arrived as we were heading to bed…well, Ken was already asleep on his little oasis of carpet next to his van. They quickly setup their shelters….a tent and a few hammocks before turning in for the night.

In Doug's words:

"We started from the San Francisco airport at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. It took a couple of hours just to get away from San Fran – to an outsider like me the SF skyline consists of the tops of various vehicles sandwiched together, barely moving, for miles on end. Once free of the morass of traffic, we stopped briefly for dinner at THE Cali burger joint, then grabbed a coffee and a bottle of 16-year-old Aberlour and continued our trek north.

We chatted and laughed quite a bit, and somewhere amidst that conversation Kat convinced Matt and I that we never wanted to eat goat cheese again. But that’s a story for Kat to tell…

It was dark by the time we stopped for gas, and Kat took the wheel from Matt for the rest of the trip. We made it to Redding okay, but somewhere between Redding and Weaverville we missed a turn and ended up in the middle of nowhere, near a lake, where deer by the dozens lounged on porches playing the banjo while asking goats to squeal like pigs. Okay, I made that last part up. But not the deer by the dozens. They were all over the place.

Realizing our error (thanks to my iPhone and Apple maps), we turned around and sped back toward whence we came. And that’s when the suicidal fawn darted from the darkened roadside and ran into the side of Matt’s Forester. Seriously. We didn’t run into it, it ran into us. Kat was convinced that the collision probably killed it. I figured we probably just, you know, put it in a wheelchair for life or something. After all, there were no dents in Matt’s car, no new ones anyway. And no blood.

Regardless, after finally finding the road we’d been looking for, we took a left and continued on toward Weaverville. Too bad we should have taken a right. We realized our mistake when we got to Weaverville, turned around and headed back into the darkness yet again.

We finally found the road leading to the campground where we’d meet the others, turned down it and rolled into the campground a bit after 11 p.m. Such an adventure already, and we hadn’t even started backpacking yet."

Lazy Morning Meal at about 8 am after a long drive into the night from Santa Cruz, CA.
Doug I, on the left in blue, flew in from Maryland to join us and caught a ride with Matt (far right in blue), from San Francisco. Kat from Santa Cruz jointed them as they car pooled together. Jeremy 2nd from the left in black.

It was a time to catch up with people we have not seen before or seen in a long time. Then packing up all of our gear, we piled into our cars and headed down Coffee Creek Road for about 18 miles. The road is primitive but easy enough for me to drive there in my tiny Honda Fit. I was the lead car, which probably pissed Doug off to no end.

Doug recounts, "We woke to a chilly but gorgeous morning, and after breakfast and coffee headed off up the road to the Caribou Lake trail head. Wisely, Ken and Kat had left before everyone else and bombed up the rutted, dirt road. Matt and I pulled out next, then Tony, followed by Steven. Matt and I stopped briefly to check on a noise coming from under the car, and ended up passed by Tony and Steven. Big mistake.

We learned why Tony likes to hike fast – he drives like my grandmother. At one point I thought about jogging next to his car, since I don’t think he was moving much faster than my jogging speed. And I jog slow.

Twelve miles later, after counting individual blades of grass that we passed and such, we arrived at the trail head and headed off on our adventure. We really lucked out on the weather, sunny days in the 70s and clear nights around 40."

Fortunately, it is virtually impossible to get lost if you stay on the main road as you pass many remote, private residences that are tucked in along the way to the Big Flat Trail head.

Oddly, there are sections of the road that are paved or have gravel while others are nothing more than a dirt road with a lot of brick sized rocks to navigate around. However, the parking lot to Big Flats was paved.

Parking Lot Trail Head
Ken and Kat were waiting for us in the parking lot, having left before us and driving at a normal pace vs. my cautious crawl. We used the restroom there, which was a horrible smelling pit toilet, and got our packs on. Some of us left pretty quickly while others were still packing their gear, and some chose to hang back deliberately to have a more leisurely hike.

Ken and Kat had already left the parking lot and after waiting a little bit, Jeremy and I followed, leaving the others at the parking lot to finish getting packed up. It was Friday morning at 10:45 am.

The Only Water Crossing of the Trip
The trees shaded the trail with shafts of warming sunlight piercing forest from time to time. Perfect weather for a hike. A short distance in we had our only water crossing.

Ken and Kat Waiting for Us
As this was the first of only a few splits in the trail, Ken and Kat were waiting for people to catch up to make sure that we did not go astray. Steven soon followed, but then realized that he had forgotten his sunglasses and ran back to his car to retrieve them as we pushed on.

Starting the Climb Up

Ken Trails Behind to Keep an Eye on Us

Pushing Upwards
Early on in the hike, I was feeling short of breath, which caused me to realize how out of shape I have become. The elevation was not high at all, leaving me to resign myself to getting in shape on the trail.

Steady as He Goes

Switch Backs in the Shade

Jeremy Marches On

Kat Kicking Back for a Brief Break
ULA Ohm Pack on the Right and GoLite 2008 Jam2 on the Left

Reaching end of this section of switch backs, we came across and open spot that was nice and flat. Removing our packs, we took time to wait for the others and to have a snack break.

Jeremy and Doug Taking Break
Jeremy in Blue with Mountain Laurel Designs 2012 Full Suspension Exodus Pack.
Doug in the Back Ground

Ken and Steven Roll In

Steven's Mountain Laurel Design 2014 Exodus with Suspension Upgrade
Note: 2012 Full Suspension Version has a flexible Delrin Rod that is "bent" in an upside down "U" shape to provide the Exodus pack shape/form and retains rigidity when the pack is partial full. This rod is absent on current Exoduses with the Suspension Upgrade. Otherwise, the packs are virtually the same.

Ken Leaves a Marker for the Others Following
We were expecting three others to join us: Jacob & Sandra D. and David W, who were driving up that morning.

The Message
Sadly, vehicle issues changes their plans. They wound up on the other side of the Sawtooth Ridge hiking the Stuart Fork.

Show me a sign so that I may not stray from the path

Ken's ULA Pack: Custom ULA CDT. No hipbelt, ice axe/ trekking pole retention.

Moving Higher into the Granite
Kat is a kick ass hiker. Though shorter than Ken, she not only keeps up with those with longer strides, she leads the group all the way to Caribou Lake….with a busted ankle that has been wrapped and braced.

Familiar Grounds on the Granite

Line in the Rocks to Follow

Steven and Doug Bringing Up the Rear

Working into the Tree Line

Coming Across the Burn

Dead Forest

And There Were Six
Matt had stayed back in the parking lot for a few hours after we had left and later joined us in camp

Water Break Along the Trail
Ken cleverly uses a semi ridge plastic bag, almost like a candy bag, as a water scoop to fill his Evernew Water Bladder.

Maybe about half way to Caribou Lake, we came across this tiny stream, which gave us a chance to load up on water, if we felt the need. The rest of the journey there would be dry.

Doug Contemplates Why He Would Journey with Us
Actually, Doug is a strong hiker and was the entertainment for our trip. Quick to curse and equally quick to laugh at others and himself, he was full of stories from his life. He is a man who has seen a lot and has a life of adventures and experiences that few will match. We were lucky that he made the trip across the country to join us and we are richer for it.

The Unstoppable Kat Marching Steadily On
I had to rush up ahead on the trail to get in front of Kat to get this shot.
She is pretty camera shy or she thinks I am some sort of trail pervert trying to catch her in some sort of embarrassing or compromising photo. (Okay, maybe some truth to that statement…actually, she has the compromising photos of me!)

Switch Back Turn in the Mountains

Around the Bend Things Open Up

Walking Along the Edge of the Trail

Steven Takes in the View

Kat and Jeremy Pause to Take in the View

Kat waiting for everyone to get moving

Rolling Down the Trail

Looking Down the Edge of the Trail

The Trail Stretches Out

Where the Old Trail and The New Trail Meet
The older trail simply goes up and over the mountain where the new one wraps around for a longer trips, but not nearly as steep. We were on the New Trail.

Dropping Down to the Lakes

Our First View of the Lakes that We Where Heading For
Lower Left is Snow Slide Lake. To the right is Lower Caribou Lake. Off in the distance is Upper Caribou Lake.

All Downhill From Here

An Easy Path to Take

Magnificent View to Behold

Another View of the Lakes

Dropping Back into the Trees

Kat Loves Her Hammock, Relaxing in Style BIAS Hammock

We made it to Snowslide Lake at about 2pm after a leisurely, but steady hike lead by Kat. We all quickly spread out at the first campsite we came across that was just above the waters edge.

Jeremy Opening Up His Bearikade Weekender Bear Canister: 650 CU IN and 31 oz.
After getting our shelters setup, it was time for a long delayed lunch. On the last leg of the trip in, I was bonking out due to a lack of calories.

Steven Soaking in the View While Having Lunch

Surprising Gift Awaits
We all did a double take when we spotted these full size chairs next to the fire pit of our established campsite. We pondered how they had gotten there. They were a welcome luxury while we stayed here for the next two days.

Steven Puts One of the Chairs to Good Use

Don't Mess with Kat, Or Try to Take Her Food!
Actually, the knife that she has is her daily carry knife. One piece blade with a skeleton handle. Good for pesky people, good for cutting open food packaging, and threatening photographers.

Ken and Doug Enjoying the Shade

Not a Bad View from the Campsite

Doug Coming Up From Visiting the Lake Below

Jeremy's Mountain Laurel Designs Superlight Bivy in Large with All Bug Net Head 5.7 oz

Tony's 2008 Mountain Laurel Designs Soul Side Zip eVent Top Bivy in Wide 13 oz

Steven's Ti Goat Bivy and Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus Pack

Steven's Tools of the Trade
Cook Pot, Wind Screen, Fuel Bottle in Red, Sawyer Mini Water Filter, Sawyer Squeeze Bag, Alcohol Stove.

Jeremy's Beer Emergency Rescue
Jeremy packed in four beers, but one of them sprung a pinhole leak.

Savoring the Spilled Milk/Beer

Simply Hanging Out in the Shade

The Happiest Girl
Kat in her Butt In A Sling Hammock with Underquilt

Kat's Fire Roasted Corn Tortilla

Matt Rolls into Camp at about 5:30pm
We were glad to see Matt roll into camp after being concerned about his well being having not showing up sooner

Matt Whips Up a Dehydrated Hummus

Ken's Special Treat for Us
Oh for the love of all that is holy, give us this day our freshly made guacamole!!!
Ken really surprised us with this special and tasty treat that he whipped up in camp.
I have always said that food taste better on the trail. Trail mix is food of the gods on the trail and just crap any other time that I avoid. Special moments to savor and share with good company and a thoughtful host.

Our Little Campsite by the Water

Ken and Kat

Steven Setting Up His Zelph Starlyte Alcohol Stove 0.4 oz

Free Pharmacy Cough Syrup Bottle Alcohol Container

One Ounce of Alcohol is Plenty for a Liter of Water

Rock as a Natural Wind Break
Both Steven and I used this Rock as a Natural Wind Break for Our Stoves
I used my Bear Canister for additional wind protection, but any breeze was mild and not an issue.

Ruta Locura Ti Pot with Carbon Fiber Lid 550 ML Pot 2.45 oz Surrounded by Wind Screen
They make a 440 ML pot….think Steven's is the 550 ML Pot.
Very Compact Setup he has going on with a custom or no longer sold pot stand from Zelph Stoves.

Kat Enjoying the Evening

Ken Fetches Some Water

Jeremy with his Tri Ti Caldera Cone Using Esbit

Doug's MSR Reactor Canister Stove

Crazy Fast Boils & High Fuel Efficiency

Hummus & Scotch

Kat's Soto Canister Stove

Kupilka Cup

Ken Makes Good Use of His Ridge Rest Pad

Steven's Boil in a Bag Meal

Matt Enjoying His Dinner

Dinner Time for Everyone

Tony Taking a Chance with His Life
Ground Beef and Baked Beans Dehydrated, Vac Sealed, and Frozen Since 2010 with crackers
Yeah, this was my dinner….two days in a row actually.
Tasted fine with no ill effects…maybe not smart to risk, but I am cheap and did not want to throw the food out. Besides, I have a low co pay on my health insurance…..LOL

Happiness is Having a Foam Pad to Sit On

Fire Steel & Petroleum Jelly Cotton Ball Does the Trick
We had all pitched into to gather up a sizable pile of wood to last us through the night. The campsite was pretty picked clean of the easy wood, so we had to hike back up part of the switch backs to get at the fallen trees. I especially liked ripping apart fallen, trees that had been eaten up by the termites. Light weight, burns hot and fast….good tinder.

Ken's Mountain Laurel Designs XL Solo Mid in Silnylon 18.5 Oz
Bomber Shelter in Snow, Wind, or Rain….now in XL size for those who are over 6 ft tall. Spacious, relatively small foot print. Easy to setup with 4 stakes at the corners and a pole or two to hold it up. Pole jacks used with Ken's hiking poles.

View Down By the Lake Before the Sun Slips Away

The Granite Towering Over Us
This made for an impressive sight to stare at the whole time that we where here.

The Warm Glow of a Campfire

Ken's $5 LED String of Christmas Lights Running Off of 3 or 4 AA Batteries
These were pretty amazing in that they were cheap and put out a lot more light than the Black Diamond Orb Lantern that I brought.

Ken and Matt by the Fire Side

Jeremy's Morning
Snug as a bug in a 15F Marmot Helium Sleeping Bag and MLD Superlight Bivy

Steven Rises Up to Greet the Morning

Ken's MLD Solo Mid XL with Carbon Fiber Pole Extenders (non MLD extenders)

Matt Using His Sawyer Mini Squeeze Filter 2.5 oz

Kat Getting Fired Up for Breakfast

Jeremy's Trail Designs Gram Cracker Esbit Stove 3 Grams…stupid light.

A Morning Fire to Chase the Chill Away
With some hot coals still in the bottom of the fire ring, it did not take me long to get a fire going. Besides, I love fire and hardly need much of a reason to get one going. A nice way to warm up as we waited for the sun to rise above the wall of granite behind us.

Doug in His Hammock

View from the Waters Edge

Granite Mountain Morning View

Happiness is a Puffy Jacket

Matt's Breakfast

Ken Cleverly Finds a Way to Breaking Some Wood for the Fire

Bear Bagging Challenge
Poor Doug was going to blow a blood vessel with all of his cursing and frustrations in dealing with bear bagging for the group. The problem started with his trying to lower the rock sack back down so he could re-attach the food bag. The cord was sticking to the thin branch of the tree and the rocks in the tossing bag was not all that heavy. Things got worse when Doug was trying to pull the bag up and over the branch, which snagged and tore the bag apart. What followed was a healthy and understandable round of well chosen curses from Doug. Then there was cord tied around a large rock and a number of tosses to get it over the branch. The rock flew out of the confines of the cord. More curses followed and then Steven arrived to help Doug. Eventually, they got the line over the branch. The whole event gave me a greater appreciation for my bear canister, despite it sucking up so much space in my pack and weighting a few pounds.

Looking Back at Snowslide Lake
After breakfast and the bear bag incident, we all decided to go for a day hike.
Four of us decided to head up the Sawtooth Ridge that was overlooking these three lakes. The other three headed up to Upper Caribou Lake for a leisurely day of relaxing by the lake and taking a swim.

Jeremy, Steven, and Ken Heading Up

In the Shade of the Granite

Looking Down on Lower Caribou Lake

Trail Levels Out

Skirting the Edge of the Water

The Colors of the Fall

Field of Stones

Hanging Back Behind the Others to Enjoy the View

Following a Loosely Defined Trail

Starting the Steady Climb Up

Looking Back at the Switch Backs and the Background

Here Comes Ken

First View of Sawtooth Ridge

Looking Across the Valley Below
Jeremy and I had taken a prior trip to the Trinity Alps in June in the Valley Below, which passed a large meadow and then to a series of lakes: Emerald, Sapphire, and ??? Lake.

Jeremy and Steven Take in the View

Ken Rolls In

Unimaginable Scale of Granite

Rare Sighting of the Asian Worker Monkey….AKA "Snapshot".

Sawtooth Ridges

Ken at the Top of the World
Ken Climbed up to the Top of this Pinnacle of Rock…braver than me.

Looking Over Emerald and Sapphire Lakes
These lakes have remnants of what might have been hydro mining equipment. There are old rusted pipes, the foundation of what might have been a pump house, and large iron gears and metal works from long ago.

The Bigger Picture

Ken Comings Down from his High Perch and Rounds the Bend

A Clear View without Ken

Steven Having Lunch with a View

Lower Caribou Lake

Jeremy Enjoys Lunch at the Edge

All Eyes on the Horizon

What lies in the Distance

The View to the Left

Hiking Down After Lunch
After Enjoying a Leisurely Lunch with a spectacular view, we headed back down to join the others.

Winding Down Across the Rock

Jagged Spires of Stone

Colors of the Time

Back to the Lake's Edge Looking for the Others

Getting the Group Back Together
We found the others relaxing in the warm afternoon sun. Kat had brought her hammock and was the envy of all around her.

Doug & Jeremy Grabbing a Snack
After rejoining the others, it was time to relax in earnest with a snack and grabbing a drink to rehydrate

Jeremy Takes the Big Swim
One of the things that was on the top of most of our minds after the hike was getting a brave dip into the cold waters of the lake to wash of the sweat and dust of the trail. With a little bit of bravery, mixed with a good bit of shaming humor, we all eventually jumped into the cool waters. It was a chance to wash off and to wash our clothes. Jeremy was the bravest of us all and dove in for a long swim where I was simply happy to dunk myself into the waters and to quickly get out.

The Sun Never Felt So Good, The Beer In Jeremy's Hand Helps Too

View from the Shore

Matt Has the Right Idea

Steven's Creative Use of His GoLite Umbrella

Kat in a Hat, Kickin Back

Returning from Wince we Came
After having a chance to dry off in the warm sun and to relax a bit, it was time to return back to our camp.

A Quick Look Back

View from the Trail

Working Our Way Back

Back At Camp, Steven Takes a Nap

After returning to camp and spending sometime to gather up more firewood, Ken, Jeremy, and I decided to take a short hike to one of the nearby lakes.

Big Bowl of Granite

Taking in the View
After taking sometime to enjoy this serene view, we headed back to camp for dinner time.

Ken's Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=213

Ken Using His Sawyer Squeeze as a Gravity Filter, sort of

Steven Prepares His Meal

Zelph Starlyte Alcohol Stove…semi official stove of Caribou Lake
Featured with integrated pot stand.

Really funny how this worked out, but seems like everyone had some version of the StarLyte Stove. This was my first time taking mine out on the trail. I loved how easy the stove was to light. Simply using my mini bic and pressing the flame to the metal mesh for a second or two and I was off and running! The beauty of this little stove is that it is spill proof due to using carbon felt inside of it to act as a sponge.

Zelph StarLyte Stove with integrated Simmering Ring

Matt Using StarLyte in a Caldera Cone

Carbon Felt Simmering Ring

Two StarLytes…Standard and Simmering Versions Side By Side

Last Pink Glow of the Fading Sun
Night was coming quickly and we put on our insulating layers to keep warm as the chill of the night was creeping in with the falling light.

A Fire to Chase Away the Chill
With Plenty of Fire Wood that we had all gathered up, it was easy to get a fire going that would last us til bedtime

Finishing Our Meals By the Warmth of the Fire

A Wall of Grey Shrouds the Peaks
This caused a few of us some concerns and a few of us checked our shelters to make sure that the guy lines were tight and the stakes firmly in place as gust of cold wind came down the granite peaks. For a while, I thought that the clouds might threaten a shower, but after a few hours and the winds died down, we knew that we would be fine.

Ken's Magical Blue Moonlight Haven
Due to weather concerns, Ken easily moved his MLD Solo Mid XL to a campsite where I was, tucked in the trees as a natural wind break.

Ken's $5 string of battery operated Xmas lights gave off more light than the fancy and expensive Black Diamond Lantern that I had brought along.

Tried and True Setup
2008 Mountain Laurel Designs eVent Soul Side Zip Bivy, Marmot 40F sleeping bag, Goosefeet Down Booties with 200% overfill, MSR Titan Kettle, Bear Vault 450, Leki Hiking Poles, 2L Platypus water bottle for in camp, 1L Wide Mouth Soft Sided Nalgene Canteen with Blue Nile hydration tube with Sawyer Mini Filter used at the end of the tubing as a type of mouth piece, and aluminum snow stake as potty trowel.

Jeremy Leads the Way Out

After a leisurely breakfast, everyone started to breakdown camp and people drifted off one by one onto the trail vs. hiking as one large group. We were one of the last camp, not feeling any rush to get back to the car.

Switch Backs In the Morning

Steven Adjusting Gear
Hiking briskly in the cool morning weather quickly got us hot. This was a good time to get a drink of water and to remove the wind shirts.

A Last Look Back

Getting Close to the Top

Windy at the Top
A strong and constant breeze at the top made us put on our wind shirts and hats to keep us warm

View from the Top

Your Photographer, Tony

Easy Hiking Going Down Hill

Little Things on the Side of the Trail

What a Morning

Catching Up with the Others

Jeremy Relaxing Back at the Trail Head Parking Lot

Trail Madness Sets in for Kat

Kat Hiking with a Busted Ankle the Whole Trip
Kat is an amazing hiker. She lead the way and kept the pace for all of us at a good clip. Who would have guessed that her ankle was all messed up?

You Meet the Best People on the Trail
Left to Right: Doug, Matt, Kat, Ken, Jeremy, and Steven

After dusting off and changing into fresh clothes that we had left in the car, we shared a few snacks and a drink or two. Then we said our good byes, which really was just something to say to each other until we see each other on the trail again on the next adventure.

Thank you Ken for taking the time to share your special place with us and to allow new friendships to be made.

How Every Trip Ends for Jeremy

Other Photo Essays by Tony:

Tony's Journey into Lightweight backpacking

6th Annual 2014 Gathering of Gear Geeks: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

5th Annual 2013 Gathering of Gear Geeks: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

BPLers 2012 GGG: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

Gathering of Gear Geeks 2012: Pointe Reyes National Seashore

BPLers 2012 GGG: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

BPLers 3rd Annual 2011 GGG: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

BPLers 2011 GGG: Henry Coe State Park, CA.

Special Video Made by EJ Documenting the 2011 GGG
Backpackers Gone Wild: BPL 3rd Annual SF Bay Area Gathering of Gear Geeks (GGG) Jan 26-27, 2011.

BPLer's 2010 GGG: Point Reyes, CA. 2nd Annual Trip

BPLer's GGG: San Francisco Bay Area, CA.; Mt. Diablo

BPLer's GGG: Yosemite: Hetch Hetchy Resevior to Rancheria Falls

BPLer's 2009 GGG: Point Reyes, CA

Emigrant Wilderness

High Sierra trail to Mt. Whitney

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park: Deadman Canyon

Tahoe Rim Trail

Ventana Wilderness

Yosemite: Glacier Point to Red Peak Pass to Lake Merced

Yosemite in Winter: Crocker Point & Dewey Point

Yosemite: Lake Vernon & Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Yosemite: Tenaya Creek

Photo Essay by Linda Vassallo: Mt Whitney Summit Hike: A photo essay

Trip Report & Article by Jeremy Pendrey: Hiking The Diablo Trail: A Conservation Success Story

Photography and Backpacking Article on Hike It. Like It.

Photo Essays: Telling the Story, Sharing the Adventure

[Kattt]

Thanks for the nice and funny trip report Tony. It was a good trip indeed and quite the company of characters!

[BlackHatGuy]

Great photos Tony! Thanks for sharing.

[Ken Thompson]

I look fat :(

Need more hikes :)

[Anonymous]

"I look fat :("

You need to trim your eyebrows, too. ;0))

[Ian]

Looks like a splendid time and beautiful area!

[Jim Patricola]

Fun looking trip – thanks for posting.

[Marc Eldridge]

Great trip report Tony. Always so many pictures and such detailed descriptions.

[Gordon Gray]

I liked all the gear shots. That was my fav part.

[Tony Wong]

Gordon and to everyone else,

Thanks for the kind words.

Sorry that I have not done more work on this….I do have a lot more photos have been edited.

I just need to make the time to post them up.

My divorce will be final at the end of the month and I have just moved back into my house and I am taking care of my 11 yr old daughter 50% of the time.

So between learning to run the household by myself and work, I have not had much free time.

With any luck, tonight I will get internet connection account working at my home and post up photos in the coming days.

Feels good to be posting photos up again.

I try my best to not only show the pretty places, but the variety of UL gear that people use in the field.

Glad to know that the efforts of my posting up are appreciated.

Heck, I enjoy looking back at the trips too to remind me while I am at work that there is life beyond the office. :)

Tony

[Peter S]

Tony, this was a nice and personal trip report as always from you. Would love to be a part of that gang!

Cheers, Peter

[Tony Wong]

Finally Done!

[Ken Thompson]

Thanks again Tony, great job.

Grizzly Lake calls this year.

[brent driggers]

Thanks for the report. Beautiful
I gots to get out west

[Dan Yeruski]

Tony, you do awesome trip reports! You should be an editor of an Outdoor Magazine :)

Next time you guys go to Caribou Lake, there will be a picnic table there to go along with the lawn chairs and also an enclosed pit toilet :)

Any fish in the lakes up there?

[Ken Thompson]

Tony is a keeper. Always does a great job.

Hopefully those chairs are gone. Another spot has high back granite chairs that are actually quite comfortable with a ccf on top.

There are trout.

[Daniel Sweeney]

Awesome photos, thanks for sharing.

These lakes are on my list for a quick trip next month.

"Next time you guys go to Caribou Lake, there will be a picnic table there to go along with the lawn chairs and also an enclosed pit toilet"

^^ can't tell if this is sarcastic or not… hoping so 0_0

[Author]

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