02-07-09 Camaraderie on Old Greyback (a narrative)

[EnFuego]

Trip Report here:

http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/about1202.html

[Cy Kaicener]

Thanks for posting David. That was a remarkable effort without snow shoes.
I bet there were no rangers out checking for permits
The pictures were great. I am glad that they had the sense to turn around so close to the peak.

[FIGHT ON]

I bet there were no rangers out checking for permits

Rangers, Permits? Who cares and who needs permits these days? Besides being inconvenient to obtain (you actually have to get permission BEFORE you set foot in the sgwa) they add so much extra weight! And being irresponsible adds to the adventure!

[zippetydude]

Good TR! Once the snow consolidates then yes, you can definitely do it in a day. I find it takes me about 1 1/2 times as long (round trip) compared to how long it takes on a clear trail in the summer, but it feels like 10 times as much work!

I know what you mean about not making the peak being sorta frustrating, but that's the snow causing that, not something you can control. In the summer, when I set out for the peak, I usually end up on the peak. In the winter, a little less than 1/2 the time do I actually find myself up on top. More than likely, I'll run out of time, or run into icy conditions that I can't cross, or end up postholing in powder even with snowshoes...so I end up heading back with pics and memories but no peak. I'm glad you guys had a great time anyway.

z

[AlanK]

Rangers, Permits? Who cares and who needs permits these days? Besides being inconvenient to obtain (you actually have to get permission BEFORE you set foot in the sgwa) they add so much extra weight! And being irresponsible adds to the adventure!

Where in the report did anyone say anything about hiking without permits?

[zippetydude]

See Cy's post. I had to think a minute myself.

z

[AlanK]

See Cy's post. I had to think a minute myself.

Cy commented that he bet there were no rangers checking permits. I have hiked many times, in many places, with a permit in my possession but no ranger around to check it. I saw nothing in this thread suggesting that the hikers went up without permits. Not that the lack of provocation should stand in the way of a sarcastic outburst!

[Cy Kaicener]

I didnt think anyone else would be on the trail in those conditions. That was meant as a joke guys Sorry to open up a can of worms

[AlanK]

I didnt think anyone else would be on the trail in those conditions. That was meant as a joke guys Sorry to open up a can of worms

It seemed like a joke to me. And there's nothing wrong with a little joke once in a while!!

[Blooty]

I was up there on 2/1, via Vivian Creek Trail. It was a beautiful day, though at times, I wished I had crampons... much steeper going up with no switchbacks!