Re: [pct-l] Independence resupply

[Robert Spellings <dude1@pdq.net>]

I hiked to Independence from the JMT/PCT last summer. Here's my version
of the scoop:
1.  It is very well marked.  No problems at all.
2.  It is about nine miles and if I remember correctly, the elevation is
11,700
3.  As far as difficulty goes, once you've been hiking for several
days.  That nine miles eems like nothing at all.  My friend and I
couldn't believ how quickly it went both there and back.  The way upto
the pass on the way to Independence is very, very, very steep.  But it
is also very short, and the hike down on the other side is a breeze.
4.  The trail junction from the PCT wasn't hard to find for us.  There
are tons of trails in this area and there are lots of signs and stuff.
There were also lots of people to ask when we were there.
5.  I never saw a bear here last year, but there was at least one bear
attack on a human in Onion Valley.  I did not see this first hand, but
was told by Ranger Rick of the Rea Lakes district.  There are also many
bear boxes and signs everywhere indicating that the bears in this area
are extremely aggressive.  We used the bear boxes and had no troubles.


Good luck and have fun.  This is a beautiful area.

peace,
Dude in TX


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