[pct-l] V V R

[randy_forsland at hotmail.com (Randy Forsland)]

His name is Jim Clement. He showed up for the kickoff in 2003. Not sure if 
he is still attending each season or not. He took over the resort in 2002 
following the tragic death of Butch Wiggins (?), a long time list member and 
all around great guy.

Butch was one of a kind..and he knew how to make one feel welcome. I stopped 
him to see him at VVR during JMT hikes in 97, 99,and 2001, and each time, it 
was better than the previous. I also resupplied at VVR in 2002 and 2003 
under the new management..It seemed to still be a great place, but Butch's 
warmth was noticeably missing. Two of the kitchen crew were fellow JMT 
hikers that I hiked in with in 2002. Two college guys from Texas..cannot 
remember their names, but Jim hired them and they never left..they also 
returned for the 2003 season. They might be graduating by now and moving on 
with their lives...

I really hope that 2004 was an aberration and Jim can keep VVR's rep as a 
hiker friendly stop over going strong in the future.

Maybe somebody should tell him about the list if he shows up for the kick 
off.

Redwood
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "JOHN F PATTERSON" <yuppatt@sbcglobal.net>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 6:11 PM
Subject: [pct-l] V V R


>I was there in ' 04 . I had gone out of the Sierra down to Fresno and then 
>returned up via Mono Hot Springs and hiked from there up to V V R . I was a 
>little on my guard with the mid-forty's woman running things ( it seemed ) 
>. . . when I got there . She seemed too intent on my opening an ' account ' 
>versus paying for things as I went . A little too ' breezy ' , maybe . 
>Anyway , I was on my guard some with her . The food was good - even very 
>good and there was plenty . The chef was friendly especially to most folks 
>. I wasn ' t told about the free hiker tent ( one night of ) ;  I rented a 
>tent for $50 for the first night . Coming up from Mono Hot Springs as I did 
>they / she may not have realized I was a through hiker but I later wondered 
>about it when I learned what was what . The owner wasn ' t there . He came 
>later and I liked him a great deal . Is honest it seems and straight 
>forward . Can ' t remember his name - very approachable ; were he to know 
>this ' forum ' was in pr
> ogress I
> bet he would chip in and defend his camp heartily . Yes , as someone said 
> , he is in business and must haul a lot of stuff in from a long way off 
> and he has a short season . It is a lovely large lake and I am into water 
> . Lovely elevated spot they have as well . Much fishing . Too , the 
> campground is right next door if one really doesn ' t like it ; folks 
> stayed there and then came over and ate at V V R . I did get a free beer 
> as promised without asking / knowing , really , as I had forgot such from 
> the guide book ; and a free shower , etc . Seemed there was / is a program 
> to GIVE-ATTRACT ( to ) the PCT hikers . . . when he - the ( semi new ) 
> owner , is there probably it is more wholeheartedly proffered . I would 
> definitely recommend going in there . It breaks up a long , long trek and 
> the lake - can ' t think of it - just before doesn ' t really want / offer 
> anything for you / us .Ferry service was fine and nice longish pontoon 
> boat ride and view of the lake amd Vermillion
> Valley -
> Cliffs , I think at the upper end of the lake ( East ) ( Maybe , correct 
> me someone on cliffs . . . ? )
>    Rafter Jack
>
>
>
>
>
>
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