2012 Trip: We’re Going to California

MOS Adventurers-

We now have dates and a tenative location for our 2012 trip!  Exact location will be finalized a bit later, but we will be backpacking for 3 days, over the weekend of September 8-9, in northern California.  Current tenative locale is going to be either the Desolation or the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness Area, just west of Lake Tahoe.  But we are also looking at other nearby areas, including Granite Chief, Yosemite, Ansel Adams and John Muir.

Details…

WHAT: 3 Days and 2 nights backpacking in mountainous wilderness

WHERE: Carson-Iceberg or Desoltion Wilderness Area, California

WHEN: September 6-10, 2012

WHO: Group size limited to 10 people, currently 8 open slots

HOW MUCH: About $300-$350 per person, plus airfare to the area if needed, includes permits, group food and camping supplies, group meals, hotel night(s), group gear, vehicle rentals and gas.

 

Desolation and Carson-Iceberg present some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the High Sierras.  Both areas have well-maintained trail systems leading to countless glacial tarns (lakes), waterfalls, lush meadows and dense forests for endless exploration.  Altitudes range from 5,000′ to 12,000′ ASL, passing through numerous biomes and climates.  Desolation is heavily visited, but has some particularly spectacular vistas and lakes.  Carson-Iceberg provides more lush vegetation and more opportunity for seclusion.

This trip will work like other long-weekend hauls that MOS has done recently.  Day 1 is a travel day, everyoone arriving in the Bay Area, acquiring supplies, and staging up near the wilderness.  Days 2 through 4 are backpacking in the wilderness.  The end of Day 4 is the traditional hotel/drinks/hot tub wind-down, and Day 5 we all go back to our “normal” lives.

Because of the rugged terrain and altitude, it is recommended that participants be in reasonably good physical shape for such a trip.  We won’t be doing any technical climbing or running any alpine triathalons, and you don’t need to a superior athlete by any stretch.  But just walking these trails carrying 30 pounds of gear can be pretty taxing.  If you are unsure if you are up to it, just ask, we’ll talk you through it.  As long as you are mentally ready, you will probably find you are up to the challenge.

Your reward for the hard work is the unparalleled exprience of adventuring in a true wilderness, and seeing all that nature has to offer the Sierras.  You will probably even make some new friends along the way.

If you are interested in this trip, please contact Matt Cassidy or Scott Steiner, or talk to us on the MOS Co-op Facebook page.  We are taking names now on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we have a limit of 10 people.  So if you are considering it, you should get in touch soon!  Feel free to ask us any anything, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

We hope to see you outside!

-DWT