Part 1: The Concept - Only Hiking Down

When "g" first got his backpacking-feet wet with the Boys in '99, they left the familiarity of the Adirondacks for the adrenaline rush of Yosemite National Park (CA). It was The Hat who had explored much of the park in his youth and offered the most unusual idea/route for a backpacking trip: "We'll go to Yosemite! On day-1 we'll hike down from Glacier Point to Little Yosemite Valley, camp there for two nights, and then go home by hiking down to Yosemite Valley."

The Boys: "What? We're backpacking and there's no hiking up? You mean... we begin at 7,000 ft and finish at 3,000 ft? We don't hike up? Who ever heard of a backpacking trip in which you hike only one way - down!"

Needless to say, backpacking and hiking-down has its appeal. So, many years later (well... four), with this in mind, "g" proposed to his daughters (who by then, had numerous G-WeB backcountry excursions under their belts), let's go on a REALLY BIG backpacking adventure this summer. Let's backpack in Yosemite National Park! And for extra incentive, he added, "All the hiking is down hill!"

As the story goes, "g" and his wife (Kate) agreed to vacation in San Francisco. Backpacking at Yosemite would get squeezed into the itinerary. Despite a relentless knee problem for Kate that would prevent her from hiking, the "g"-clan zoomed full tilt into a planning frenzy for their July trip.

There was much to consider. And of course, any adventure must begin with researching and purchasing... NEW backpacking gear! This included light-hiker boots for "g" (nearly 50), "a" (finally 15) and "s" (marching up on 12), and a backpack for "a". (Cool.)

Follow the links below to get the real story of the "g"-clan at Yosemite... was it ALL DOWN HILL or was it all down hill from here? G-WeBconnect proudly presents, in 4-part harmony...

Yosemite National Park:
Girls, Break Out the New Gear! We're Climbin' Half Dome!
(7-03)