Our intention is for a maximum of 12 "angels" to arrive at Vidette Meadow in time to provide dinner to hikers on Friday 6/18/2021 - and continue providing magic to hikers until after breakfast on Sunday 6/20/2021. Angels are likely to take different times to get up and down the hill based on temperament and athletic ability. This hike is by invitation only, you need to be invited by someone that has been on the trip before and be approved by either Ken or Seamus. We limit the number of Trail Angels that can attend, the first 12 to commit hard cash are in (within the "Gender balance" rules below)
NOTE: This year we are struggling with permits and have limited participation - sorry to anyone that didn't get to go.
Message from Ken: According to a 2017 Hiker Survey, 42% of thru hikers are women. I believe our little group of Angels should have a similar makeup.
The basic path starts at Roads End Ranger Station (in Sequoia Kings Canyon Natl park) and follows Bubbs Creek up the hill to Upper Vidette Meadow. See Map (below). Sub-groups would converge on Vidette Meadows on Friday afternoon. We stay at Vidette till late Sunday morning (Serving Hikers the whole time) when we would hike back down the way we came and drive home.
There is a new requirement this year: All trail angles must be fully "Covid Vaccinated" before you go. I will ask to see your Vaccine card before you go and you are not welcome if you have not had your shots (both shots if two shots are required). It is not fair to the other angels or to the thru hikers we are serving to potentially bring a virus into the woods (or to get sick in the woods yourself). This is non-negotiable.
In prior years we have hired mules to carry the bulk of the supplies - whether we are able to do so this year will depend on the amount of money contributed (and the amount of snow still on the ground when we leave). Whether we use mules or not, all hikers are responsible for getting 10 lbs of extra gear "up the hill" (or more if they have the ability and inclination). If we are able to afford mules, part of your contribution will be use to "Pay" for a mule to carry this weight up the hill.
NOTE: This year our permits are dependent on the Cedar Grove Pack Station, so we are committed to using mules (and even horses) for this year's hike (which is resulting in a higher trip cost)
There are usually two groups going up the hill. There is a "One day group" that goes up in a single day (15 miles starting at 5000 ft and climbing to 10,000 ft) - this is not a beginner hike - you must be in spectacular shape to make this climb! There will also be a "Two day group" that takes two days to make the trip up the hill (which is more of an intermediate hike). It is also possible that subgroups may form to "extend" this hike so that they can see more of the area - tell Ken if you are interested.
Click Here for a scanned map of the basic trail magic route (zoom in to see contour lines).
Click Here to access the online National Park Service maps of the area (allows you to scroll around the whole park)
Click Here for a google map to Roads End Permit Station (the trail head), so you can plan your drive to the trailhead
Note about Google Maps: It is winter in the Sierra now (when this is being typed) - Lots of roads are closed - If you ask for driving directions, make sure that you also specify "Depart in June" (otherwise it will not be able to find a route)
Here is my listing of those who have committed to doing this hike - Because of permit problems, we have broken up into various groups all going up separately:
Leaving Wednesday PM (Walking up in one day)
Seamus S: 1-day group. 10th trip. Ran the first trip back in 2010! - Car camping Wed night only
Deane G: 1-day group. 3rd trip. Connected through Seamus S - Car camping Wed night only
Paola: 1-day group. 1st trip. Unplanned additional connected through Deane G
Padraig: 1-day group. 1st trip. Unplanned addition connected through Deane G
Leaving Thursday AM (Walking over two days) - On the Pack Station Permit
David W: 2-day Group. 4nd trip. Connected through Seamus S - Hotel Tue - Thu
George R: 2-day group. 6th trip. Connected through Ken K (Long time friend) - Car Camping?
Leaving Friday AM (Walking up in one day with day-packs, letting mules carry camping equipment)
Ken K: 1-day group. 10th trip. Connected through Seamus S (Soccer coaches together) - car camping Tue - Fri
Maura W: 1-day group. 1st trip. Connected through Ken K (Girlfriend) - Car camping Tue - Fri
Leaving Friday AM (Riding a Horse) - On the Pack Station Permit
Liz R: Riding a Horse up on Friday. 3rd trip. Connected through George R (Family) - Car camping Guess: Thurs night only
There are likely to be multiple groups going up the hill this year that will meet at Vidette and perform trail magic on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. At this point, no side trips are planned, so on Sunday after breakfast service, all groups will head back down the hill
At this point, there are multiple groups finding their way up the hill so that we can:
Meet the Mules at Vidette on Friday afternoon around 3pm to receive our shipment and setup camp
Start Feeding Hikers Friday evening
Continue feeding hikers Saturday Morning and Evening
If food remains, Feed hikers Sunday Morning, break camp and carry everything remaining down the hill (no mules)