Shot From the Hip

Still no bear sighting.  I might need to try again pre-hibernation.  Weather was great though, sunny but cool with just enough clouds to make the sky interesting.  Whenever I set out on my one day trips, I never know what to expect.  This time it was like clockwork.  I left home at 3 am, started hiking just before 8 am, got off the trail just after 3 and was home before 9.  My personal accomplishment was that I only drank one can of coffee for the whole day. Usually I drink at least 2 if not 3 or 4.

So the purpose of this trip was to determine if it would be possible for me to bring all of my gear to 1/2 dome.  While I think I technically could, if I trained with a backpack, I don't think it will be a good idea.  I packed at least 30 if not 40 lbs of gear today.  4.5 l of water, 2 DSLR's, 3 lenses, one tripod and food.  Hiking with it for 12 miles was brutal.  I wasn't sure if my knees could handle it, but they were fine.  My shoulders on the other hand are in pain.  Regardless, for those who have time, this is a good time to visit Tuolumne.  Park services are still not up and running yet so the hikers are just trickling in.  Plus the weather is great and right now you don't really have to worry about mosquitoes though there are a few.