An Apology

He was no gentleman.

That’s quite the … uh … apology…

Way to go Kate…I think…

by the way, that’s quite an unusual pass isn’t it? Going north on the downside, I’ve felt a touch of vertigo with the drop off to Mono ahead and the steep down to the left. I wouldn’t want to do it in snow…but I’m not proud!

I’ve never done a guided group. In Yosemite? hmmm…at least the guy was out. So props to him for that for sure.

Headed to Yosemite next week to do a loop around the Clark Range (and beyond). Any snow left on Red Peak Pass?

What’s wrong with veedubs?

There are a few patches of snow on Red Peak Pass and Post Peak Pass that are probably melted off the trail by now. No issues getting past. No issues with VWs. Just don’t want to carry one.

I started at Tuluomne Meadows and approached Red Peak Pass from the east, hiked back over Merced, Fernandez and Post Peak Passes on the way back. I can see where it might get sketchy on the north side of Red Peak! I thought there might still be snow and changed the direction of my loop. I’d rather climb up in snow or scree than climb down.

Thanks for the beta, Kate. Sounds like you had a cool trip. Do you have a report and/or pictures you can point me to?

“I’d rather climb up in snow or scree than climb down.”

Me too.

I get less of that crap (being a dude).  When I do, I’m usually near the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with a fanny pack or small day pack.

“Where are you camped?”

I’m not.

“You’re at Phantom Ranch?”

No.

“Where’d you stay last night?”

South Rim.

“Where are you sleeping tonight?”

On the red eye flight out of Vegas.

Since they’re not being rude like your guy was, I mostly only disclose my daily miles when answering direct questions.

Here in Alaska, if another hiker, backpacker, canoeist or a pilot sees how little stuff one can overnight with, they’re very interested in carrying less weight themselves.  Hunters, not so much, but almost everyone else.

Oh geeze I have to apologize too! I was thinking of Koip Pass, not Red Peak pass. I once tried to get over Red Peak from the (northish) side in early spring. There was a ton of snow for several miles towards the final (?) approach and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out where the trail to the pass went. I had to retreat. My one and only time! I still had a great trip. Oh I had no gps and I suck at reading topo maps. but everything was under snow.

As an excuse for my mis-remembering, Koip Peak is very red as well.

Why can’t people just have a courteous and kind conversation on the trail? Why the need to interrogate anyone as to what’s in their pack, how big it is, how far or fast they are going? You could just ask if they’re having a good time. Or did they see any wildlife. Or whatever. Wowsa.

Ah Karen, there may be many reasons.
Perhaps they are novices, full of enthusiasm but very aware of their greenness. Then along you stroll, looking really competent, and they want to pick your brains.

Cheers

Why can’t people just have a courteous and kind conversation on the trail? Why the need to interrogate anyone as to what’s in their pack, how big it is, how far or fast they are going? You could just ask if they’re having a good time. Or did they see any wildlife. Or whatever. Wowsa.

I generally find people are more rude in everyday city life. But I’ve had a few funny and good conversations on trails. Never any that upset me.

This happened twice to me on trips about 10 years ago when I took my Kelty external, which has a 3/4 length bag. I would roll my quilt inside one of the old TorsoLite pads and strap in on the frame.

The hikers were expounding the virtues of UL gear and suggested I change.

”Well, my base weight is right around 8 lbs. and total weight is 16. What’s yours?”

”Duh!”

They were quite surprised. We talked gear and found all my gear, piece by piece, was lighter and they were carry some things they didn’t need. Friendly and fun conversations for all.

On another trip, probably around 2008, very early one morning, I was stopped by a pair of rangers who checked my permit and were concerned for my safety. They couldn’t figure out how I could have slept warm the previous night, since I was only carrying a “small day pack.” They actually had me unload my pack to check my gear. I wasn’t upset, they just wanted to ensure I was safe. The eldest wasn’t convinced my gear was suitable, the younger one was very intrigued.

But the funniest, and I think Wisner might have been with me, otherwise I was alone. On the side of a trail was a huge pack and strapped to the outside was a 50 lb. bag of dog food and no one was around. Later that day I saw the owner of the pack and his dog – a huge St Bernard.

I’m called everything from everyone—one look at my pack and they know something’s wrong—24 days worth of food, a heavy McHale load hauler—5 books to read—44ozs of white gas for fuel.  The kitchen sink.

I laff it off cuz I’m outside most of the time and they are not.  Then I write long screeds against ULers in my trail journal when I get to camp.

Takes all types I guess.  UL acolytes sometimes proselytize too much, but I’ve been hassled by heavy packers myself.  Maybe there’s some trail karma out there typically as I’ve gone on to successfully complete a trail while their groups plans … bit the dust, shall we say.  So I’m a little leery of oversharing/shaming, but will inquire if someone else’s gear interests me.
Another thing is volume.  Someone could have a 30L “real” daypack filled with metal climbing gear and theirs may weigh more than my 50L half filled with down feathers.  So people have preconceived notions of weight and volume, though note many younger hikers have embraced UL -type gear (Hyperlight 3400s are popular).

The fun really begins when compressing food and gear for a week in a 35L pack, then having people not believe  it can support an overnight (if backpacking requires traveling further than ones car, this makes plane etc.. transport easier).

My experience is UL’s are more likely to be snarky/condescending/judgemental about how someone else is backpacking than the reverse.

Rodger, I guess I was kind of a “Karen”. Just didn’t expect the rudeness.

Ah Kate, I don’t let someone else’s rudeness upset me.
Instead I let it affect my opinion of them (downwards).

Cheers