Trip is October 4-7.

All information about the trip, including this and other (hopefully) informative messages, can be found on the web at http://bluedrinks.com/whit01

Some notes about camping at Mt. Whitney...

We'll arrive at the campsite at Whitney Portal on Friday October 5. The cyclists and the support crew will start arriving at about 5:00 p.m. and may continue to arrive after nightfall. People driving up Friday may arrive any time after 11:00 a.m. (I think this is when the campsite is available).

We are staying at a "group" campsite with space for 15 people. I have never stayed at one of these sites before. In past years we've always stayed in smaller campsites in the "family" campground. However, I'm sure most of the amenities are similar.

There will be a campfire ring, picnic tables, a barbecue, and space for setting up tents. Parking for cars will be limited, so some people may have to park in the overflow parking lot. There are restrooms nearby without running water. Water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning is available from spigots around the campground.

*All* food items will have to be stored in the bear lockers provided. It is illegal to keep food in your tent, car, or unattended anywhere in camp. The bear lockers are metal coffin shaped boxes that hold a *limited* amount of food. I don't know how many we'll have at the group campsite.

In past years, we've put together a menu for shared meals in camp. It helps avoid having too much food and makes it easier to prepare and clean up. If people like that plan we can do it again. Here is the menu from the past few years.

Friday Dinner: Spaghetti and Marinara, Salad
Saturday Breakfast: Bagels, Cream Cheese, Hot Cereal
Saturday Lunch (Hiking): Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Saturday Dinner: Burgers, Hot Dogs, Beans

In addition, people should bring their own personal snacks, especially for the hike. However, it is important to remember that space for food is limited to what we can fit in the bear lockers. Don't bring stuff you won't use. If you think you'll want to have a couple of beers in camp, don't bring a 12-pack. It's nice to want to share, but stuff that doesn't fit in the bear locker goes in the trash cans.

If people like the menu above (and we can modify it as needed), then I'll put together the complete list of supplies and assign items to anyone who volunteers to bring something.

As far as camping gear goes, it's strictly "car-camping", although as I pointed out, not all the cars will fit at the campsite. Most people will sleep in tents. I expect that people will be sharing tents, so it is not neccesary that *everyone* have their own tent. In fact, it is unlikely that the campsite has space for that many tents. As the trip approaches, I'm sure people will be able to coordinate with others about sharing.

The same holds true for things like stoves, lanterns, coolers, firewood, and other community items. You should, however, bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, along with whatever clothing and other personal items you think you'll need. It will probably be cold at night, maybe as cold as 30 degrees. It may even rain a little. Watch the weather reports as the trip approaches.

As always, your comments are welcomed,