A Wild and Woolly Weekend

Post date: Oct 27, 2014 10:46:20 PM

We heard from quite a few people who were planning backpacking trips into the Sierra this weekend, and were concerned about the weather report: winds of 30mph, and chances of precipitation. We were cautious, because we know what that feels like when you in the high country. We stayed at our cabin at 3700 feet and puttered around the yard, visited a few local hangouts, even went on a nice hike on Saturday morning.

Snow at Carson Pass in October a few years ago....where we went day hiking

But it rained Saturday night, and by Sunday morning the temperature at our place had dropped below 40—which means it was well below freezing at 8,000 feet. With 30 mph winds? Add in the fact that it was dark about 6:30 p.m., and doesn’t get light again until 6:30 a.m., and you can see why we suggest that you know what you are doing before you strike out on a backpacking trip this time of year.