[pct-l] Inyo and Bears

[wjj2001@yahoo.com (AsABat)]

Just back from 3 days in Section G - Trail Pass to Whitney.
1. The Inyo NF ranger station in Lone Pine told me I would need a bear
canister if I camped on their side of the mountain.
2. I saw no rangers until Crabtree Meadows, where the ranger was friendly
and good conversation, and never asked about my permit or bear can.
3. Stopped by a ranger at Trail Camp who delayed me until he could finish
talking to/visiting with some campers, who asked for my permit and if I had
a bear can.
4. Stopped by TWO rangers at Outpost Camp, the first of which made me wait
over 5 minutes while she finished a conversation on her radio, then grilled
me about my itinerary and whether I had a bear can and, indeed, overnight
gear! To further explain, planning for a relaxing trip, we got a permit for
6 days, but finished in 3. She thought maybe we got a permit for Trail Pass
but went up the Whitney Trail instead, and wanted to know how the trail was
and where we slept each night. Then she looked at my GVP G4 pack and thought
I was day hiking. I guess I answered all her questions correctly because
after then going over all this with another ranger she let me continue down
to the trailhead.

Bottom line: Inyo NF is serious about bear canisters and also serious about
having a valid permit on the Mt. Whitney Trail.

AsABat



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