New Member w/ a couple of questions

[TomD]

Hi, New member here. Referred by someone on another board (The Lighweight Backpacker).

Questions-the hut in the pictures posted in the MSJ winter trip report-where is it? Who owns it? Is it for overnighters and if so, what's the story on it?

GPS use-I have a Garmin 76CSx I just got. Anyone have a Garmin and if so, what maps of this area do you use? (I got a free one from GPSfiledepot.com.)

I plan on skiing in to Round Valley from the Tram and stay a few days next week. Is that a feasible plan? I have full winter camping gear and have ski camped in Yosemite the past few years near Dewey Point. I've got BC skis, skins and plastic boots. I also have a sled I can tow, but don't think I'll bring it.I've sent for my permit already. I see there is plenty of snow, so that isn't a problem.

I've also got Tom Harrison's topo map and a copy of Dan Anderson's Ski Tours in Southern California, which I am using as a reference.

Thanks in advance for any info.

As a way of introduction, I live in MDR and moderate forums on two websites, www.trailspace.com and The Lightweight Backpacker (www.backpacking.net).

[halhiker]

The cabin is owned by the State Park and was built by the CCC in the 30s. It is not for overnight use except in emergencies.

No answer on GPS question.

Skiing into Round Valley is very feasible and shouldn't take too long. There are plenty of good camping areas. A sled will not be needed.

[Norris]

Hi Tom, if you have a Garmin, I suggest you buy the Garmin US Topo West map collection on DVD. This comes with a Windows application called MapSource which allows you to download topo maps into the GPS. You can also pre-plot waypoints and routes and download those in advance also. The Garmin US Topo West map collection includes maps of the Jacinto area.

[Norris]

And regarding the hut, its not such a great place to spend the night. It is right beneath the summit, and has a lot of chinks in the stone work where frigid air and powder snow blow in. It's really more for emergencies.

[tinaballina]

Welcome Tom, glad to see you here.

I think Hal and Norris summed it up.

[TomD]

Thanks for the info. I called the park ranger station today and the ranger gave me some info on the campgrounds and the hut. The reason I use a sled is because I am solo and have so much stuff and I'm not strong enough to ski with a huge pack. But for this trip, I am going to pare down what I carry to the minimum.

[sparky]

oh hey there I am a member at the lightweight backpacker forums

you will have a blast

[TomD]

Hey Sparky. I take it that's you as "Sparkyy" on TLB.

Anyone been up the tram this weekend? It looks like it really warmed up. The ranger told me it could be really icy and I'm going to be on skis instead of snowshoes or crampons. I plan to go up Monday.

I decided to bring my sled-I'm alone and have too much stuff to carry. I'm just going to Round Valley so it shouldn't be too much up and down. I've got climbing skins and metal edge skis.

[Zé]

Hi Tom,

I have a garmin gps and use mapsource - I got the Garmin maps U.S 2008 with it, which is nice for the built in labels but the elevation increments aren't the best at like 150 ft.

However you mention GPSdepot, maybe what you got there is what I downloaded, which is the free California topo which has 20 ft increments! In mapsource I first create all the waypoints I want using the Garmin map, then put them on the California topo on my gps. really high resolution with labels.

[bluerail]

arent the gaps in the hut pretty good right now with all the packed snow and ice in them?...it's nice in there if you consider theres only one foot of snow on the floor and less than six inches on the bunks. and it couldnt be any more insulated than it is right now.

you missed it yesterday Ze, your kinda trip...well, except for the snow.