!!!!!! Attention Windows Vista users and Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7)  users: you will need to download the latest Java Drivers from Sun Microsystems (Free) at http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp to view my internal web links.  Microsoft no longer includes Java in their new stuff.  Without Java, this older non-commercial web won't work properly.   By downloading and installing java in your web browser, you will make this web page work with your Windows Vista and IE 7, and you may also find that it will solve some of your other browsing problems with Windows Vista and IE 7....Wow, what a deal!  Happy browsing  :) 

This web page is not an officially sanctioned Sierra Club web page but instead is a personal web page by one of it's outing leaders.  It is used as a photo journal and information source for past and future chapter trips to where Dan was or will be involved in.  The views and opinions found here in (if you can find any) are strictly that of Dan Gargas and not necessarily that of the Sierra Club.

         General Information

All my trips are free.  The only expense you will incur is what you spend on your equipment, food and transportation.  I will ask that each member reimburse me for the portion of the wilderness fee the U.S. Forest Service charges for park entries.  These fees (if charged) are usually nominal and won't break any piggy banks.  My philosophy about backpacking, is that a wilderness experience, is being in the most scenic and remote backcountry areas while expending the minimal effort required.

What is scenic?   For areas to set camp I tend to favor lakes with views, especially hanging basket and shelf lakes.  I also like to camp in the vicinity of streams with meadows nearby.  I like to traverse areas with expansive views, such as ridgeline, mountain passes and alpine meadows.  I like trees, but I do not prefer to hike in continual dense canopy.  But on the other hand, I don’t like to be in continual non-vegetated areas for any length of time.  I tend to select trails that take you in and out of canopy with changing geological formations and the forgoing features that I have just mentioned.  I tend to avoid deep gorges and canyons, unless there are unusually interesting geological features to see.

What is remote?   Simply put, no signs of civilization as far as the eye can see.  The only man made item I will tolerate is the trail and an occasional historic cabin or mine.  The lower the trail use, the better.  But in the scenic areas, especially on shorter trips, low use trails can be hard to come by.

Favors, I would like to ask of the participating hikers

1. If you have a four-wheel drive or high ground clearance vehicle please consider bringing it.  This can help in our staging of vehicles.  Remember this is a good reason to justify to yourself why you bought one. I am bringing mine.

2. Please stay with group.

3. Early starts are important! Breakfast at first light. Camp rolled up and ready to hit the trail by 7:30 am is my motto.  If your a late sleeper, you probably won’t like any of my trips.

4. Please don’t bring your guns. We're not going to do any huntin’ and their ain’t nuttin’ out there you will have to use it on.

5. Since I have a dog, he usually goes on most of my trips, dogs are welcomed if pre-screen by me prior to the commencement the trip.  The longer trips, I tend to not allow dogs, especially if rugged off-trail travel is involved.  If you don't like dogs, you won't like most of my trips.

6. When you explore, day hike or leave the general vicinity of one of our campsites, I need to know where you're going and when you expect to return.   If your going beyond visual or hearing range, I will asked that you go in groups of two or more, have a map and compass.  Remember,  I reserve the right to disapprove the excursion if I feel safety or schedule is of concern.

7. When initiating conversation with others in the group, be mindful that the person you may be talking to, may not desire to carry on the conversation.  If they are unresponsive, the other person may be trying to tell you in the politest way they can that they are tired of your rambling and/or never wanted to talk to you in the first place.  Be mindful of this and don't bother them!!!   Remember, other people may be out for a little solitude and quiet.  They may not want to be a sounding board for personal problems, hear life stories or be picked up.

8. Please refrain from excessive loud or boisterous behavior, it may bother others in the group.

9. If you feel even a little bit ill before the trip, consider not going. You're definitely not going to enjoy the trip and you're probably going to make the trip a little less enjoyable for others.

10. Beginner trips does not mean for "couch potatoes".  You should be in good  physical condition because at times you may have to keep a brisk pace while climbing.  Remember, if your not reasonably physically-fit.  Stay away from Dan!!  He's not your man!!

11. As outing leader I am responsible the group's conduct during the entire trip.  I will try to    be as accommodating and democratic as possible as far as safety or schedule will permit.  But, I reserve the final decision authority for as long as you are on my Sierra Club Trip.

 Important  Items to
 Bring or Have on Backpack Outings.

1. Good Quality Backpack - your back can really get sore if you have a bad one.

3. Good Quality Hiking Boots - helps prevents ankle injuries and blisters.

4. Quick Drying Socks - prevents blisters.

5. Quality Rain Repellent Windbreaker/with Hood or Poncho - preferably Gore-Tex.

6. Rain Pants - preferably Gore-Tex.

7. Gloves - preferably polypropylene and/or wool.

8. Sweat Pants/Long Johns and/or Fleece Pants - preferably polypropylene and/or wool.

9. Warm Cap or Ear Protecting Headband - preferably polypropylene and/or wool.

10. Fleece, Down Parka, and/or Sweatshirt - Very important!!  It can get very cold up there.  You should prepare like a skier going on a ski trip; bring layered warm clothing that can keep out the wind and rain, but also can be pealed off or ventilated as the temperature gets warmer.  The clothing to keep you warm and dry is probably the most important things that you can bring on a wilderness backpacking trip. You definitely should not cut corners here!

11. Long Sleeve Shirt - will definitely come in handy when the mosquitoes get ornery.

12. Long Pants - will protect legs from bugs, vegetation and cold.

13. Sunshade Hat/with Chin Strap - very important, will protect your face and head from the sun.

14. Sunglasses - sun is very bright especially when we traverse ridges and mountain passes.

15. Underwear and Extra Socks - Enough for trip.

16. Camp Shoes or Thongs - allows your feet to air out after a days hike, helps prevents blisters.  A must have!

17. Shorts/Swimsuit - optional.

18. Short Sleeve Shirt - optional.

19. Tent/with Stuff Sack - keeps wind, rain and frost off you; aids in good night sleep.

21. ThermaRest or Foam Pad - unless you like sleeping on slabs, this will greatly aid in a good night's sleep.  It also provides added insulation from the cold ground.

22. Small Towel and Washcloth - at some point on the trip you will probably want to wash yourself.

23. Campsuds or Biodegradable soap - optional.

24. Toilet Paper - unless you like using your hand, washcloth or leaves, this is a definite must.

25. Mosquito Repellent - a definite must!  Most brands found in drug stores are worthless.  I strongly recommend JungleJuice found at REI.  Its good stuff.  When comparing repellent, look for amount of active ingredients on the back of the bottle, can or tube.

26. Second Skin and Molefoam - a definite must for treating blisters.

27. Imodium AD or other Anti Diarrhea Medication - its no fun having the runs in the woods.

28. Sunblock - even if you are not sun sensitive you’re going to need it I recommend SPF 40 or more. "Lil' Gator for kids SPF 40" is not greasy, is waterproof, last 8 hrs and doesn't sting your eyes when you sweat.  I use it, works great!

29. Lip Balm - believe it or not, it is highly likely that your going to get severely chapped lips without it.

30. Anti Gas/Anti Acid Medication - Pepto Bismal, Gasex or Mylanta in tablet form.

34. Whistle - necessary if you get separated from the group, voices do not travel as far in the woods.

38. Several Gallon Sized Gladlock or Ziploc Bag - used for hauling out your personal trash.  I use some of them for food storage bags.  When I eat the food contained in them, I use the empty bag for trash.  But, I always carry a few extra for trash.  I recommend the freezer storage bags over the regular ones and Gladlock over Ziploc, because they are stronger with a better zipper and are less likely to break or pop-open inside you backpack.

39. Food - bring enough for 3 meals per day, plus your favorite snacks.

41. First-Aid Kit - optional, I have a pretty good one. But if yours is complete and you like it, you should bring it, never hurts to have more.

43. 2+ Stuff Sacs for Bearbagging - if you choose you can use your sleeping bag stuff sac, tent stuff sac, or other stuff sac for this purpose since they are usually empty when camp is set up.

45. California Fishing License / Fishing Gear - only if you want to fish.

47. Stove with Fuel - recommend the MSR type or Gaz propane type.

49. Entertainment items - any thing you want as long as your willing to carry it -camera, books telescope etc.

NOTE: One of the advantages of backpacking with others is that carriage of common use items, can be divided up among members in the group. In order to lighten our backpack loads, I recommend the use of items 46, 47 and 48 be shared between every three people with each carrying one of the items. This can also be done for every two people for item 42.   You can get really sophisticated and do it for other items such as foods and lotions.  If your interested in this kind of arrangement let me know, otherwise be prepared to be completely self-sufficient.

Motherlode Chapter Outings