[pct-l] VVR -- 2007ers, should I avoid in 2008?

[Ken Powers]

Donna was right. They told us that work was being done on the dam in June of 2007. The lake so low we got a ride from the ferry landing to the resort.

I don't think Lake Edison is involved, but in this area they pump the water back up the hill at night (using excess power capacity) to generate more power the next day. 

Ken
  ----- Original Message ----- 

  From: Robert W. Freed 
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 12:49 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] VVR -- 2007ers, should I avoid in 2008?


  They were using the lakes to generate power. Low rain fall last winter plus high summer demands equals empty lakes.

  Robert

  Donna Saufley <dsaufley at sprynet.com> wrote:
    VVR is an interesting place and I’d say definitely worth a visit.  With regard to the mudhole, they were draining both Florence and Edison Lakes last year around August or September for some kind of dam maintenance. I don’t know what the expectation is for the coming season.
     
    The eclectic camp at VVR is a lively place in season with a convergence of fishermen, intrepid four-wheelers, campers, JMT south bounders, and nobo PCTers.  I really enjoyed the boat ride to and from.  The food was excellent and reasonably priced for a remote location, and the store was stocked with many hiker-type items. Everything single thing there is hauled in by the proprietor and crew many miles on a rough mountain road, so everything is a precious and limited commodity for which they rightfully charge.  Consequently, hikers have found that by the time they add up their food, beer, phone calls, laundry, etc. charges, they have a bit of a tab.  Keep in mind that most hikers are on a limited budget, and paying up for anything tends to be painful to them and a source of complaint.  
     
    I sent my resupply box to Muir Trail Ranch (so I could carry seven days of food instead of nine) and then stopped at VVR.   They’re extremely nice folks at MTR, and there was good stuff in their hiker box.  They are more set up for their dude ranch group activities than for the needs of thru-hikers, but it was worth the short side-trip to go there. 
     
    Hope that helps.
     
    L-Rod

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Robert W. Freed
    Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 10:47 AM
    To: pct-l at backcountry.net
    Subject: Re: [pct-l] VVR -- 2007ers, should I avoid in 2008?
     
    I spent a night there in early June and found it great. One of the best steaks I think I have ever had. Of course after a couple hundred trail miles everything tastes good. Showers, laundry, food, beer and a free tent cabin if there is room. Bears a plenty at night but with food lockers and ear plugs I never noticed them.
      On the other hand, on the way there I heard horror stories about VVR. Over crowded, out of control bears, the mud hole that used to be Lake Thomas A. Edison, etc... But I had a good time and plan to stop there in '08.
     
    Robert
     
    >>>>>>>>Patrick Beggan <meta474 at gmail.com>  Wrote:>>>>>>>>>
    I've been reading Yogi's guidebook and also reading around the  
    internet and it seems that since 2003 VVR has developed a bad  
    reputation. Have they gotten a handle on things in 2007, or was it  
    just as bad as 06/05/04?

    I'd like to stop in there but I'll avoid it and use Muir Trail Ranch  
    or something, if necessary.
     
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