Gary-Summer: May 28, 2016

Saturday, May 28, 2016

May 28, 2016 - Deer Camp

Title: May 28, 2016 - Deer Camp Trail Head to Deer Camp
Hike Info : Description : Menu : Extra Photo's : Flowers and Plants

Trail head: Deer Camp Trail Head (Yosemite West)

Hike Info:

Type: Backpacking

Trail: Deer Camp Trail

Destination:Deer Camp

Distance: 8.63 miles

Start Time: 9:29

End Time: 3:10

Travel Time: 5:40 (1.52 mph)

Moving Time: 3:47 (2.28 mph)

Elevation Rise: 723'

Maximum Elevation: 6,572'

Description:
This trip did not turn out as planned. Karol had invited several of her friends, including us, to go backpacking over the Memorial Day weekend. Our daughter Andrea showed some interest. As it turned out that another couple also were interested in going as well: Michelle and Wayne. Five or six people sounds good. We have met the other couple, but do not really know them-they are more kayakers than backpackers, not that it makes too much difference.

Well, our daughter decided that it would be a bit too rushed and so backed out. The our friend Karol got hurt and cannot go. So now we are going with a couple which we do not know. What kinds of people are they? Will they also back out? The answer to the later question is no. The answer to the former is, we will find out.

We meet at their place and sort out who's driving-Wayne has a preference in that area. So we come back to our house and unload the car and get ready. Wayne and Michelle come along a few minutes later and we are off on our adventure. We stop in at Pete's Place to pick up our sandwich which will be used for lunch and dinner. Then it is off to Wawona and picking up a wilderness permit from Ranger Dave. First, there is a whole line of people waiting for their permit. We are number two. Glad we got there 20 minutes before the office opened. He appears to be at least new to Yosemite and is being instructed. He also gives us a parking permit, but I think it is more for the Valley than where we are going.

Sherri and Wayne

Then it is off to Yosemite West and the Deer Camp Trail Head. The first part of the trail, about three miles, we have hiked many a time before. This is Sherri's first time out with her new pack, so there is some adjustments to be made. Not sure what her pack weighs, but mine is close to 40 pounds. But it is a good JMT training pack. I think I am packing almost everything we will need in August.

The trail is pretty level and we make good time. Sherri and I get to know Michelle and Wayne a bit better as we walk-that is something which seems like a natural phenomenon about hiking. You get to know people. Most of the time you learn to enjoy their company. This is not an exception.

Wayne and Michelle

Remains of some old machinery, but what?

After we cross Bishop Creek, we are off onto new ground for me. I have done to Bishop Creek and from the Alder Creek trail junction to Deer Camp, but not this little bit of trail. I think it is about a mile and a half. The walking is more of the same. There is a a flat spot which may have been some sort of watering stop, but we do not know. When we come across some logs, we stop for lunch.

Sherri crossing a creek

Sherri and Michelle

In this new section of trail, Wayne sees remnants of the old road. I believe this goes to the north side of Alder Falls. Something else to put on the checklist of walks to do-see where the road actually takes us. We are also treated to views of the Alder Creek drainage. Not spectacular, but nice and graceful looking. There are some clouds gathering to the south of us, but they should not be much of a bother to us.

Empire Meadow

We round the trickle which is Alder Creek and now are on the home stretch. This last mile seems long. A spot near Empire Meadow is pretty relaxing view. But have you noticed one thing? Memorial Day, Yosemite, and not one single person besides us. This is broken when we get to Deer Camp. There is a mother/daughter team from Alaska who is going to do two more miles over to Turner Meadow area tonight. Better people than I am. I am a bit beat. This is for just 8 miles on level trail, albeit with a full pack. We do find a semi flat place for a tent. But Wayne has more energy and does some scouting. He finds a couple of nice places just on the other side of a knoll from the meadow. I look it over and take my pack there as well.

There are two more groups of people who come in. They take our former spots. Still pretty good considering Memorial Day and Yosemite. One of the groups seem to be pretty tuckered out-even more than me. They get into their tent and do not emerge for the rest of the evening.

You know what I said about the clouds? They are gathering and a few drops falls, but that is all. Getting something into my stomach seems to have re-energized me. I decide to go down the trail a little ways towards the creek-not Alder-just to relax. It does good. I come back and everybody is getting ready for bed and I follow suit.

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
At Home	Sandwich from Pete's Place	Other half of sandwich from Pete's Place	Clif Bar, Jelly Bellies, Scratch, GORP