Yosemite CMT Gathering 2005

[Guest guest]

,

I did a double take when I read your post about a Yosemite CMT

Gathering. This is because I had the same thought when I went to bed

last night! I am not sure how many would come/or be able/I've never

been to Yosemite and would love to come. Are the trails accessible for

scooters? (I have seen trails in National Parks available for

wheelchairs and scooters so I am guessing Yosemite is accessible) Also,

for non-hikers, am wondering if the Ahwahnee Hotel would be a place to

gather/stay for those not hiking? Also wondering if anyone would want to

to a river raft trip while there. Great fun! And what month are you

thinking of? May and first part of June are best for me.

Anyone else interested in this idea?

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I would love to try this. Of course, I will be one of those not hiking, but

would love to try a river raft trip.Would love to know more about this if

anything comes of this.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Gretchen/,

I have been to Yosemite the last two winters. It is beautiful and not

crowded. One year we had fresh snow and the other we did not. No

problem getting around. I have early stages of CMT type 2. Used

trecking poles to navigate snow and trails. It was incredible. No

crowds. Quiet and peaceful. Roads and trails were mostly clear.

Might consider winter. The Ahwahnee is a wonderful experience in

itself. It is expensive and you need reservations a year in advance

during peak summer periods. There are less expensive hotels, but all

need advance reservations. No problem getting in during winter.

Fred

[Guest guest]

Cool! I am more than willing to provide whatever leadership is needed for the

hike. We can shape it to whatever response we get. As for me, I'd like to find a

spot that was about one-level-mile in from a road, with a lake to camp at. I'd

like us all to carry our own stuff (if at all possible). I'd like it to be a

true wilderness experience. I'd like to push people a little bit to walk and

fight for it a little bit. But, we can take all day to do one mile. And I'm sure

we can help each other along the way. Camp for the night and walk out the next

day. For those with more stamina, there are always other trails to walk on once

we make camp.

I thought some more about it last night. Yosemite has pretty strict regulations

about where to camp. They might not let us camp just one mile from a road. I can

ask for a special permit and see. If not, I know several places throughout

California that would work if Yosemite doesn't.

How do we proceed? Should we pick a date and invite the group and see what

happens? May is a little early. Still lots of snow. Mid to late June is doable

for me.

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, set a date, with one or two others, and see what's available. How about

first choice of June 9-11.

And Fred, great idea about winter in Yosemite and I'm with you on the

no crowds and peaceful park, but I'm afraid too many with CMT have

problems with the cold weather and live in snow areas themselves.

Jerry, too, thanks for your input. I'd be up for something before Memorial Day

too, but again, it might be too cold. The old hotel really IS an experience, if

people wish to stay other places, they can make their own reservations

accordingly.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I'd be up for this. Maybe not a mile long hike, but definitely white water

rafting. My

husband and I, if we went, would come out from Michigan with our truck camper

and

camp out there.

Keep us posted as details emerge.

~

[Guest guest]

I've never been to Yosemite, but is there a place, either at a campground or

hotel where

people that don't intend to do the hike can meet and socialize?

Typically when my husband and I travel, we camp, but we always either tent in a

location

we can drive and park by, or now we use the truck camper, but we always try to

do remote

camping away from campgrounds and away from crowds.

I'm not physically up for packing all my gear to some remote location, but would

like to

attend, nonetheless, and would be interested in socializing with others that

aren't up for

the hike as well.

~

[Guest guest]

Gretchen and others,

Alright, good feedback.

Here's what I'm thinking. Bear in mind that this can change.

June 9-11 (thur-sat) is perfect for me.

My idea for this trip is simple. I'm wondering if there are 5-15 CMTers who want

to backpack into the wilderness. I really don't want to go to Yosemite Valley in

the summer. The comments made by other members are well heeded - the Valley is a

zoo in the summer time. But Yosemite National Park is HUGE and I know several

places where we could escape the crowds. And if Yosemite doesn't work out for a

trail permit, I've already thought of another trail near Lake Tahoe. If we want

to offer other options (rafting trips, day hikes on paved trails) for less

ambulatory people, that's great, but I would like to see other leadership for

that. If this develops into a sort of " activity " gathering for all kinds of

CMTers, cool! But I would need help.

What I can do is: Use June 9 as a travel day to get near the trailhead. Possibly

meet on Thursday night for a BBQ at a campground, meet each other and make sure

our gear is together.

On Friday, we would drive to the trailhead and backpack about one-mile or so

(depending on the ability of the group) into the woods to a Lake or major

stream/river. This would not be a paved trail, but a real, though basically

level, backpacking trail. It would be harder for some and easier for others,

but, the wilderness is, well, the wilderness. We can help each other and if have

all day to go one mile. We'll make sure we have back up if there's a problem.

That night we'd set up camp, fish (if you like to fish and want to carry

tackle), hang out, rest, tell stories and scare away bears (it could happen!,

especially if we go to Yosemite - don't let this bother you. I've been around

scores of bears. We can handle it.)

On Saturday, we'd get up late and let the sun warm up the mountains a little. I

don't like the cold. Pack up camp and head back.

I can:

1) pick the route and provide directions to meeting points.

2) distribute gear lists and offer suggestions about what to pack (as little as

possible)

3) lead the hike and help get the camp together

So, how does this sound? I know that this will exclude some people who have more

severe CMT. But I'm wondering if there is a group of people who want to push it

a little bit before thier CMT gets so bad they can't go into the wilderness.

And, as mentioned above, some other leadership could arise to organize other

activities.

I can guarantee you this. For CMTers who have never tasted the freedom of the

wilderness and a level of self-reliance that is extreme, you'll make a memory

that you won't forget. Though some of that memory may be painful, some of it

will be wonderful.

Anybody interested?

[Guest guest]

I would like to participate. I currently hike 4 miles twice a week.

The combination of wilderness and a not too demanding hike is great.

Fred

[Guest guest]

Fred,

4 miles twice a week is great! Have you ever backpacked? Where do you walk?

[Guest guest]

; I used to walk 15 miles without much effort. Now it is 4

miles with much effort. I walk in a preserve near where I live in

Saratoga, CA. I didn't notice symptoms of CMT until 2001. In 1996 I

backpacked with a group to the summit of Mount Whitney. We took 7

days to cover 65 miles including 3 passes over 12000 ft. We carried

50 lbs. I walked over 2000 miles and climbed over 130000 ft preparing

for the trip. Later that same year I descended 6000 ft of Mount Blanc

in France. I am sure glad I did those two trips when I did since I

would not be able to do it today.

Fred

[Guest guest]

Fred,

I'm tracking with you! Both that I'm happy that I went for it when I could and

that now you walk " with much effort. " I, too, climbed Whitney, but in 1983. I've

been to plenty of mountian ranges, but the High Sierra will always have my

heart. There's nothing like gleaming granite under a pure blue sky.

Glad to for your experience backpacking. It will come in handy on our trail.

Keep walking,