[pct-l] Sierra Food Strategy

[Gary Minetti]

Kurt,

I did KM to VVR in 2012.  

I did not do Whitney which adds another full day + and additional food.

In terms of context, I turned 59 during my hike and 2012 was a below normal snow level year in the Sierras.  This year is not shaping up to be a below normal snow year.  In terms of calories, I did not count them.  I just stuffed as much food as I could in a B Vault and a couple of stuff sacks.  By the time you get to KM, you are a food surgeon - you know which foods to cut and which to keep.

I left KM on June 3 with 11 nights of food packed in both a Bear Vault and stuff sacks as a canister is not required until you get a few days north of KM. 

I made the VVR ferry  on the morning of my 10th day.  That year, a wild man named Lucky, a couple of years older than I,  did KM to Red Meadows without supply.  Lucky is a no shit badass.

In summary, KM to VVR is possible (if the snow pack and other variables are aligned for you) and is VERY worthy of consideration given the full wilderness immersion it provides.  One consideration is to get to KM safely and make the decision to go for VVR, or not, at that point when conditions in the Sierra, and your personal status are better understood.  

The Sierras are remarkable.  I am planning a return (Walker Pass to Belden) this Fall and I can't wait.  I will be doing KM to VVR again without resupply.

Best wishes on your hike and enjoy.

Gman
Class of 2012



 








On Feb 13, 2016, at 2:54 PM, Kurt Maurer wrote:

> Hello,
> 
> I've been reading Yogi's book and basing my preparations on its guidance.
> She mentions considering hiking from Kennedy Meadows to Vermillion Valley
> Resort without a resupply, and seeing that the resupply towns require
> considerable hitch hiking, I was planning on hiking straight through. Also,
> none of the resupply points seem favorable; it's either resupply really
> early on or super late on this section. But I'm doubting I can fit the
> required calories into my bear canister. I was assuming 4000 calories per
> day for 11 days. I know there's a good chance I'll burn more, and that is a
> considerable length of time without a resupply. Does anyone have any
> suggestions for packing the canister or other recommendations?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Kurt
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubscribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> 
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.