Upper Kern our 1st trip out [Archive]

garyp

06-30-2013, 20:06

Here is my small trip report for the upper Kern. Enjoy the story of my trip. I attempted to resize them they should be 780x582

The start of the long walk @ 0630
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3099_782x582_zpsbaa1ac97.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3099_782x582_zpsbaa1ac97.jpg.html)

a kiss good buy I guess. Good thing the gun was left at home.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3100_782x582_zps267b9540.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3100_782x582_zps267b9540.jpg.html)
a walk down the beaten path
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3101_782x582_zps0941a56d.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3101_782x582_zps0941a56d.jpg.html)
Look I see a bridge
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3102_782x582_zpsc9270439.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3102_782x582_zpsc9270439.jpg.html)
How close is my fly rod???
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3103_782x582_zps246829e4.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3103_782x582_zps246829e4.jpg.html)
Do you think she would mind if I make a stop?
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3104_782x582_zps6a12da93.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3104_782x582_zps6a12da93.jpg.html)
Yupp thats me.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3105_782x582_zps9e0a1f63.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3105_782x582_zps9e0a1f63.jpg.html)
A lizard that we found.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3106_782x582_zps18309310.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3106_782x582_zps18309310.jpg.html)
Found this guy as I rounded a corner. I heard him before I saw him.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3113_782x582_zps5fa83b18.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3113_782x582_zps5fa83b18.jpg.html)
Here comes the Sun
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMG_0404_782x582_zps75c77824.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMG_0404_782x582_zps75c77824.jpg.html)

I want a water slide too.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3114_782x582_zpsd9c03880.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3114_782x582_zpsd9c03880.jpg.html)
Look at our handy dandy clothes Dryer. It was only registering 112
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3116_782x582_zpsefaddcc1.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3116_782x582_zpsefaddcc1.jpg.html)
at lest she can wave hello.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3119_782x582_zps19f9cba5.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3119_782x582_zps19f9cba5.jpg.html)

trying to move with the shade
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3123_782x582_zps8d061c34.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3123_782x582_zps8d061c34.jpg.html)
Dinner time, cook the water. yeaaaaaa.....
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3125_782x582_zps2edf9074.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3125_782x582_zps2edf9074.jpg.html)

You want me to actually eat this crap?
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3127_782x582_zps788db098.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3127_782x582_zps788db098.jpg.html)
and we have bubbles so we can rehydrate our food.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3129_782x582_zps5b92cfdc.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3129_782x582_zps5b92cfdc.jpg.html)
Party time.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3130_782x582_zps94d3793c.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3130_782x582_zps94d3793c.jpg.html)

Ok here is on the way out. @6:30 am we left camp at 7:50 am I had to make some coffee before we could pack out.

Pack up time
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3132_782x582_zps57469e8e.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3132_782x582_zps57469e8e.jpg.html)
Lesson, Purchase wading sandles. Wet boots weigh a ton.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3133_782x582_zps128f21db.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3133_782x582_zps128f21db.jpg.html)

Hurry the sun is coming up over the mountain it is already 80 deg.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3135_782x582_zpsdcfd0c70.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3135_782x582_zpsdcfd0c70.jpg.html)

Its hot as hell and I am sweating up a storm.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3138_782x582_zps04ff99ec.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3138_782x582_zps04ff99ec.jpg.html)
I thought these were strange. I can only assume they are for marking the rocks for something.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3139_782x582_zps044d2682.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3139_782x582_zps044d2682.jpg.html)
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3140_782x582_zpsccff22f4.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3140_782x582_zpsccff22f4.jpg.html)
The sun is starting to hit the canyon.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3142_782x582_zps09f2f939.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3142_782x582_zps09f2f939.jpg.html)
It hit the canyon. The temp is starting to rise. It feels kinda like the movie Chronicles from Ridick where they are attempting to out race the sun.
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3144_782x582_zpsa9c84744.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3144_782x582_zpsa9c84744.jpg.html)
Here is the wife
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3145_782x582_zps98a82e45.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3145_782x582_zps98a82e45.jpg.html)
The home stretch I see the bridge
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3147_782x582_zpsdb1ffa57.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3147_782x582_zpsdb1ffa57.jpg.html)
I think I am having twins?
http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3150_782x582_zps93a8a881.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/IMGP3150_782x582_zps93a8a881.jpg.html)

http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/garypullings1234/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/23de4854-6641-4382-94b6-648aec94ab12_zpsa98a6083.jpg (http://s810.photobucket.com/user/garypullings1234/media/Upper%20Kern%206-29%20though%206-30-2013/23de4854-6641-4382-94b6-648aec94ab12_zpsa98a6083.jpg.html)

On the way out we discovered that people don't know how to use trail edictate when it comes to their bodily fluids and solids. People were just dumping their stuff all over the trail. Along with the TP and stuff. It wasn't there the day before. I was not picking it up to pack out. YUK.

I attempted to pick up all my trash that I brought in, but we had a visitor in the night that took all of it away and we couldn't find it at all. I did find some of the trash but not all of it. But I did pack out more than I brought in. I didn't see any signs of a rodent at all. The funny thing is I woke up at about 2am to relieve myself and saw it sitting there. I thought to myself that there might be raccoons here or something. But since I saw it still there I decided not to pick it up since It was sitting there at 2am still. Boy was I wrong.

garyp

07-14-2013, 16:49

I have learned that there is some things I liked and some I didn’t.

Pre Trip
One of the first changes that I have made early on was changing out the my cooking utensils based on a recommendation from a friend, and I purchased 2 long handle spoons, and 2 sporks for each of us we did this before we left. It cut the weight by a few ounces. I ended up purchasing a micro air pump to be able to inflate our air mattresses, and two Thermarest compressible pillows.
But over all when I did weigh my pack minus the water weight the pack weighed 29.4 lbs. that did include my food, and my fly-fishing gear as well.

Post Trip
I noticed that due to the heat I was going through more water than I thought I was to go through. I have decided that I am going to purchase one more bladder for myself. My bag (Gregory Baltoro) has the ability to hold a water bladder on both sides of the pack. One of the things I was thinking of doing was connecting the two bladders together by use of a T in the hose and then off of the T I would connect my drinking hose. (Kind of like a duel fuel Tank)

Has any one thought of doing this? And if you have and tried it was it worth doing? Did it do what you thought it would?

I am hoping that the bladders would empty about evenly and always keep even with each other. I could fill them both together using a quick disconnect to be able to attach my filter to the bags.

I am thinking very much that the sleeping bag was way to heavy for me (Temp Rating). I was sweating up a storm in the hot night. I am going to check out some of these blankets that a lot of you have mentioned. The compression sacks worked great but it didn’t allow me to stuff my bag in the compartment that well. I am thinking of just getting a little bit of a bigger stuff sack and use that instead, I can then fill the entire sleeping pack area and it won’t be in one mass.

I ended up getting a cheap 2 person dome tent. The tent weight wasn’t that bad but the tent didn’t have that much ventilation in it. I am thinking of some of the Eureka tents have nice ventilation does any one have any input on these?

I liked my pocket rocket. I don’t have any complaints with that at all. I am not sure I like the canister though. Even though it packs in my cooking gear I still don’t like the idea of a canister.

My wife did have me buy two compression pillows from Thermarest. I thought they were trash. They compressed way to easily and fast for my liking. I will go with an inflatable pillow instead. Maybe even a stuff sack with my cloths in it.

As for toiletries, I have to come up with something better than wet wipes. I wanted TP my wife wanted these. I saved an argument and brought the wipes. Is there something that people suggest? A certain type of TP etc?

As for clothing I brought along a set of thermal long johns and an extra pair of boxers and one extra shirt. I wore my breathable sport shorts and shirt in and out.

I am fortunate I didn’t chafe but I did bring a light set of shorts and shirt. I am sure that had something to do with it. After reading http://krudmeister.blogspot.com/2010/10/chafe.html about chafing; I am going to bring the mint soap in the future and look at the Runderwear Boxer by Brooks.

I think I covered just about everything about my trip out and what I liked and didn’t like.