100hikes.com

This would be a true test of my solo hiking abilities.

I’m happy that this hike ended with me back at my car because it could have ended in disaster.  I almost fell into a heuristic trap, or a situation where one assumes that they are doing the right thing because a similar situation in the past ended in a positive outcome.  Hikers run into this trap during a few different scenarios.  Here’s a few quotes you might have heard on the trail (or coming out of your own mouth):

1. Familiarity – “I hike here all of the time.  I won’t have any problems.”
2. Commitment – “I promised myself I would get to the top of this mountain.”
3. Expert Halo – “I’m not sure about this route, but he’s better and I’ll trust him.”
4. Conformity – “Everyone else is OK with doing this so I’ll do it as well.”
5. Scarcity – “Despite the bad weather forecast, I’m hiking anyway because this is my only trip this year.”

I found this list in one of my old Backpacker Magazine recently (I don’t recall the issue) and it came to me half way through this hike.  I had been hiking for about about three miles and realized a few things:  I was driven to complete a route even when previously unknown variables presented themselves: the length of the trail was longer than on map and there was snow at higher altitudes (a.k.a “Commitment”).  Also, I was hoping to complete the loop because I didn’t know when I would be back to Sequoia (“Scarcity”).  I talked to a hiker coming off of Alta Peak and he said I shouldn’t have any problems with my route (“Expert Halo”).

When I reached Panther Gap, I came to my senses and made the decision to turn around.

And on top of all of this, I was only wearing shorts (no change of clothes), I had not told anyone where I was hiking, and I didn’t pack a first-aid kit.  I was disappointed that I did not make the originally planned route, but I felt like I made the right decision.  Survive today to hike tomorrow.

Despite the mental and psychological dilemma, the hiking was majestic.  The trail was slightly busy -  I saw about 20 or so people during the 5-hour trek – but I was one of the few solo hikers and the only one wearing a bear bell.  A bear bell makes it so a hiker won’t startle a bear in the woods.  It won’t necessarily scare a bear away, but it will make your presence known.  I learned that it also does a good job of keeping other hikers away.  For me, the jingle becomes almost white noise, but I suppose it can sound annoying for others who came to enjoy the solitude and quietness of the forest.  I’d rather not be attacked by a startled bear so it’s not a big concern for me on how they feel about it.

What I learned on the hike:

1. (see heuristic trap info above)
2. I love the taste of unfiltered spring water near the source.  This too might be another heuristic trap, but I have yet to get sick with Giardiasis or other bacteria, which might or might not be found in these waters.
3. I should have packed a patch of Moleskin Bandage.  I was starting to get hot points on my feet.
4. I should have also brought a roll of duct tape for the holes in my boots.  Walking through streams and snow made my toes wet, then cold. Both of these items were back at the campsite.
5. I should have packed an emergency blanket.  If I sprained my ankle or the weather made a turn for the worse (which it looked like it was), I would have been stuck without any cover.
6. I’m getting pretty quick in my pace.  For the last 1.5 miles of my hike, I was going about 3-4 mph on average.

Hike #9 Trip Stats:

• Date of hike: May 22nd, 2009
• Location: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California
• Length: 7 miles (more like 5.5)
• Duration: 5 hours, 11 minutes
• Average speed: ±1.3 mph
• Altitude at start: 7,213 feet
• Altitude min.max: 7,213/8,511 feet

This map was made with the data my GPS captured on the hike.
For a more detailed trip report map, check this out.

Photos: