EVALUATION
TROOP 253
COMBINED
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL FIFTY MILER OUTING
&
FOURTH ANNUAL THIRTY MILER OUTING
YOSEMITE WILDERNESS
JULY, 1996
SUMMARY
The purpose of this adventure was to open the horizons of the back packing scouts of Troop 253 and introduce them to new environments. The following pages show that these goals were met and the trip was a success.
As a result of the Troop’s unusual Kauai Miler that involved some of the Cadettes, we decided to provide the remaining Cadettes with an opportunity to participate on 30 of the 50 miles planned for the seniors. This approach also accommodated the shortage of available leaders this summer.
This year’s 30/50 Miler took place in the north western part of the Yosemite Wilderness. The total distance actually covered with full packs was about 30 miles for the Cadettes and 50 miles for the seniors with additional miles covered by some of the scouts during day hikes without packs.
Preparation for this annual event included 25 (minimum) prep hike miles for the Cadettes and 35 for the seniors (with packs) selected from about 80 scheduled miles and one prep camp at Union Lake in the Sierras near the Carson Iceberg Wilderness.
On the hike, all went well and it was enjoyed by all. We have no injuries to report.
The planning paid off and very few suggestions for improvement will be passed on to next year's group.
All of the scouts have been polled and all enjoyed the outing and are looking forward to next years Milers.
ROUTE
The Yosemite Wilderness area was selected by the scouts, with Paul’s advice and direction, after considering many other areas. The criteria for selection included:
- For the 30 Milers (Cadettes) Route not to exceed 8,000 feet if possible and not to have camps located over 8,000 feet in order to minimize the possibility of altitude sickness which is more likely for young women entering puberty.
- An extension that will exceed the 8000 foot elevation restriction for the Seniors
- Provide alternate paths that may provide more or less rigorous hikes depending on the scout's performance as well as emergency evacuation routes, should they become necessary.
- Water available at each camp.
The north western Yosemite Wilderness meets all of these requirements.
Map of the 30/50 Miler
Elevation Plot of the 30 Miler Portion of the Trip
Elevation Plot of the 50 Miler Portion of the Trip
Chronology of the 1996 Yosemite Combined 30/50 Miler
The route selected took us into some of the most beautiful country in California, and maybe the world. It started at a low altitude in the heat of the summer during an unusually warm period causing the first and last days of the hike to be less than desirable. All of this became worth the effort as soon as we were one day in and into the real wilderness. The overall hike was not too difficult, yet contained enough hard spots to qualify it as a Troop 253 Miler. The first day was the hardest for everyone, because of the low elevation start, the heat (mid 90's) and the general fitness level of all the girls.
ROUTE FOOD
There were few complaints about the food selected for this outing. Each year we find that the meal selection that was enjoyed on a previous year’s outing is no longer in favor with the scouts this year and vise versa, this seems to be unavoidable. We always have left over food, and this year was no exception. This is done by design in order to accommodate the possible emergency situation that might cause us to remain on the trail for an extra day or two (due to a trail closure by fire, injury, or possibly being too tired to make it out on time safely).
Some of the dried fruit was residual from the Kauai Miler, which took place a few weeks earlier, and may not have been the choice of this group of hikers but it was satisfactory.
PREP HIKES
Prep hikes started very early this year again due to the schedule of the two Milers. Most of the hikes took place on Presek’s ridge and were satisfactory as usual. The Prep Camp at Union Lake was interesting with good scenery. It had a wilderness setting yet not so far from home as to cause difficulties for a weekend outing.
All of the scouts and leaders hiked the requisite number of prep miles prior the outing thus abating many problems that may have otherwise occurred on the trail (lack of endurance, foot, and gear problems).
PATROLS
Patrols were divided by Seniors (for the 50 Mile portion of the hike) and Cadettes (for the 30 mile portion). Laura and I stayed with the 30 Milers while Paul and Amanda stayed with the 50 Milers. This worked well until we made some adjustments that resulted from some of the 50 Milers choosing not to participate in the extended portion of the hike, but rather, stay with the 30 Milers. Even though this was accommodated well enough, I think that the combined hikes in the future will be discouraged for this reason. It is much more desirable to complete the planned hike, even if it requires a little more of a "push", than to have an easier way out. We like to teach the scouts that they “can do” it, even if it is a little more difficult than they would like.
Each patrol remained self contained and worked well together.
HIGHLIGHTS
The entire outing is one of the highlights of my year. For scenery, the Falls to Branigon Lake and the pools in Jack Main Canyon are etched in my mind. More than the scenery, I will remember the scouts swimming in the pools in Jack Main Canyon, using logs for rafts, and generally having a good time together.
HIGHLIGHTS
(as stated by hiking members)
Scout's own led by Emma and Sierra. It, I believe, concluded the trip on a very thoughtful yet upbeat note.
Molly's and Jenny's day hike adventure to the falls near Vernon lake. It was both the first time that they had been on terrain that steep, and could explore the area by climbing. Molly's comment "this has been the coolest day of the hike" and Jenny's excited eyes made all the preparation and work of the miler worth it.
The lay-over days by Jack Main Canyon's pools, which were greatly enjoyed by the girls and both leaders (Heber & Laura).
The level of camaraderie, friendship, and cooperation exhibited by the girls was very high and greatly appreciated by myself.
When Heber and Paul fell on their rumps pulling the rope out of the tree after they had snaged it up while attempting to place a bear bag line.
Swimming in the lake in Jack Main Canyon with the little rock in the center. The showers.
Climbing up the dry waterfall and seeing the valley spread out before me.