★★★★★ 5
... this book was instrumental in planning and is highly recommended. In a somewhat bullet format I'll add a ...
Format: Paperback
We finished the Wonderland yesterday- this book was instrumental in planning and is highly recommended. In a somewhat bullet format I'll add a few notes...
I think it is better to deliver your food caches rather than mail them- discuss with the rangers THE ACTUAL PICK-UP POINTS, and have your map with you- they will give you current trail and water conditions, this proved to be very valuable.
We opted for a 12 day hike, after just a few days we realized that we had underestimated our hiking ability and changed out schedule to a 9 day hike. The rangers were very good about helping us with the changes, keep a slower plan and a faster plan in mind as the hike progresses (don't forget to get word to the rangers to re-date your food caches if you change your schedule).
Thank those rangers and back country guys when you see them-the trail is in splendid condition, the maintenance is ongoing. When you meet a man wearing a pack-board with a 55 gallon drum lashed to it and he is going to muck out one of the outhouses on the trail is really makes you think about all the steps that you are traversing, the water bars, the brush...on and on with the list.
Trail-trash... and I'm not talking about litter, there are some not so nice people on the trail who think nothing about leapfrogging a campsite because they "didn't like it" or the day was too long / short. That means that if you are a late arrival at a camp all the sites may be taken, then you have to ask to see permits and engage in eviction, the rangers need to hear about these guys and they leave the park "With extra paperwork:". One party we met started as a party of 3, but one of them became ill and suffered a fall resulting in an injury- so she was abandoned at Golden Lakes to fend for herself... dumped on the rangers. Point being, know your trail team- when you look at the map note where the roads are close by the trail should you need to get help.
The authors mention bugs... perhaps once or twice... they talk about deer flies and horse flies... but as much as they talk about it is still under emphasized, there are legions, hordes, armies of bugs at some of the campsites DON'T IGNORE THESE WARNINGS.
There was a great tip about putting apples / oranges / pears in your food caches- after a couple of days without fresh fruit these were a huge bonus. We also included some of the Hormel dinners- already hydrated and a nice break from the normal trail food.
All in all, this is essential equipment in planning your hike.
The Wonderland is aptly named- this one of the high churches in the outdoor religion, you will be constantly amazed!!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2015
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