Backpacking by RV-6

[Adam Youngman]

Well, I had to take a look and found this:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...ch/ai_89436287

I can't even think of anything we've got up here in MN that compares. Yeah, the bears steal your food and the deer get in front of your car, but...

[cytoxin]

great photos. now thats my kind of camping.

[MacNab]

Hey Jason and Bo,

I grew up in Bakersfield and have been wandering around the Sierra Nevada's since I was ten. Probably explains my lack of finishing and refinement. Wasn't hardly a summer when I wasn't packing or climbing somewhere in the Sierras. Mineral King is one of my favorite backpacking locales because it sees so little use and because of its amazing scenery and alpine geology. That intimidating twenty-five mile twisty road is what helps to keep Mineral King the unspoiled beauty that it is, and I hope they never improve it.

We were in a pretty big hurry to get airborne when we got back to VIS from the hills. A major shock to the system, concerns about being burned by seat belt buckles, dehydration, and all that. It was 3:00 in the afternoon and pretty toasty. Funny thing that even with the freedom of our own speedy little airplane we still find ourselves driven by external factors. Next time I'll try to be a better neighbor.

Really enjoyed the artistry of your EAA Chapter 262 compass rose in the run up area of 30, Bo.

[MacNab]

Originally Posted by n5lp

Beautiful country and great photos, but you've got me curious about the Marmots. What do they do to the cars?

Originally Posted by Adam Youngman

Well, I had to take a look and found this:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...ch/ai_89436287

I can't even think of anything we've got up here in MN that compares. Yeah, the bears steal your food and the deer get in front of your car, but...

Yea, that article describes it very well. Seems to me that marmots like to chew on anything with a rubbery consistency to it. There is one legendary marmot that traveled all the way from Mineral King to San Diego in the engine compartment of a car. After arriving home, the owner of the car opened the hood when he heard a commotion under it, and out jumped a very PO'd marmot.

There is also very little natural salt in the area, so all the animals up there are looking for it wherever they can find it. Salt licks at the pack stations disappear very quickly.

[The_CaptKirk]

Dave,

You're tearing my heart out with those great photos, but you nailed two of my favorites - flying and backcountry hiking.

But where are the fish pix? Were there no fish up there or did the out of state fishing license cost put you off?

[MacNab]

Hi Kirk,

Normally I carry a pack fly rod. But because my wife was with me on this trip I decided to leave the fishing gear at home this time and plan to do day hikes in the area instead. A bottle of wine was substituted for the fly rod. Of course, my attitude changed completely when we got to the lake Friday evening and the lake was boiling with feeding brookies. Next time I won't worry about the extra weight and I'll bring both - maybe even a second bottle of wine.

Decided once we were there to concentrate instead on picture taking, hiking, and relaxation on this trip.