Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Way of the Geezer: Backpacking Notes


My two least-favorite things when backpacking are a) mosquitoes, and b) water crossings. That’s exactly the reason I choose to go in late August: a) mosquitoes peak in early July and diminish significantly thereafter, and b) water levels peak in June and diminish significantly thereafter. Of course I take along insect repellant. I also have a pair of Tevas to use as camp shoes, but they can also be used as water crossing waders if needed. (I definitely don’t like to rock-hop, not with a backpack anyway.)

The above photo was taken in Dusy Basin last year (in August: no mosquitoes and no water crossings) during my Bishop Pass / LeConte Canyon backpack.

But it was hot! Yikes! Another of my dislikes. Can’t have everything.

Photo: Granite & Rocks—Sierra Nevada, 2007

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