Logistical questions

I’ve gotten some questions about the logistics of my hike: pack weight, mileage, etc. I’m currently stuck in Mammoth for an extra day, as I have to wait until the post office to open to send resupply boxes to Tuolumne Meadows and Kennedy Meadows North. Probably better for my feet, which have be getting the Scott Sterling treatment of late. Best guess is I have about 12 days of hiking before I finish the Sierras.

Mileage has been much less uniform than I had planned before the trip, and influenced by many factors. While my base walking speed hasn’t really changed much (I usually go about 2.5 mph with a full pack), daily mileage can fluctuate quite a bit.

1. Pack weight- In the Sierras, I’ve been ranging between 30 and 40 pounds dependent on when my resupply was and the amount of water carried. It is easier to do more miles at the end of the week than the beginning.

2. Trail conditions- high grade trails (both ascending and descending) slow me down considerably, particularly when rocky and uneven. Snow is a time sink.

3. Stops- any day going in or out of town will curtail mileage

4. Altitude- I can notice a difference above 10,000 feet, and definitely impacted above 12,000.

5. Conditioning- this has overall been improving as the trip goes on.

For example, I was barely able to manage 14 miles on the Glen Pass day (slow ascent, technical rock scrambling on descent, followed by a steep and uneven trail for the rest of the day), but did 24 miles coming in the Vermilion Valley Resort. A hot dinner and a free beer is good incentive.

Daily mileage has been hard to predict in the Sierras, though that should change past Lake Tahoe. I’m hoping to start doing 25 mile days routinely once in Northern California, which will be needed to finish before fall. Dumping the bear canister and spikes will help.

At some point, I will have to start carrying extra calories. While I’m currently within the range of acceptable weight loss, I still have 3 months to go, and will start keeping a close eye on my weight past Tahoe.