Emigrant Wilderness Area
1983
Troop 253 third annual "50" miler was in the Emigrant Wilderness Area of the Sierras, during mid-August 1981. The wilderness area is located between Sonora Pass and Yosemite, with an average elevation of 8500 feet. Our trailhead was at Kennedy Meadows, which has an elevation of 6400 feet. The first 10 to 12 miles is a gradual climb up and over a 9200 foot pass, into Emigrant Lake. Once over mosquito pass the daily hiking is fairly flat with up and down elevation changes of 400 to 500 feet. Elevation details are graphed.
The majority of the wilderness area is at or near timberline and sometimes just above timberline, consequently the availability of high branches for food hanging is scarce. Firewood Is plentiful, however finding trees for adequate shelters for a group, much over 6 people could be a problem. On future trips, the girls should carry poles and stakes with their shelters. The available space between trees does not always drain properly in heavy rain. The area is quite versatile., in that ones planned route can be easily changed without disrupting the whole trip. The area does not always provide a lake to camp by, however there are many streams available, where lakes are not. The lakes and streams are snow fed and are on the coolish side for swimming. (48 F) Good to excellent fishing is reported for the area.
Although we had rain approximately 50% of the time, the troop was prepared both on and off the trail with their ponchos, garbage bags and tarp shelters. For future week long, trips, I would recommend each girl carry 3 bags instead of the two we required. (One for the pack, one for sleeping bag, and extra for garbage or to replace torn bags). In the future we should spend more time waterproofing of our boots prior to the trip. My boots were wet for 75% of the hike. Those who must hike in tennis shoes should carry at least 3 pairs with them (including what is worn) and should have at least six pair of socks of which 3 should be wool or a wool blend. Wet tennis shoes, with cotton socks in snow and water make for very cold feet.
Our food on the trail was entirely freeze dried, which always brings some complaints from the hikers. We found that in planning menus for 5 to 6 days the variety of food was somewhat limited with each main course a spin-off of something else. The menus should not be entirely planed in the future, but should be set up by one or two girls as they buy the food, based upon the availability at the time. Strong dislikes can be submitted to the food committee prior to purchase. We must remember that food on the trail is nothing more than fuel to give us energy and warmth. We are not in the backcountry to have fancy meals.
Our finances in the future should be established at least six weeks prior to departure, with all funds in at least 3 weeks in advance. Any cancellations no refunds.
The prep hikes, and locations thereof should be scheduled, and passed out to the entire troop prior to school vacation, in order for the entire troop to participate. The prep hikes should also offer more variety. Participation should be required.
In summary, the 1983 trip was most successful, the area, although it lacks the high mountains one can climb and see in all directions, Mt. Lassen & Mt Tallic, is one we should consider again in the future. The hiking is easier than Desolation Wilderness and provides for more variety of routes.
Vern Tucker
August 1983
