Mount Whitney success!
July 15th, 2012 at 10:48:27 PM
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Just a quick word to say that I'm back from Mount Whitney. I'm proud to say that my 10-year-old son and I reached the summit on Saturday about 10:30 AM. The weather was great, unlike back in Vegas. My son received numerous compliments from the many experienced climbers up there for achieving what he did at his age. However, he didn't seem to think it was any big deal. Nevertheless, I was still very proud.
I'll provide more details in a blog entry, but here are a couple summit photos until then.
Click on either image for a larger version.
I'll provide more details in a blog entry, but here are a couple summit photos until then.
Click on either image for a larger version.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 15th, 2012 at 10:54:04 PM
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Hardy congrats to both of you.
July 16th, 2012 at 12:40:37 AM
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Quote: WizardMy son received numerous compliments from the many experienced climbers up there for achieving what he did at his age. However, he didn't seem to think it was any big deal. Nevertheless, I was still very proud.
You should be proud. Brian Green tells the story of not making it to the summit.. Your son making it to the top at age 10 is pretty amazing in and of itself, but reaching the peak by 10:30 (assuming you didn't leave at 10:30 PM the night before) makes it a very impressive feat.
Quote: Tahoe Back CountryBecause the Mt. Whitney Trail ascends to the highest point in the continental US, oxygen is a priceless commodity. Much of the trail -- including the last several miles to the summit -- are over 13,600' in elevation where every step is a challenge. Many people who leave the trailhead intending to summit and return in one day don't make it, either due to altitude sickness, dehydration, running out of daylight, adverse weather, or they just plain run out of gas.
July 16th, 2012 at 12:45:03 AM
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cool!
I didn't realize this. I thought it was somewhere in Colorado, but Whitney exceeds highest there by 60 some odd feet.
Of course Alaska is out by definition here.
Quote: wikipediahighest summit in the contiguous United States
I didn't realize this. I thought it was somewhere in Colorado, but Whitney exceeds highest there by 60 some odd feet.
Of course Alaska is out by definition here.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
July 16th, 2012 at 1:55:34 AM
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Quote: odiousgambitI didn't realize this. I thought it was somewhere in Colorado, but Whitney exceeds highest there by 60 some odd feet.
Mountaineers call them fourteeners, or independent peaks over 14,000'. They need a minimum amount of prominence to be called independent (usually 300').
Most of them are in Colorado, but Whitney does edge the highest in Colorado by 65'.
East coast peaks are 6,684 ft or lower. But some of those peaks can seem rather extreme because of high winds and white-outs.
Alaska has about 15 peaks higher than Mount Whitney.
The final statistics are subject to some argument about prominence.
| State | Ranked Peaks |
|---|---|
| Colorado | 53 |
| California | 12 |
| Washington | 2 |
July 16th, 2012 at 4:03:23 AM
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Quote: pacomartinbut reaching the peak by 10:30 (assuming you didn't leave at 10:30 PM the night before) makes it a very impressive feat.
Thanks, but we camped three nights on the mountain, to increase our odds of success. At 6:40 a.m. we left our tent at Trail Camp for the summit bid. It is highly recommended to not arrive on the summit too late, because afternoon thunderstorms often set in. The hardly folks who day hike it usually leave about midnight to 2 a.m. to summit before noon.
Quote: pacomartinMountaineers call them fourteeners, or independent peaks over 14,000'. They need a minimum amount of prominence to be called independent (usually 300').
Nearby Mount Muir is on some 14er lists and not on others. While it is over 14,000 feet it is quite close to Whitney. Some list writers consider it too prominent and others not. I do think it would meet the 300' rule. My previous Whitney summit several years ago I also did Mount Muir.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 16th, 2012 at 5:20:13 AM
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Mazel Toz to both of you. I'm sure in 20 or 30 years, your son will appreciate his accomplishment at this age.
Just what WAS the weather like?
In the enlarged view of the second photo, it seems like the person in the background in yellow is wearing short sleeves, while the person to their right is wearing short pants.
Are they?
Just how cold was it?
Quote: WizardThe weather was great, unlike back in Vegas.
Just what WAS the weather like?
In the enlarged view of the second photo, it seems like the person in the background in yellow is wearing short sleeves, while the person to their right is wearing short pants.
Are they?
Just how cold was it?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
July 16th, 2012 at 7:05:22 AM
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What's the line on the Wizard Jr. climbing Mt. Everest before he's 21? :)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 16th, 2012 at 7:05:55 AM
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Nice job Wizard, to you and your son! I can see by the photo that you had great weather for your summit day.
BTW, you can see Mt. Charleston from the top of Whitney if the weather conditions are just right.
Don't know if you've seen this but there's a website that has a slew of computer generated panoramas from various peaks and elevations around the world. They were created using various data sources with the one of Mt Whitney coming from the USGS elevation dataset. Pretty cool stuff. It's amazing how long the line-of-sights are for some of these places.
Here's a view of the Mt. Whitney panorama . It identifies and gives distances of the peaks that are visible from the summit. (the panorama itself is too large to post here).
BTW, you can see Mt. Charleston from the top of Whitney if the weather conditions are just right.
Don't know if you've seen this but there's a website that has a slew of computer generated panoramas from various peaks and elevations around the world. They were created using various data sources with the one of Mt Whitney coming from the USGS elevation dataset. Pretty cool stuff. It's amazing how long the line-of-sights are for some of these places.
Here's a view of the Mt. Whitney panorama . It identifies and gives distances of the peaks that are visible from the summit. (the panorama itself is too large to post here).
July 16th, 2012 at 7:42:28 AM
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Nice work, fella!
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
July 16th, 2012 at 7:47:59 AM
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UP84 -
Cool stuff. They also have segments of those computer drawings next to photos of the same area for some of the summits. Mt Whitney is one of them: http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/gallery/usa/whitney.html
Cool stuff. They also have segments of those computer drawings next to photos of the same area for some of the summits. Mt Whitney is one of them: http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/gallery/usa/whitney.html
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
July 16th, 2012 at 8:32:21 AM
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Rumor has it Mike twisted his ankle and his son carried him on his back the last few hundred yards. Congratulations!
July 16th, 2012 at 9:35:03 AM
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Thanks for all the kind words.
Regarding the weather, it would have been hard to ask for much better. Very clear, temperature about 40F, and a moderate wind, about the perfect amount for flying a double-stringed kite. When we first reached the ridge after the 97 switchbacks it was very windy, but I suspect there is a funnel effect at that point.
Regarding the people in shorts in the photo, yup, that does not suprise me. I know a lot of hard core climbers in the Las Vegas climbing community and these people seem to be covered from head to toe in muscle, which acts like a layer of insulation. Last year I did a mountain in northern Utah (I forget the name) and it was brutally cold and windy at the summit. However, one member of my group, and one of the strongest climbers I know, was happily milling about in shorts while I was in three thick layers of clothing curled up in a ball trying to keep warm. You'll see this type on difficult peaks anywhere.
Regarding that web site of the summit views, that is very cool. Thanks for bringing to my attention. I did not think to look for Mount Charleston up there, nor would I trust myself to identify it. However, I do recall pointing out Mount Muir and Mount Langley, which I have done before. For all the climbing I do, my geography of the local mountain ranges is not what it should be.
Regarding the weather, it would have been hard to ask for much better. Very clear, temperature about 40F, and a moderate wind, about the perfect amount for flying a double-stringed kite. When we first reached the ridge after the 97 switchbacks it was very windy, but I suspect there is a funnel effect at that point.
Regarding the people in shorts in the photo, yup, that does not suprise me. I know a lot of hard core climbers in the Las Vegas climbing community and these people seem to be covered from head to toe in muscle, which acts like a layer of insulation. Last year I did a mountain in northern Utah (I forget the name) and it was brutally cold and windy at the summit. However, one member of my group, and one of the strongest climbers I know, was happily milling about in shorts while I was in three thick layers of clothing curled up in a ball trying to keep warm. You'll see this type on difficult peaks anywhere.
Regarding that web site of the summit views, that is very cool. Thanks for bringing to my attention. I did not think to look for Mount Charleston up there, nor would I trust myself to identify it. However, I do recall pointing out Mount Muir and Mount Langley, which I have done before. For all the climbing I do, my geography of the local mountain ranges is not what it should be.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 16th, 2012 at 9:42:47 AM
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Nice job! Funny I never thought about shorts being unusual. I've lived in Colorado pretty much all my life and any time doing 14er I always wear shorts but have pants handy for afternoon showers. Stupid tid bit the hardiest 14er climb I have done was biking up Mt Evans I think its easier to hike up.
July 16th, 2012 at 10:45:51 AM
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Doing things like this with your son is more important than anything you will buy him.
You're a good dad.
You're a good dad.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
July 16th, 2012 at 11:59:50 AM
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Quote: WizardNearby Mount Muir is on some 14er lists and not on others. While it is over 14,000 feet it is quite close to Whitney. Some list writers consider it too prominent and others not. I do think it would meet the 300' rule. My previous Whitney summit several years ago I also did Mount Muir.
I guess the peaks are about a mile apart. Some geologists classify the prominence of Mount Muir as 298' and others as 331' so it is right on the edge of being included as an independent peak. I guess if you are a serious peak bagger, you do them both so you meet the criteria of all the lists. The summit of Muir is listed as 14,018' so it just barely makes the cutoff.
International groups tend to use 500 meters of prominence instead of 300'.
Tell your son that everyone on the forum is very impressed.
July 16th, 2012 at 12:48:50 PM
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Congrats Wiz!!! Amazing feat - great job!
July 16th, 2012 at 12:57:32 PM
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And here I have trouble dragging my kids out of bed before noon when school is out! We're taking them out west later this month and we'll hike some canyons and see Arches, but nothing like a mountain climb. Congratulations!
Each of us is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.
Preparing for a fight about your bad decision is not as smart as making a good decision.
July 16th, 2012 at 1:20:15 PM
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Quote: WizardThanks, but we camped three nights on the mountain, to increase our odds of success. At 6:40 a.m. we left our tent at Trail Camp for the summit bid. It is highly recommended to not arrive on the summit too late, because afternoon thunderstorms often set in. The hardly folks who day hike it usually leave about midnight to 2 a.m. to summit before noon.
So you went about 5 miles that morning? Are you going to post details in your blog? I assume you need bear-proof containers, and human waste bags. My friends who hike in the Rockies frequently are always prompting their kids about what to do if they see a bear. Their greatest fear is that the kids will run, and trigger the bear's instinctual need to hunt. Many people wear bells so that they don't surprise a bear.
I had a friend get charged by a lioness in Africa. If you run you are dead. If you stand still, it befuddles the lion. You try to make and hold eye-contact with the lion. With many cat species, prolonged eye-contact is a sign of dominance. You are supposed to appear larger, in any way possible. If you have a child with you, try to put them on your shoulders, to make you appear even bigger. You should wave your arms and make noise, as this may frighten away the animal.
If you are charged, try to remain standing, as the lion will try to get to your face and throat. The last rule is to punch and kick the lion, aiming for the head and eyes, as it won't stop if it reaches you.
In my friends case the lioness veered off the charge since their instinct is confused by the prey's lack of motion. My friend said that when he returned to the camp, and his body realized he would be safe, the adrenaline rush is insane. You feel like you are losing your mind for a while, because the emotional reaction is so strong.
July 16th, 2012 at 1:29:08 PM
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Quote: pacomartinMy friend said that when he returned to the camp, and his body realized he would be safe, the adrenaline rush is insane. You feel like you are losing your mind for a while, because the emotional reaction is so strong.
This is why Hemingway got hooked on big game
hunting in Africa. Even with a gun, you have to calmly
stand there while the animal is coming full speed,
and get a shot off. Its not the actual kill thats so
exhilarating, its the after effects. That you stood
your ground and didn't give into every fibre of
your being screaming at you to run the other way.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
July 16th, 2012 at 1:33:36 PM
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Quote: pacomartinSome geologists classify the prominence of Mount Muir as 298' and others as 331' ...
331' is 100 meters, so that sounds like a nice, round number as the rule of thumb.
So why are other geologists using 90 meters?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
July 16th, 2012 at 1:38:21 PM
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Quote: pacomartinSo you went about 5 miles that morning? Are you going to post details in your blog? I assume you need bear-proof containers, and human waste bags. My friends who hike in the Rockies frequently are always prompting their kids about what to do if they see a bear. Their greatest fear is that the kids will run, and trigger the bear's instinctual need to hunt. Many people wear bells so that they don't surprise a bear.
On the summit day we went five miles each way. I hope to post more details later.
Yes, we put everything in bear-proof containers. By the way, there were two others in our group, another 10-year-old and his father. We brought entirely too much food, and then the first night another camper dumped a bunch of his on us because he couldn't fit it all in his canisters. Normally I would have put our trash bag in a canister but after the extra food it wouldn't fit, so I went about 50 feet from our tents and put a bunch of rocks on it. I didn't have rope to hang it up, unless I unwove my survival bracelet, which I didn't want to do.
Yup, human waste bags are now the rule on the Whitney trail. The last time I did it several years ago there were a couple solar-powered outhouses along the way, but they were removed since then. Too bad. My son was very freaked out about the poop bags and held it in the entire trip.
Everything I know about surviving a bear encounter I learned from the movie Grizzly Man, which I highly recommend. Briefly, you're supposed to stand your ground but give the bear proper respect that he is the dominant one and you don't wish to fight. Do this by actually talking to the bear, saying things like "You're the man; I don't want any trouble." Of course, the bear doesn't know English, but animals pick up a lot based on tone. If that doesn't work and he attacks, roll up in a ball, cover your neck with your hands, and remain as calm as possible.
Speaking of bears, the first time I did Whitney several years ago we camped the first night at the Whitney Portal campground. One of the other guys in our group was up at about 3 a.m. for some reason and saw a bear roaming about the campground, looking for food. So my friend got a pot and stick and starting making a huge racket. I slept through it, but I think the bear was close enough to hear it, but not close enough to see where it was coming from.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 16th, 2012 at 1:45:57 PM
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It may only be 5 miles, but what a five. There are portions of the trail, like, "Angel's Landing" in Bryce Canyon where the hiker has to walk across the "spine" of a ridge with "windows" that open to sheer drops on both sides.
The biggest problem when I was up there back in 1977 was rodents. Our group came up the backside of the peak and hit Whitney after hiking in the Sierra's for a week. We stowed our backpacks off a fork in the trail for the last scramble to the peak, and when we returned a few hours later, the foam pad that was rolled up on the outside of my pack was chewed through several layers, and bits of foam were scattered about like chunks of cheese. It was a good thing we were heading out that day.
I remember it well, because when I finally got to the parking lot and was enjoying the best tasting can of cold soda I ever had (after a week in the mountains eating freeze dried turkey tetrazinni, and drinking water purified with iodine tablets), I heard on the radio that Elvis was dead. It was August 16, 1977. It rained that day.
The biggest problem when I was up there back in 1977 was rodents. Our group came up the backside of the peak and hit Whitney after hiking in the Sierra's for a week. We stowed our backpacks off a fork in the trail for the last scramble to the peak, and when we returned a few hours later, the foam pad that was rolled up on the outside of my pack was chewed through several layers, and bits of foam were scattered about like chunks of cheese. It was a good thing we were heading out that day.
I remember it well, because when I finally got to the parking lot and was enjoying the best tasting can of cold soda I ever had (after a week in the mountains eating freeze dried turkey tetrazinni, and drinking water purified with iodine tablets), I heard on the radio that Elvis was dead. It was August 16, 1977. It rained that day.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
July 16th, 2012 at 1:48:04 PM
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I thought about climbing Mt. Whitney until I heard they have a high speed elevator that takes you to the rides on top :)
Well done Wiz!
Well done Wiz!
July 16th, 2012 at 1:53:29 PM
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Quote: Wizard
Everything I know about surviving a bear encounter I learned from the movie Grizzly Man.
Since the two people in that movie got eaten, I hope it was in the vein of, "don't do what they did"
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
July 16th, 2012 at 1:59:04 PM
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Shoulnd't you be armed when visiting a place with large predators?
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 16th, 2012 at 3:32:09 PM
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Quote: odiousgambitSince the two people in that movie got eaten, I hope it was in the vein of, "don't do what they did"
Even the best bear expert, and Timothy Treadwell was probably among them, doesn't stand a good chance against a hungry mean bear. That is exactly what happened.
Quote: NareedShoulnd't you be armed when visiting a place with large predators?
You have to weigh the odds of a bear encounter against the weight lugging the gun around. In parts of Alaska with lots of bears it is not unusual to lug around a high-calibre firearm in the wilderness. However, in California the odds are pretty remote of being killed by a bear if you take appropriate precautions, so I doubt many people carry them. I could have carried my Glock, but 10 rounds might not have killed the bear but only made him angry. Then again, I once went hiking near Mammouth Lakes, which is also in the Sierras, with a police officer and he took alongh his 44 magnum for bear protection.
Quote: AyecarumbaIt may only be 5 miles, but what a five. There are portions of the trail, like, "Angel's Landing" in Bryce Canyon where the hiker has to walk across the "spine" of a ridge with "windows" that open to sheer drops on both sides....The biggest problem when I was up there back in 1977 was rodents.
Angel's Landing is in Zion, not Bryce, unless there are two of them. My son and I did it last summer. It is a spectacular climb if you don't mind the heights, which we didn't.
Regarding rodents, there were LOTS of marmots at trailcamp. They were especially active in the afternoon. Several years ago I saw only one, and this trip I saw too many to count. I tried to put everything in the bear canisters, but forgot about two bags of hot chocolate mix, which my son insisted I take. While gone for about half an hour I returned to find a marmot went into my open pack, dragged them out, chewed through the sandwich bag, and lot hot chocolate mix all over the place. At least my pack was open; otherwise it may have gnawed through it.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 16th, 2012 at 3:35:26 PM
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Quote: WizardI could have carried my Glock, but 10 rounds might not have killed the bear but only made him angry.
Against bears, and lions for that matter, I should think a large caliber, repeating shotgun would work wonders. Or an RPG, maybe ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 16th, 2012 at 3:43:16 PM
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Quote: NareedAgainst bears, and lions for that matter, I should think a large caliber, repeating shotgun would work wonders. Or an RPG, maybe ;)
For a gun owner, I'm pretty ignorant of the various kinds of guns and their pros and cons. Who is the resident gun expert on the forum? I also wonder what would be the best defence against a bear, also trying to minimize weight, staying within what you can legally buy (thus eliminating the RPG). If a shotgun, would it be better to have the kind that sprays lots of pellets or a single slug? It might depend on the kind of bear you're likely to encounter. I think it would take a single bullet shotgun to take down a big grizzly, and even then only with a clean head shot.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 16th, 2012 at 3:53:29 PM
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Quote: WizardFor a gun owner, I'm pretty ignorant of the various kinds of guns and their pros and cons.
Good! We're even :)
My thinking is that it's hard to shoot precisely when you're afraid for your life. So a shotgun with multiple rounds is bound to hit several times in a short interval. Whether that would stop a bear fast enough or not is a big question, if it can stop the bear at all.
In the era of muzzle-loading rifles a common load was "buck and ball," meaning a sizable ball as well as buckshot. I don't know if such things are available today, but it would seem best against a large animal.
Now, how about a taser or stun gun of some sort? Prefferably something you can fire at some distance.
Too bad mini-guns are not really portable...
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
July 16th, 2012 at 4:07:34 PM
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Quote: WizardEven the best bear expert, and Timothy Treadwell was probably among them, doesn't stand a good chance against a hungry mean bear. That is exactly what happened. You have to weigh the odds of a bear encounter against the weight lugging the gun around. In parts of Alaska with lots of bears it is not unusual to lug around a high-caliber firearm in the wilderness. However, in California the odds are pretty remote of being killed by a bear if you take appropriate precautions, so I doubt many people carry them. I could have carried my Glock, but 10 rounds might not have killed the bear but only made him angry. Then again, I once went hiking near Mammoth Lakes, which is also in the Sierras, with a police officer and he took along his 44 magnum for bear protection.
This video is kind of long at about 10 minutes, but it is a documentary about a guy who approaches a group of lions with a roll of toilet paper only. The narrator kills me, he speaks these lines so matter of fact, that it gives the documentary an unexpected funny tone.
Lions have individual character. Mike will be meeting the more confident one.
If the Lions rushes Mike now, he has absolutely no chance of making it back to the vehicle.
July 16th, 2012 at 5:05:30 PM
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Quote: WizardFor a gun owner, I'm pretty ignorant of the various kinds of guns and their pros and cons. Who is the resident gun expert on the forum? I also wonder what would be the best defence against a bear, also trying to minimize weight, staying within what you can legally buy (thus eliminating the RPG). If a shotgun, would it be better to have the kind that sprays lots of pellets or a single slug? It might depend on the kind of bear you're likely to encounter. I think it would take a single bullet shotgun to take down a big grizzly, and even then only with a clean head shot.
There are many on the forums more knowledgeable about guns than I (Face and vert to name 2), but I do know that one of the more common handguns used for wildlife defense is the Glock 20 chambered in the rare 10mm caliber (you can see the wild animal styled in the background of that link). You can read all about the history of the 10mm Auto caliber at Wikipedia. The ammunition is expensive and hard to find, but it carries a much bigger punch than the 9mm or the .40S&W.
A large rifle or shotgun would probably be more useful against a bear, but would be impractical on a multi-day climb like this one.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
July 16th, 2012 at 5:47:25 PM
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Quote: WizardFor a gun owner, I'm pretty ignorant of the various kinds of guns and their pros and cons. Who is the resident gun expert on the forum? I also wonder what would be the best defence against a bear, also trying to minimize weight, staying within what you can legally buy (thus eliminating the RPG). If a shotgun, would it be better to have the kind that sprays lots of pellets or a single slug? It might depend on the kind of bear you're likely to encounter. I think it would take a single bullet shotgun to take down a big grizzly, and even then only with a clean head shot.
I think there are those equally qualified or more so, but since I'm here more often, I'll take it for now. In my area, we have blacks. Most are in the 200+lb range, ie, they're kind of small (for bear, anyway) and they're mostly skittish. My .40 is sufficient, as would be any "large" caliber weapon. 30-06, .308, 10mm, .45, .44, all these are suitable. I like to err on the side of caution, but if pressed, I wouldn't be too scared using a 9mm, likewise for a 5.56mm. Hell, we even hunt them with bow and arrow here. 12 and 20 gauges are also perfectly fine, provided you're using slugs or 00. #6 or #8 shot likely wouldn't kill a human, I'd reckon a bear would simply look at you funny before eating your face.
I'm guessing out there you have browns. These are quite a bit bigger, so I'd stash the 9mm and 5.56mm.
Get up to grizzlies, and I'd not leave the house without the proverbial "hand cannon". .44mag at least, but I'd rather have a .474, or, better yet, a .500 Taurus.
Wiz, if I remember correctly, you had the 9mm. My urging advice is that you have a permit, Use It. Even in grizzly country, I'd rather have a 9mm than a backpack full of granola bars. It makes a loud noise, and even a wounding shot might give you time. A head shot is a head shot, anything bigger than a .22 has a good chance of dropping it. Bear are not like deer that run a mile after being mortally wounded. Hit em in the vitals and they drop like a sack. As someone who has had bear encounters including a charge, it's no joke. Encounters happen randomly and without warning, the most beautiful and serene stroll can turn life threatening in a matter of seconds. Fortunately for me, I was alone for the charging incident, but the thought of a repeat occurrance with my son in tow gives me the shivers. No matter how unlikely, I never enter the woods without my Glock. My bear stories are for me to tell, not for some Forest Ranger after a recovery mission. Stay safe!
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
July 16th, 2012 at 7:41:10 PM
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Quote: WizardYou have to weigh the odds of a bear encounter against the weight lugging the gun around. In parts of Alaska with lots of bears it is not unusual to lug around a high-calibre firearm in the wilderness. However, in California the odds are pretty remote of being killed by a bear if you take appropriate precautions, so I doubt many people carry them. I could have carried my Glock, but 10 rounds might not have killed the bear but only made him angry. Then again, I once went hiking near Mammouth Lakes, which is also in the Sierras, with a police officer and he took alongh his 44 magnum for bear protection.
I missed this at first, but I'd like to address it. I've heard a number of people state they "don't want to make them more mad", but let's break down that statement. If you see a bear, you don't just start shooting. If a bear walks in your general direction, you don't just start shooting. Only when your life is in danger, when the bear is coming for you, do you shoot it. Now, would anyone really worry about making a bear, or any animal, "more mad" in this situation? The last thing I want is a jolly bear chewing my face. If a bear's going to eat me, he's going to have to earn it, and he's going to be just as mad about it as me ;)
100 times out of 100, I'd rather have a .17 than nothing. While your 9mm may be small for browns, it IS lethal. A bear encounter is rare, an aggressive encounter is rarer, but here is one person you know who's been in one. It happens. There's a very good chance that you'll lug that uncomfortable thing around for your next 50 years and it'll be nothing but a hassle. But that one time it's not will change your life. HOW it changes your life is up to you.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
July 17th, 2012 at 12:31:38 AM
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Face, you have to tell us the full story of the bear charge.
I'll give you a pass on it if re-living it is too much, but it seems too late to worry about that now.
A piece of advice I got is that all wild animals perceive something in your hand as part of you. Think of the lion tamer and the chair he keeps sticking in front of that beast. So if the idea is, if possible, and only if armed , grab a branch or have a walking stick, and try to keep the bear occupied with that with one hand while you let it have it with your pistol in the other hand. [Untested by me... no bear encounters].
I'll give you a pass on it if re-living it is too much, but it seems too late to worry about that now.
A piece of advice I got is that all wild animals perceive something in your hand as part of you. Think of the lion tamer and the chair he keeps sticking in front of that beast. So if the idea is, if possible, and only if armed , grab a branch or have a walking stick, and try to keep the bear occupied with that with one hand while you let it have it with your pistol in the other hand. [Untested by me... no bear encounters].
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
July 17th, 2012 at 5:40:37 PM
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Gladly, but it got a little long. I'm making a new thread so as not to detract from Wiz and Wiz Jr's accomplishment.
Bear story
Bear story
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July 17th, 2012 at 6:04:07 PM
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Face, thanks for your very informative reply. That is the kind of post that is so good, nobody wants to follow it up. You did ask about the kind of bears in the Sierras, and I'm pretty sure they are brown bears, like on the California flag. You don't hear about them killing people often, but they do damage a lot of property trying to get at food. Sometimes at the Whitney Portal parking lot you see cars they mangled trying to get in. I also would be interested to hear more about your bear encounter, but only if you feel comfortable writing about it.
Image source: http://www.50states.com/californ.htm
Image source: http://www.50states.com/californ.htm
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
July 17th, 2012 at 6:26:23 PM
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Quote: WizardFace, thanks for your very informative reply.
As always, glad to help =)
I'd be happy to share my story, if for no other reason to possibly protect the outdoorsmen and women here. The bear story is up, for any who care to read. Just click the link in my previous post.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
