May 21st to 25th 23rd, 2015
Kibbie Ridge
Memorial Day has become a tradition for me ever since a trip gone slightly wrong back in 2010. It's a long weekend which happens at an annoying time of year where you can get into the Sierra but there's a good chance you'll face weather and less than ideal conditions.
Back in 2010 I planned a trip to Walker Pass to clean out a bunch of SPS/HPS peaks along the PCT. What was intended to be a fairly approachable trip ended up being a bit harder due to heat, route finding on the infamous Spanish Needle, and a dried up water source. Some extra miles and one dry camp later only Jen and I did the last few peaks while the rest of the group headed straight for the cars. It was retroactively branded the Memorial Day Massacre.
When the following year came around we decided to do another butt kicker cleanout and despite some memorable weather events it's stuck around.
A brief summary of the Massacres so far
2010 Walker Pass - The trip that inspired the name. Went at Chimney Creek to get a number of peaks and hike south to Walker Pass. Only Jen and I completed all the peaks.
2011 Williamson Cleanout - Well, planned to be a Williamson are cleanout. Went in on a bad forecast which proceeded to get worse. Retreated from Shepherd Pass due to 100 mph winds to set up near Anvil only to have our tent ripped open by gusts. Spent the night in a bush getting snowed on. No peaks.
2012 Golden Trout - Some weather but highly successful. Lots of miles & peaks. Started with 3 and ended with 2.
2013 Courtright - Spectacular weather, lots of peaks, lots of miles. And a kilt!
2014 Skip Year - Didn't happen due to the job switch and Boise move
Which brings us to 2015. Work has settled down and I was itching to get back into the Sierra after a fun desert trip season. After looking into a number options we settled on a loop out Cherry Lake on the west side just south of Sonora Pass. None of us had been in this particular area so we were all looking forward to seeing some new trails.
- Posted By: Matthew Hengst
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