High Sierra Topix

Wandering Daisy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 31, 2024 3:25 pm So how many miles per hour do you walk when picking (and eating) those berries? I think I would end up never reaching Hamilton Lake!

As I've stated elsewhere, I begin the day hours before dawn while the air is cool, so I am doing between 2 and 3 mph for miles and miles. Then the one mile before Bearpaw HSC is where the best variety of berries is found, but only when I hit the season right. I normally hit Hamilton Lake by 3 p.m., which allows me time to stroll around, pick the best campsite away from people and mosquitos, and unwind those leg muscles.

Normally I keep a large ziplock bag in an outer pocket specifically for berry storage.

The best berries of all that I find along this trail are Thimbleberries. They look like a ripe raspberry, except that they are pink to red. They are not very durable, though, so you have to eat them on the spot. I recall them near the trail junction downhill from Hamilton Lake.

In my view, the weight penalty for taking a water filter these days is near zero. My 1L Katydyn bottle with filter weighs 2 grams more than my Nalgene canteen with a sip top. I'm quite happy to pay that tiny penalty for the added peace of mind.

(Also, sent PM to original poster re: carpooling.)