Contemplative Backpacking
Calimesa Youth
Embedded Files
This site contains some of the basic information for the Contemplative Backpack trip that took place over the course of many summers, sponsored by the Calimesa SDA Church. It also has had the unfortunate experience of having undergone Google's site conversion which has made a mess of the format, but all the basic information is still in place.
Link to 2008 Pictures and Slides
Link to 2006 Pictures and Slides
So, what have you been noticing lately? At the heart of it, this trip is all about “noticing.” While in many ways it's a lot like other backpacking trips, what makes this one is a little different is that:
1. Unlike "hardcore" backpacking that might try to cover 10, 15 or more miles per day, (with one exception) we limit the distance we backpack each day to about 5 miles. This does a couple of things for us:
First, it takes out the element of rush, so we don’t feel overly pressured to rush from one place to the next (at least if the weather is cooperating). This gives us time to actually enjoy the amazing stuff we are passing through on the way to our next campsite.
Second, on most days, it opens ample space for un-rushed time to relax and spend some time alone with your own thoughts and God - and that, in some incredibly beautiful places.
2. We will provide you with some materials that will help you make good use of the time, with suggestions on how to pay attention to things that you can “notice” in this setting that we may tend to lose track of in the busyness of our usual daily routines. Making use of the time this trip provides for this purpose is one of the major reasons for the trip, so plan on not missing out on this. 3. Each evening we will all gather together as a group and reflect on what's been happening throughout the day, and perhaps how you might have been more aware of what God might be up to with you. 4. Although we love backpacking in its own right, taking the time be attentive to the ways our spiritual lives are enriched through experiences like this is the major reason we do this trip each year. Having said all this, there are however some general things that you also need to take note of that are part and parcel of any backpack trip you might take into the area we are going. Here are a few that you need to know about this trip:
WHERE WE ARE GOING:
WHERE WE ARE GOING:
We plan to leave the church early on Tuesday the 11th and arrive in the Tuolumne Meadows area that evening and spend the night there. (Elevation of about 8,600 feet)
We will begin backpacking the next morning, hiking along the John Muir trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Cathedral Lake (about 4 miles total - ending at a little less than 9,500 ft) taking the morning to enjoy the hike and spending the afternoon on the shores of Cathedral Lake.
The next day we'll enjoy traveling from Cathedral Lake to Sunrise Camp (about 5 miles, and about the same elevation), taking time along the way to pause in a couple of beautiful places for quiet time.
The following day, we travel from Sunrise Camp to Little Yosemite Valley (about 8-9 miles). This is our long hiking day, but we come down in elevation to about 7,000 feet or so. In Little Yosemite Valley we'll enjoy the Merced River which flows right next to where we will be camping.
The next day (Sabbath), we'll will take a break from our backpacks, and instead do a 8 mile round trip hike to the top of Half Dome and back, enjoying some of the greatest views the valley offers - and if people feel like it, we may do a little additional exploring. (Weather permitting of course). With only day hike bags, we're lighter on our feet, and the view is great!
On Sunday, we will continue on to Yosemite Valley, spend the late afternoon setting up camp in the backpackers camp, buying some fresh food, getting a shower, checking out the valley, eating some Pizza, and enjoying one last night in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Monday morning, it’s on the road again, which should get us home sometime late afternoon or early evening (usually about 6ish).
COST:
COST:
The cost for the trip is $80.00 per person plus food and any equipment expenses you may have. The $80.00 mostly covers gasoline, but also includes campsite fees at the beginning and end of the trip, fees for Half Dome, and helps offset the cost of pizza at the end. You will want to take extra money if you plan to:
1. Take a shower in Yosemite Valley (about $5 should do it - and you will want to do it)
2. Rent a bear-proof canister if you don’t have one - and you will need one! ($5 or so)
3. Any food or other items you might want to purchase in Yosemite Valley on Sunday or Monday.
4. Food money for traveling. We will stop for fast food on the way up on Tuesday in Bishop, and on the way home as well. You can of course take a sack lunch if you wish.
FOOD:
FOOD:
You are on your own for planning your food. If you have never backpacked before, we’ll be happy to help you with menu ideas. You might also want to talk to one of the leaders so you can get some good tips on what kind of food to bring, how much, and what to avoid. You may also want to team up with someone else on the trip and plan some meals together. You might also want to share a stove and perhaps some utensils to help keep your pack weight down. Keep in mind that weight is a major consideration when backpacking, so lightweight, dehydrated food, is a wise choice. Fresh food, because it contains a lot of water, takes up space, tends to spoil, is not generally a good idea. Also, because bear-proof containers are required where we are going, your food will have to fit in the container. This can be fairly challenging if you are doing it for the first time, so you might want to get a hold of one ahead of time and experiment a bit before you are finished planning your food menu to be sure you can get everything in. You might also want to experiment with cooking some items you are not familiar with now so you don’t get surprised on the trip.
PLEASE NOTE: all food, from Wednesday evening on, MUST be kept in the bear proof containers that you will carry with you. These are available from places like REI for purchase, or they can be rented from the forest service when we get there for $5 for the trip. It is also quite likely that you can borrow one from someone in the church. This is NOT OPTIONAL - and IS NECESSARY. If you need to borrow a container, check with Ken Curtis for some names of people who might be willing to loan you one, even if it is for nothing more than planning how to pack your food and you rent one at the ranger station.
It is also important to keep in mind that because bears may define “food” differently from you or I, you will need to keep anything that has an odor (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, chapstick, etc.) in the container as well, so plan accordingly!
WATER:
There will be sources of water at all of the places we are camping, however, the water does need to be treated before use.
You can use a good water filter, treat it with water purification tablets, use a steripen, or boil it for 10 minutes. We will have some water filters along on the trip, so if you don’t have one, we will share. But if you have one, you may want to bring it along. In addition to the water you use in your cooking, you should plan on drinking a MINIMUM of two to three quarts of water per day. Most days you will want to drink much more than that. It is very important to stay well hydrated. (On most days I drink a minimum of 4 quarts)
WEIGHT: As a general rule of thumb, your fully packed backpack should not exceed 25% of your body weight. That means if you weigh 150 lbs, your pack should be 38 lbs or less. Please work on staying within your weight limits! The lighter, the better.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: If you have any medical conditions that would have any impact upon you on a trip of this type, please check with your physician before going. Be sure that we are aware of any potential health problems BEFORE you make your final arrangements to go. Those of you who are taking any kind of medication for any reason need to talk with one of the leaders ahead of time. We will be hiking at elevations ranging from about 10,000 ft to about 3,000 ft. If you have asthma (including exercise induced asthma), or need an inhaler for any other reason, be sure you have one (and an extra) with you - and that the leaders know about it!
Hats and sunglasses are a good idea. They keep your head cool during the day, and warm at night - and since virtually everyday is a bad hair day (this is backpacking after all) you may want one for other reasons. They also help if you run into mosquitos.
PROTOCOL: We are hiking in a National Park area, but even if we weren’t and it was not illegal, we need to respect and preserve our surroundings. The general rule of thumb is “take only pictures, leave only foot prints.”
In addition, we need to be careful about the way we treat the water sources. There can be no washing of cooking utensils, hair, or the introducing of soap into any of the streams or lakes at any time. All washing of anything needs to take place several hundreds of feet away from the water sources. Some of the wildlife in the Sierras is negatively impacted by the introduction of even biodegradable soap items, so we need to be careful to keep them out of the water sources. I know this is different from some other kinds of trips you may have been on - so please take note!
We also need to be careful not to make food available to any of the wildlife - it is not good for them, and it creates huge problems for us and other people around us.
Wildlife Issues: Bear, deer, marmots, and similar critters live and roam in the areas we will be camping. Generally speaking they are not a problem, and if food is properly stored, they will pretty well stay away from where we are camping (at least until we get close to Yosemite Valley itself). However, they do check to see if food is properly stored, and if it is not, they can be a nuisance. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep focused on:
1. Wildlife is just exactly that, wild. Do not under any circumstances approach wild life, and certainly DO NOT feed or leave food,
or anything they might consider as food, out for them. Pictures are best taken at a distance. Deer may look like Bambi, but if you get too close you can wind up injured. If you see young bear cubs, however cute they may be, it is imperative that you stay away from them. Mom is probably not far away and may be quite protective of her cubs. Respect their space and privacy. You are guests in their home, not the other way around. ALSO, our food is simply not appropriate for wildlife. Not only is it not good for them, making it available to them undermines their ability to find food on their own, and it conditions them to look for food around people, which makes things more dangerous for both them and us. It is also against the law, and you can (and will) be fined by a ranger for leaving it out or not storing it properly.2. Again, because it is unclear what animals think food is, all items that have odor need to be stored as if they were food. This includes things like soap, scented chapstick, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Animals will not bother you if you are wearing such things (they can smell you too), however, if they smell it in your gear, they may decide they would like to try some, and they don’t use the zippers and snaps to open things. (And yes, the picture to the right is one we took of a visitor to our camp on a previous trip)Other Stuff: And of course it goes without saying that backpacking is an opportunity to experience the wilderness, so leave electronic game and music devices at home. They are extra weight and are not necessary. Also, fireworks or anything of that nature are inappropriate and in fact illegal in national parks. Pocket knives are helpful and useful. Larger hunting or fishing knives are unnecessary and are not welcome on the trip. Please leave these at home. If you are unsure, ask.
STAFF: The point person leading the trip is Ken Curtis, who has been leading groups on this route every summer for over two decades now under a variety of conditions from dry meadows to times when the trail was completely covered with snow. He has a very good feel for the trail and knows it well. We'll have 2-way radios, and a cell phone or two as well. (The radios can sometimes be helpful to us when hiking - and the cell phones might occasionally be able to get reception as well). But more importantly, we are never so far from help that we could not get it if we needed to. Additionally, we are well supplied with maps, compasses, and a GPS unit which contains the trails and topography for the area through which we will be traveling. We have, in the past, navigated quite successfully by using GPS alone (even with 100% snow coverage when trails are invisible).
WEATHER:
WEATHER:
There is always the possibility of rain and bad weather (thunderstorms mostly - or even a snow flurry). While this has only rarely been an issue on any of our trips, we must ALWAYS be prepared in case it happens. And, even though it is July, we can encounter some cold temperatures. Be sure that you have warm clothing (layers and non-cotton materials are best), and a sleeping bag that is rated to keep you warm down to at least 15-25 degrees. You will need a good tent (generally shared with someone). A lightweight poncho, and plastic bags to keep your things dry is important (Frog Toggs are a great option). You may never need to use them, but if we hit thunderstorms, you will be glad you have them. If you have what you think is a water proof shell or jacket, test it before the trip and see if it really is water proof. It’s not fun to discover that it’s not in the middle of a rainstorm. AND PLEASE KNOW: We take the responsibility of keeping young people safe very seriously. We monitor the situation carefully, both before and during the trip and will make whatever adjustments seem to be prudent. While there are always unknowns that we can’t control in any kind of wilderness camping situation, we’ll do the best we can to keep everyone safe and well.
Youth Backpack Trip - Permission Slip
Youth Backpack Trip - Permission Slip
Dates
Dates
Calimesa Youth
___________________________________________________ has my permission to participate in the backpack trip sponsored by the Calimesa Youth in the Yosemite National Park area on _____________________________.
I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the sponsoring church, Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and sponsors from liability arising from any accident or injury occurring during this trip. This specifically includes injury arising from negligence on the part of those mentioned above. This recognizes a shared responsibility among church, student and home. This does not include gross negligence on the part of those mentioned above. This does not waive coverage within the policy limits of church accident insurance, which covers church-sponsored activities.
In the event of an illness or accident requiring attention, my child has permission to obtain emergency medical services.
From ________________________________________________________, I can be reached at the following number(s)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Medical Conditions and/or Medication by son/daughter is currently taking, or anything else we need to know that could in any way impact their health (Please list):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________ _____________________
(Parent/guardian signature) (Date)
Back Pack Check List
Back Pack Check List
(not exhaustive - but somewhere to start)
(not exhaustive - but somewhere to start)
_____ Backpack (internal or external frame - make sure if fits you!)_____ Sleeping bag (light weight - at least 15 degree rating recommended) _____ Sleeping Pad _____ Day hike bag _____ Tent (can be shared with a friend) (If you need to borrow one, talk to one of the leaders) _____ Foul weather gear (Poncho and/or a couple of large trash bags - again Frog Toggs are a great option) _____ Hiking Shoes (must fit well - don’t laugh, you would be surprised . . .) _____ Clothing for 5 days hiking (wicking or quick dry fabrics best - avoid cotton) - plus 2 days off the trail. underwear shirts pants socks (thin pair and a thicker padded pair - we'll talk about this more) etc. _____ Jacket _____ hat _____ sunglasses
_____ Water filter / or other water purification resources (or share one with someone)
_____ Water bottle(s) - at least 2 quarts at any one time
_____ Bear Proof Container
_____ Food for
4 dinners (hiking)
5 lunches (hiking)
4 breakfasts (hiking)
3-4 meals off the trail (Thur PM / Fri AM / Wed AM)
_____ Personal items
soap/toothpaste/comb/etc.
Hand towel (light weight)
Pencil/pen/paper (we will supply this)
*camera
____TOILET PAPER (Don't leave home without it - more is better than not enough)
_____ Personal First Aid Kit (including but not limited to such things as:)
band-aids
mole-skin
ointments
Ace bandage
sun screen
tweezers
Tylenol / Motrin / etc. (tell leaders of ANY medication you have)
_____ Personal hygiene items
_____ Cooking/Eating Utensils (as needed)
cup
silverware
plate/bowl
pots/pans
SOS pad and/or dish soap
_____ Stove (share with someone)
_____ fuel for stove
_____ matches / lighter
_____ INSECT REPELLANT
_____ Money (enough for food on the road, and extras)
_____ Plastic storage bags (for matches, clothing, and anything else you want to keep dry - ziplock works well)
_____ Flashlight
* optional - and only if weight allows
NOTE: Watch quantities and weight. Ounces add up!
NOTE: All food trash has odors and is carried out, and so may need to be kept in your bear proof container as well, so plan accordingly.
WE WILL BE HAVING SOME PREPARATORY MEETINGS BEFORE THE TRIP TO GO OVER YOUR EQUIPMENT AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WHAT YOU NEED. PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING THOSE WHEN THEY ARE ANNOUNCED! WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE READY TO GO, AND DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH AN EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION, OR DISCOVER THAT YOU NEEDED SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T HAVE!
Any questions, comments, concerns - let us know!
Some additional and important notes:
Some additional and important notes:
(1) Toilet Paper (it is not that heavy, and it is worth having more than you think you will need - in a sealed plastic bag of course. At Cathedral Lake, you will also need to pack out the used toilet paper, so have a plastic bag for that purpose. There will be out houses at the other locations) ALSO, ladies, be sure you have whatever feminine hygiene items along that you might possibly need. There are no stores along the way.
(2) Mosquito Repellent - This is likely to be a significant issue. While we have had a few good years with almost no mosquitos to deal with, in some places mosquitoes can and probably will be a significant issue. Make sure you have this along, you will need it - and be happy you have it.
(3) Shoes / Boots - Your feet are one of your most significant concerns on the trip since they are what gets you from one place to another. Make sure you have good hiking boots, that fit well and that are broken in. Water proofing them is a nice touch. Socks that fit well are also important. Mole skin and other blister treatment items are highly recommended. We would suggest that you put your boots on and take a long walk in them and find out if there are issues with them now so you can make the corrections before the trip. Don't even think about backpacking in flip flops or sandals :-). Tennis shoes are not advised.
(4) Backpack - take it out, put some weight in it, and walk around with it awhile to make sure it fits and is not uncomfortable. Discomfort may not seem like a big deal at first, but after a couple of hours or miles, your perspective will change. Find out about problems now. Make sure you have a good "belly band" that allows most of the weight of your pack to be transmitted to your hips rather than your shoulders.
(5) A note about Half-Dome. This is the hike you will need your day-hike bag for. You will also need a pair of gloves (gardening gloves are fine) that you will want to wear when using the cables. The hike up Half-Dome really is a pretty safe hike - a little challenging in some places, but fun as well. You'll be fine. The only place where Half-Dome presents a safety hazard is on the edge at the very top - because there are no rails. We stay well away from the edge, and there are no places where, just wandering around, you could slip or fall and actually slide over the edge, or anything like that. You would have to put some real effort into falling off - and we trust that people will follow instructions. The area on the top of half-dome is huge - more than enough room to wander around and enjoy being there without having to worry. (If there is any danger of a thunderstorm, we will not do the hike) While this is always a possibility, only once have we had to do this due to adverse conditions - but we will if the conditions indicate that we should.
(6) Foul Weather Reminder - Be sure you have waterproof clothing and something equally waterproof to cover your pack in case of rain!
Before and After we begin backpacking:
Before and After we begin backpacking:
We will arrive in camp at T. Meadows on Tuesday afternoon. We will stop for food in Bishop. You can bring either a sack lunch or buy something to eat there. There is a Taco Bell, and a sandwich place. Once in camp, we will leave most of the group there (with Adult supervision of course :-)) to get set up, while we shuttle vehicles down to Yosemite Valley so they will be there when we come out at the other end of the trail. This takes about 3 hours.
Here is what you will need to have ready at that time:
A. You will need to have the following items in the vehicles we shuttle down to the valley:
(1) Clothes you will want to change into at the end of the trip. We will be able to shower and change on Sunday afternoon. We will also spend Sunday night in the backpacker's camp in Yosemite Valley, so you will need a change of clothes for Sunday evening and Monday morning for traveling home.
(2) Since you are probably planning on using shampoo and soap when you shower on Sunday, you will want to have these items available as well - HOWEVER SINCE THEY ARE SCENTED, you will need to pack them separately so we can take the scented items and place them in a bear box near where the cars will be parked . The clothes can stay in the vehicles, but any scented items will need to be stored separately. THIS MEANS YOU WILL NEED TWO BAGS in the vehicles we are taking down to leave in the valley on Tuesday, the first day of the trip. One for your clothes, and one for any scented items you have that you would like to have at the end of the trip. Scented items can be placed in a large zip lock bag.
These bags for the end of the trip will need to be packed and ready to go as soon as we arrive, since we need to shuttle the vehicles right away - so plan ahead for this!
If you forget something, there are also stores in Yosemite valley where you can buy soap or other personal items you may need on Sunday (and there is a store near the trail head you could go to on Tuesday afternoon if necessary).
B. FOOD AT THE TRAIL HEAD. For Tuesday Night, and Wednesday (our first day) you can pack your food a little differently. There are bear boxes at the trail head, meaning that whatever you decide to eat for Tuesday night, and Wednesday can be stored there (you don't need to have them in your bear proof container). Also, since we are not backpacking for Tuesday night dinner and Wednesday breakfast, you are not as limited in the kind of food you can have (fully hydrated food is fine). Once we start backpacking on Wednesday morning, you will of course need to carry your food for the rest of the trip (through Sunday lunch) - however, Wednesday lunch and Wednesday dinner do not have to be in your bear proof containers since you will be eating them during the day and will not have to store them over night (NOTE: any un-stored food will have to stay with you Wednesday afternoon when you get to camp until it is either eaten or stored in your bear proof container - you won't be able to leave it in your pack unattended).
So - your food for Tuesday and Wednesday can be packed separately from what will be in your bear proof container.
Sunday night, we'll gather for Pizza in Yosemite Village (you'll be amazed at how good pizza will taste by then . . . there are also fresh salads, bread and pasta available if you don't like pizza, and a near by store with other items). There will also be a chance to go to the store and buy whatever food you may want for Monday AM and afternoon. We will stop for food on the way back in Bishop if people so desire.
If you have any questions or concerns, PLEASE ASK! If this is the first time you have been backpacking, I would especially like to talk with you a week or two before the trip- just to make sure you are set and ready to go. No question is a dumb question, and all questions are welcome!
OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED BELOW AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
Would you like more helpful information on various aspects of this trip or Backpacking in general?
Check out these helpful links:
Check out these helpful links:
Best of Backpacking Food (one pouch dinners) NOTE: You would want to select the "Outpost" option if ordering.
General Information on Yosemite National Park
Specific Information on Backpacking in Yosemite
Current conditions in the area we will be backpacking through
Important additional information on food storage and bear proof containers
How to Pack a Bear Proof Canister
Backpacker Magazine - A great resource for everything having to do with backpacking
Selecting the Right Sleeping Bag
For Pathfinders working on the Backpacking Honor, click here for more information
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