[pct-l] VVR -- 2007ers, should I avoid in 2008?

Tue Jan 8 14:54:20 CST 2008

If you plan to stop at VVR during your through hike, take time to check out the VVR website when you reach Hiker Heaven or another point north.  The hours of ferry operation have changed periodically over the years and since these only operate once during the morning and once in the late afternoon, you don't want to miss it after hiking the 1.5 miles off trail to reach the ferry landing.    There is a 5 mile side trail that one can use to reach VVR as well if you were to miss the ferry.

In 2006 I enjoyed my stop at VVR, even though I was not sure what to expect.  I took the morning ferry in, had lunch, dinner and breakfast, a shower, a six pack of beer and a resupply box and my tab was close to a C-note.  Word of advise, by the beer by the six pack and share as it is much cheaper than buying singles!

For those of you that are pinching pennies, you may want to check in with the propriator when you first arrive as he often requires additional help which can significantly reduce your bill, if that is something you are interested in.

Elevator

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Patrick Beggan <meta474 at gmail.com> 

Yeah, that's basically what I've been hearing on and off list -- nice place to visit, don't spend too much time there. I also think a lot of the negative emotions about the place being a combination of a single bad experience ruining  the feel of the place for some and as you said, tight budgets influencing the thinking of others. I have heard good things, though... I probably won't stay or get a resupply package here but I will probably stop in and have a soda or some chips or other luxury junk food.

Thanks for all the info, guys, its good to get a variety of opinions when making a judgement like this.

On Jan 8, 2008, at 3:08 PM, Donna Saufley wrote:

VVR is an interesting place and I’d say definitely worth a visit.  With regard to the mudhole, they were draining both Florence and EdisonLakes last year around August or September for some kind of dam maintenance. I don’t know what the expectation is for the coming season.

The eclectic camp at VVR is a lively place in season with a convergence of fishermen, intrepid four-wheelers, campers, JMT south bounders, and nobo PCTers.  I really enjoyed the boat ride to and from.  The food was excellent and reasonably priced for a remote location, and the store was stocked with many hiker-type items. Everything single thing there is hauled in by the proprietor and crew many miles on a rough mountain road, so everything is a precious and limited commodity for which they rightfully charge.  Consequently, hikers have found that by the time they add up their food, beer, phone calls, laundry, etc. charges, they have a bit of a tab.  Keep in mind that most hikers are on a limited budget, and paying up for anything tends to be painful to them and a source of complaint. 

I sent my resupply box to Muir Trail Ranch (so I could carry seven days of food instead of nine) and then stopped at VVR.   They’re extremely nice folks at MTR, and there was good stuff in their hiker box.  They are more set up for their dude ranch group activities than for the needs of thru-hikers, but it was worth the short side-trip to go there.

Hope that helps.

L-Rod

From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Robert W. Freed
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 10:47 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] VVR -- 2007ers, should I avoid in 2008?

I spent a night there in early June and found it great. One of the best steaks I think I have ever had. Of course after a couple hundred trail miles everything tastes good. Showers, laundry, food, beer and a free tent cabin if there is room. Bears a plenty at night but with food lockers and ear plugs I never noticed them.
  On the other hand, on the way there I heard horror stories about VVR. Over crowded, out of control bears, the mud hole that used to be Lake Thomas A. Edison, etc... But I had a good time and plan to stop there in '08.

Robert

>>>>>>>>Patrick Beggan <meta474 at gmail.com>  Wrote:>>>>>>>>>
I've been reading Yogi's guidebook and also reading around the  
internet and it seems that since 2003 VVR has developed a bad  
reputation. Have they gotten a handle on things in 2007, or was it  
just as bad as 06/05/04?

I'd like to stop in there but I'll avoid it and use Muir Trail Ranch  
or something, if necessary.

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