It is hardly surprising that the initial stage of most mountain journeys involves laborious uphill hiking. Coming at a time when the typical hiker is out of shape, unacclimated, and transporting the heaviest load of the entire trip, the seemingly endless hillsides can elicit rumbling from even the hardiest backpackers.~Steve Roper from Sierra High Route
June 22
Tent Meadow to Upper Horseshoe Lake – 12.5 miles
Grouse Lake Pass * Goat Crest Saddle * Glacier Valley * Horseshoe Lakes
Okay people BIG Announcement – We are on day 2 of not using a GPS for navigation. Yes folks we are getting out the paper maps, reading the guidebook, orienting our maps, using landmarks for locations, and working together to agree on routes up and down all these passes, valleys, boulder fields, granite benches, and snow fields.
Well Roper, the author of The Sierra High Route doesn’t mess around making sure the hiker is getting the full value of the High Sierra on the first day: physically and mentally.
Christy I was wandering what landmarks do you look for when you are navigating by map and compass. Do you bring pictures of the mountain passes and valleys you will pass through in order to identify where you are? And what scale maps do you use USGS 7.5 minute 1:24,000? Also what type of altimeter do you use?
I bet that crossing was a bit cold this time of year. At least it wasn’t very high. -Noticed the sun cups too. No fun.
The temps have been in the high 30’s at night and 70’s during the day. Not bad, huh?
Awesome. Thanks for sharing. So do you ladies just wade on into the streams, no ‘water crossing shoes’ or removal of long pants etc. Just get a bit wet and carry on?
We just plow through and get wet shoes and pants.
Adventures ahead.. thanks for sharing.
I wonder if there is now a newbie generation of hikers who haven’t done time with map and compass..
Sort of like drivers who never could or ever ever would bring along or use a paper map..
GPS can be magic but it can also fail, same will cell phones.
Anyway, I know the three of you are super prepared and super experienced, so I just love following all three.. together is even more fun..
Yep, I’ve just taken a 5lb hammer to my 6 yr old Garmin – freaking tired of their lack of customer ‘service’ and all the errors – so cathartic! Taking my first trip with paper map in a few years. Used to be good at it, and actually looking forward to doing it myself again! (I’m 53, so years of experience. ha)
Thank you Lynn!! It is kinda freeing not using GPS, but kind of like flying off a cliff. Love having you along.
Yuk to the sun cups, yum to the alpine lakes. I need/want to practice with maps/compass. It’s the zpacks crew!
I know and the Gossamer Gear crew. What can I say the gear works.