Bulletin 1

Bulletin 1 - Jan 29, 2012 - from Steve

Hi Everybody,

We did not win the lottery, but I have a permit for all of us to start hiking on Tuesday, August 7. We need to convene at Florence Lake the day before, the 6th. Unfortunately this means that the fleshpots of Los Banos will be closed on our return (Monday, August 13), but I am sure we'll find another feed lot.

Tentatively we are looking at a Florence Lake ferry crossing, followed by the hike into the neighborhood of Piute Canyon/PCT/JMT junction for the first night camp. Plenty of space there. The next day probably up to McClure Meadow, for a sort of mini-base camp. From there the Darwin Canyon Lakes or the McGee Lakes are outstanding day hikes; the former are barren, the latter may even harbor five foot barratrout in them. Of course the neighborhood of the meadow is an equally delightful place to contemplate nature, with eyes closed.

Return is reverse. The ferry runs several times a day and can (could?) even be reserved for a particular time (would not). The landing spot is north of the San Joaquin River inlet.

Now go and enjoy your Henry Coe trip and don't tell me about it until you get back.

Cheers.

Steve

P.S. Map: Tom Harrison Maps, "Mono Divide High Country". Gets you there but not good enough for the day trips.