Stream: social
Topic: Backpacking after Dev Days USA June 2019
Rick Geimer (Jan 17 2019 at 16:04):
I'm organizing a multi-day backpacking trip after FHIR Developer Days in Washington State this year:
Would like to hear who would be interested in joining and what day you would be flying home (assuming you don't live in the area) so that I can plan the number of days, etc. to ensure you can be back at SeaTac airport with time to spare.
I'm currently thinking about somewhere in the Olympic National Park (such as Marmot Pass https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/marmot-pass-upper-big-quilcene) as a likely destination, but also open to other suggestions such as hiking around Mount Rainier, etc.
Starting this thread now since I imagine many of you will be booking flights soon.
Rick Geimer (Jan 17 2019 at 20:07):
Unless I hear otherwise, I will likely organize something that departs on Thursday June 13, returning Saturday June 15, allowing folks to fly home on Sunday June 16 (a 2-night trip).
Lloyd McKenzie (Jan 17 2019 at 20:54):
Tempting. Not sure if I'll be able to take the time. In any event, if I come, I'll work around whatever timing others plan.
Jim Steel (Jan 18 2019 at 05:58):
I'm in the same basket as Lloyd, but I'll definitely keep it mind. Probably wouldn't more than a couple of days for me
Zabrina Gonzaga (Jan 18 2019 at 17:50):
I am definately in! Will check with my family on the dates. I could do either a one or two night trip. Thanks for organizing RICK.
Rob Hausam (Jan 20 2019 at 14:25):
Confirming our conversation in San Antonio, I'm in. I've backpacked in a number of places in the US, but not yet in Olympic Park. So I'm up for that if the arrangements are feasible.
Rick Geimer (Jan 22 2019 at 14:52):
Glad we have some solid interest. Just a note that the exact location will be condition dependent. Often the trails at higher elevations are still snow covered in June, but some years we get an early thaw. Will keep an eye on the trail reports as we get closer to Dev Days.
Nilesh Pagare (Jan 24 2019 at 12:07):
Popular Science: Accessing health records on your iPhone is a dream and a nightmare.
https://www.popsci.com/apple-iphone-personal-health-record?dom=currents&src=syn
Rick Geimer (Feb 22 2019 at 06:18):
Just a heads up, due to the record snow we have had this year in Western Washington State, it is very likely that the trails for Marmot Pass and other locations in the Olympic National Park will still be snow-covered in June. Will keep an eye on things in case of an early thaw, but we will likely be looking at more Easterly destinations, but don't worry, still lovely. Many of the Eastern Washington destinations below will be possibilities:
Christiaan Knaap (Apr 10 2019 at 14:26):
A couple of us Firely folks would love to join you @Rick Geimer!
We are flying back on Sunday. We're not familiar with any of the mentioned regions, so any one of them will be a pleasant surprise.
Rick Geimer (Apr 10 2019 at 19:06):
Thanks @Christiaan Knaap, let me know when you have a firm count (preferably with names).
Brian Postlethwaite (Apr 11 2019 at 09:12):
Unfortunately I'm not able to come as will be heading straight to Washington DC for another meeting.
Ewout Kramer (Apr 11 2019 at 11:41):
Hi @Rick Geimer - since we've been talking about this for a while, I hope I was on your list already ;-)
Ward Weistra (Apr 12 2019 at 13:39):
Hi Rick,
Great plan! Can you also put this soon-to-be Firely newbie on the list? Nice chance to meet the community better :smile:
Marten Smits (Apr 15 2019 at 08:07):
I'm one of the Firely people joining as well!
Simone Heckmann (Apr 16 2019 at 17:55):
I will join you. Scheduled my flight home for Sunday noon. I'm also planning to get a rental car, in case someone needs a ride from Redmont or back to Seattle Airport...
As far as equipment is concerned, I suppose we need to bring our own tent, sleeping bag etc.? (Baggage allowance challenge ;-) )
Craig McClendon (Apr 16 2019 at 18:48):
There are a number of places in Washington that rent quality backpacking gear. REI is one, with several stores around Redmond. https://www.rei.com/map/store#WA
Ardon Toonstra (Apr 18 2019 at 11:49):
@Rick Geimer I would like to join as well! (Part of one the Firely people mentioned earlier). Thank you already for taking the lead in organizing such a trip!
Rien Wertheim (Apr 18 2019 at 12:04):
Is this trip going to be @Rick Geimer with the entire Firely team in his slipstream?
Michel Rutten (Apr 18 2019 at 12:08):
@Rick Geimer, please bring back our team safely...! :pray:
Abbie Watson (Apr 19 2019 at 14:11):
I'm half tempted to join on the hike as well. Have done a lot of through-hiking on the Appalachian Trail, but not much on the west coast.
Rick Geimer (Apr 19 2019 at 18:37):
Ha! Ok, I'll bring them back with minimal wear and tear, and hopefully a lot of good memories :)
Marco Visser (Apr 25 2019 at 09:54):
Hi Rick,
I would like to join as well. I am one of the Firely people.
Looking forward to it!
Kind regards, Marco
Rick Geimer (May 24 2019 at 04:34):
Hi all,
I had a good talk with some folks at the ranger station, and they said that even though we have heavy snowfall this winter, the melt is going well, and the Olympic National Park area is actually one of our best options.
I’m thinking the Hoh River Trail would be a good choice, but would be for more experienced backpackers:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm
I hiked the first few miles of the Hoh River Trail on Saturday and it is nice. There is very little elevation gain for the first 10 miles where we would make camp at Lewis Meadow, so even novice backpackers will be fine the first day. On the 2nd day people who are feeling more adventurous can day hike up to Elk Lake or Glacier Meadows. There will be about 4000 feet of elevation gain, but supposedly fantastic views. However, there will likely be snow the last couple miles, so micro spikes and an axe ice (for self arrest) are recommended by the ranger I spoke to. If anyone doesn’t want to make that strenuous of a hike they can explore the Lewis Meadow area.
Another good option will be the Enchanted Valley. This would be better if the group contains mostly novice backpackers:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/east-fork-quinault-river-trail.htm
I did this as part of a 5-day through hike back in 2012 and it was very good, though the truly spectacular stuff (like the Anderson Glacier) will be a bit to far for a 2-night trip. For a 2 day hike in/out there will be very little elevation gain, but some wonderful views of the snow covered mountains enclosing the valley.
So, I'd like to get a final count of who will be going, as I will need to get back country passes in advance, and what your preference would be (Hoh River or Enchanged Valley), and whether you are new to backpacking or relatively experienced.
Here are the people that have expressed interest so far.
@Ewout Kramer @Marco Visser @Abigail Watson @Ardon Toonstra @Simone Heckmann @Marten Smits @Ward Weistra @Christiaan Knaap @Rob Hausam @Zabrina Gonzaga @Jim Steel
Rick Geimer (May 24 2019 at 04:36):
I'd also like to know who has backpacking tents. I have a spare 3-person tent in addition to my personal tent, but we will definitely mean more.
Here is a decent checklist for folks to think about when packing.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
Ardon Toonstra (May 24 2019 at 07:58):
Woehoe, thnx Rick! Sounds all very nice, looking forward to it.
I am up for anything. I would see myself as a bit more than a newbie to backpacking.
Marco Visser (May 24 2019 at 08:08):
Wow, sounds great Rick! I am looking forward to it. I hiked like 20 years ago, so not very well experienced. But I still have all the materials for backpacking. For me the Hoh River trail sounds like a good choice.
I've got a hiking tent for 2 persons, but last used 4 years ago. I have to check if everything is still in order. I have my concerns to bring it to the US, because that won't be my only luggage.. ;)
Simone Heckmann (May 24 2019 at 10:34):
Hi Rick,
I'll bring a single person tent. I'd consider myself an experienced hiker, but I don't do a lot of backpacking. Not very accustomed with ice & snow conditions, though.
Anyways, I'm really looking forward to this :D
Ewout Kramer (May 27 2019 at 07:33):
Hi Rick! Thanks for checking these out.....don't we have three nights by the way? thu-fri, fri-sa, sa-sun?
I am pretty experienced but I will gladly do any of the two depending on the level and desires of the others!
Ewout Kramer (May 27 2019 at 07:37):
I will bring a 2-person tent, and could possibly squeeze in an additional air-mattress for anyone interested.
Marten Smits (May 27 2019 at 08:35):
Hi Rick, thanks for the preparation! I don't have a lot of backpacking experience, but I have a pretty good condition, so I think I can handle the Hoh River trail, but both are fine. Looking forward!
Christiaan Knaap (May 27 2019 at 14:27):
Looks nice Rick, thanks for all the info and prep! Walking is no problem, but backpacking for several days is new to me so I'd need some solid advice on the wheather conditions an what (not) to bring (maybe from my Firely collegues :-) )
Jim Steel (May 28 2019 at 02:07):
Unfortunately it looks like I'm out. I have meetings in Seattle on the Thursday and I'm flying out Friday night to get back to AU meetings the following week :( It sounds like a great trip though - I'll look forward to seeing a few photos
Rob Hausam (May 28 2019 at 04:30):
Hi, Rick. I'm thinking that Hoh River sounds good, but I'm fine with either. Are you anticipating using bear canisters? If I'm reading it correctly it sounds like we wouldn't be required to use bear canisters unless we go the 13 miles in to Enchanted Valley, which I don't know if is what you are planning if we use that route. If bear canisters aren't required and bear wires aren't available, an Ursack could be an option (available from REI, although a bit pricey). I would say that I'm an experienced backpacker (just finished my cross Scotland walk on Thursday). I'm planning to use my pyramid-like tarp shelter. I should also have two backpacking tents and two lightweight torso length inflatable sleeping pads available if they are needed.
Grahame Grieve (May 28 2019 at 07:07):
bear canisters
:fear: carumba they tell me Australia is a dangerous place, but we never have this problem....
David Hay (May 28 2019 at 08:04):
And it'd have to be a pretty big canister to get a bear into it...
Grahame Grieve (May 28 2019 at 08:56):
http://images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2015/09/bear-in-tent-2.jpg - doesn't have to be that big
David Hay (May 28 2019 at 18:33):
How convenient! a dual purpose bear canister!
Rick Geimer (May 30 2019 at 01:56):
@Ewout Kramer I was planning on having people back Saturday evening in case people have morning flights. It takes 4 hours to drive back to SeaTac airport from the Hoh rainforest, and about 3 hours from the Enchanted Valley trailhead.
If folks do not have a hotel for that night, they are welcome to stay at my home. I have air mattresses, etc. for inside, or plenty of yard space if people want to camp one more night.
Rick Geimer (May 30 2019 at 01:57):
@Rob Hausam Yes, bear canisters are required in the Enchanted Valley. I have two, but we can also rent them at the Quinault Ranger Station which is on the way.
Rick Geimer (May 30 2019 at 01:58):
And the bears will leave you alone as long as you store your food and toiletries properly (that includes toothpaste, deodorant, etc., anything with a strong scent).
Rob Hausam (May 30 2019 at 10:43):
I'm going to take a red eye out of SeaTac at 12:50 AM Sunday morning, so it sounds like getting to the airport at any time on the way back on Saturday evening should work.
Zabrina Gonzaga (May 30 2019 at 17:14):
Please enjoy the backpacking experience - I am sure it will a blast. I unfortunately am not attending Dev Days so will miss this great venture into the outdoors. Have fun!
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 05:11):
Seems like most people want to do the Hoh River Trail, so here is the plan (Google Docs).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ug_cfKbb1GvFLpQcqdll8W2IZTD05a6wo4SOkm1ghtU/edit?usp=sharing
Since I need to get backcountry passes, I'm going to cut off the participant list at midnight Pacific Time on June 6, so if you want to go and your name is not on the participant list above please add yourself ASAP. There are currently 8 attendees.
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 05:15):
Current attendees:
@Rick Geimer
@Sean McIlvenna
@Ewout Kramer
@Rob Hausam
@Simone Heckmann
@Ardon Toonstra
@Marco Visser
@Marten Smits
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 05:21):
Attendees please add your phone # (everyone should have edit permission).
Ardon Toonstra (Jun 04 2019 at 08:03):
Done! Again, many thanks Rick. This really helps in the preparation.
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 09:44):
Hi Rick, the Firely team does not have any water filtering equipment - so can you take your extra? If we need more, I'll gladly buy one (I've waited for an excuse to go gear shopping for years now).
I can bring my fuel-stove if needed. If we are with eight, I guess 3 stoves would be ok?
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 11:00):
So the option for day two is the hike to Glacier Meadow: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hoh-river-blue-glacier
Rick has mentioned we may well encounter snow on the way up. In case you wonder, we are not going to climb the mountain itself - that would require crossing a glacier and some real roping skills.
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 11:02):
This is a report from 8 days ago by a hiker going to Glacier Meadow: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2019-06-03.9884313575
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 11:06):
There are many recent reports worth reading to prepare, I am happy that one hiker reports: "At the time of the year the snow field traverse was manageable, without the need of any equipment, although it is steeper and costs more energy to walk all the way up."
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 12:08):
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 12:10):
Ewout Kramer (Jun 04 2019 at 12:11):
Just to wet our appetite ;-)
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 14:24):
Thanks Ewout. You are correct, we will not be crossing a glacier, just foot trails that may have snow on them, so asking folks to be prepared. Please bring your stove, would be good to have an extra. We can pick up fuel for it here.
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 14:51):
We are probably ok on water filters, as I just remembered that I have 2 spares in addition to the one I will use, and I believe Sean has one as well. 4 for 8 people is fine, might just slow us down slightly waiting for everyone to fill their water bottles off 4 filters.
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 14:53):
Also, I've made a few corrections/additions to the Google doc based on feedback. There will probably be a few more between now and next week as well, will keep you all posted.
Rick Geimer (Jun 04 2019 at 14:58):
One last thing. On the way home, we have the option of going "the other way 'round" the Olympic Peninsula, taking us through Forks, WA, the home of the Vampires from the Twilight books/films, and Port Angeles. This will add about 1.5 hours to the return trip, not counting stops for lunch, souvenirs, etc. We can decide on the hike out whether we want to speed home or take the scenic route, but wanted to see if anyone is dying (pun intended) to go to Forks :) This route would also allow us to take a ferry across Puget Sound.
Simone Heckmann (Jun 11 2019 at 03:31):
If anyone needs a ride: I‘ll be driving from the Silver Cloud Inn to Rick‘s on Thursday morning. My car can fit 7 (Probably less with luggage)...
Marco Visser (Jun 12 2019 at 16:29):
That would be great Simone. We cancelled our rental, so we would love to drive with you. Also Rob has a car (I heard), so maybe we can use the 2 cars to go to Rick house (including luggage).
Rob Hausam (Jun 12 2019 at 17:49):
Yes, I do have a car. I can take at least 3 people - possibly 4.
Simone Heckmann (Jun 12 2019 at 17:58):
Sure! Departure at 5am ( :scared: ) in front of the Silver Cloud Inn tomorrow?
Marten Smits (Jun 12 2019 at 19:12):
5am it is!
Ward Weistra (Jun 16 2019 at 06:26):
@Simone Heckmann @Rick Geimer @Sean McIlvenna https://photos.app.goo.gl/JfF3G8XeynYVg4QYA
Ward Weistra (Jun 16 2019 at 06:27):
@Rob Hausam :up:️
Jim Steel (Jun 17 2019 at 01:20):
Looks amazing, the FOMO is strong
Rien Wertheim (Jun 17 2019 at 04:06):
Impressive! Luckily you all made it...
René Spronk (Jun 17 2019 at 09:35):
So how was the freeze-dried creme brulee ?
Sean McIlvenna (Jun 17 2019 at 16:00):
@René Spronk surprisingly good!
David Hay (Jun 18 2019 at 05:30):
beautiful! But where are the bears? (Did the deer scare them off?)
Rick Geimer (Jun 19 2019 at 15:11):
The stench of unwashed backpackers scared the bears away...and all the vampires in Forks too :)
Rick Geimer (Jun 19 2019 at 15:29):
Uploading my photos to the shared folder now
Last updated: Apr 12 2022 at 19:14 UTC
