@shippen2010 This was my favorite trip for obvious reasons. Peace and quite and a wilderness all to myself. Had such a good time there and my first backpacking experience. can't wait to go there again hopefully this spring when the water is running in that creek bed. thanks for watching and commenting.
@rainbowhiker I keep looking at all these "tiny house" and "cabins" made from recycled shipping containers and what not. Saw a guy that bought the land a fire lookout was on and built a little cabin structure. Would love to have just the smallest of places somewhere like this to go to on weekends. This is one of the most memorable places and trips I have ever been too.
@handyscot1 That was my very first backpacking trip. I carried to much weight as I was inexperienced at backpacking but not at camping. This was one of the best experiences of my life. Totally alone in this wilderness area for 3 days. It was really pretty spiritually nice. My first video backpacking too. I think it turned out pretty well. And you see The Stickpic at work too :-) Wanted to go back there this September but everything fell through and I still haven't been out anywhere :-(
@JoeNeanderthal Thanks for coming by and checking out my video of Mystery Lake. Really was the most peaceful place I have ever been. And the most remote for me. Looking forward to checking out your videos.
@dmacken11 I see somebody asked the question about the ROAD up to the west side trail head (Willow)...if anybody is reading this, how is that drive up on that road? Does it require 4x4, would a normal 'car' or 'minivan' make it on this road? Thanks!
@funsocaldude I haven't been up there for a year now. But when I was there there were cars in the parking lot. I used a jeep to get there. I am planing to go up soon and will be taking my 2 wheel drive truck. Most of the road was fine when I went up. It is dirt and broken road the last few miles or so. Because it is steep on the way back I had to use a low gear and crawl down the beginning because it was washboard like. The majority is paved up there. The last "Fire roads" are interesting.
Just had to check out your video again. That really is a great looking place to hike in to. I can only imagine how nice it was to have it all to yourself. Places like this, with several groups nearby, can get awfully noisy. I was thinking how wise of you to camp where the morning sun would hit you. Was wondering, What have you done to lighten your pack since this trip? as you mentioned you were going to do.
@slodeth5 Well as far as lightening my pack I did some of it prior to this hike. Not sure if you saw my Post Dinkey Lakes video I'll send it to you. And I have not had to pack for any overnights since this trip. But things will certainly change and are always changing. I'll get back to you on this.
Great video! I really enjoyed it. Showed it to my son and now he is totally pumped up to go. We dont have a 4x4 but do have a 2wd SUV do you think we will have any trouble getting to Willow Meadow?
@schafer100 should be fine. Most of the trip is paved. Last part of the drive is a road that has deteriorated badly. There are no obstacles or "rock climbing" type areas to worry about. Coming down the hill though is steep you must be able to put it in low gear and not ride your breaks down. You will need to plan when to go as I am not sure when the road is open to the trail head. I here there is a nice wildflower time period. Also though HEAVY mosquito area too. Be warned. I have GPS info too.
Looks like you had a great trip in a very beautiful area. Watching this video makes me wanna go on a hike right now. A shame it's so cold right now. Thanks for sharing!
@athieron It was a great trip. Actually my very first backpacking trip and my first time to this area. Also my first trip was a solo trip too. Kind of rolled everything into one trip. My pack weighed 35 pounds! I'll never do THAT again. As far as inspiration goes... You subscribed to me, I watched all your videos and got up and went to Millerton lake where I did my last video. So you inspired me! Are you sure it's to cold to go out......
@dmacken11 -15 degree Celcius at night is to cold for my equipment ;-) I can wait until it gets above the 0 level. Day tours are of course no problem, but I'd love to sleep in the forest for the first time, soon. Glad I inspired you ;-)
This is a fantastic video...thanks so much for putting it together. I am AMAZED that this was your first backpacking trip, and you did it alone! Dude, you've got balls the size of Volkswagens!
I have backpacked every year at least 30 miles for the past 40 years, and this is one of my favorite places. I have camped at Mystery Lake at least 20 times, and you chose the best locale. There are so many great lakes beyond Mystery, and I hope you do another video. I admire your work. Mike from Visalia
@runfourcover Thanks much Mike the comment is greatly appreciated. I'll be going back there ASAP for sure. I had hoped to go to Swede lake that trip but was just glad I did what I did that first time out. Now I have much more knowledge and will do better next time. Less weight more fun. Part of the reason I did the video is so there would be another one of the area maybe better than the others. Visalia ain't far. See you on the trail this spring! Keep in touch. Dave
@medicjimr - As for the fire wood..not the case where I was. I actually camped on the side of the lake that most people do not camp on and it has the most trees. Also some downed monster trees where the bark was off them and they were all split and rotted inside. The outer layer was solid wood. I could rip long pieces off and couple whacks on a big rock and they were not only campfire size but the rot would fall off. Had a big fire and it was great!
I like the way you captured the quiet and solitude in this video. For a first time backpack, I think you chose good solid equipment and a beautiful area and mild route. As your learned on this, Light is Right. Keep using your stuff but slowly convert to lighter gear as you replace things. And find out about self-made alcohol stoves. So light and easy to make and/or use a t-lite stove. It's already made for you. Wish I'd been along for the fun. Thanks for sharing. You'll do well, pilgrim.
@slodeth5 Ha ha Thanks Much. That WAS a nice trip. The quite was so worth the hike. Totally alone and absolute quite except for the occasional far off jet noise. Already working to lighten things up for sure. I do like the jetboil but just a pot and a few sticks and one can boil water. Also experimenting with alcohol tee lights. what fuel do you use? Denatured, Heat or something else. I need to continue to look through your videos as I imagine the answer is there.
@dmacken11 Denatured works fine but so does yellow-heat and truck line alcohol. That Jet boil is a super nice stove, I almost bought one myself but had to keep reminding myself that, No, I-do-not-want-to-carry-weight. Most stores don't want to sell ultralight backpacks and gear because the profit isn't as great and with lighter weight equipment, it can be less bomb proof so warrenty issues arise. Just take care of things, like your light pack, when you get to it. Looking forward to your progress
@dmacken11 I know I'm going at least on Oct.23 to help the hoosier hiking council re route a trail and do some maintenance on a switchback.May go back before then though.I may try to brave flying snow even,who knows.
Whoooo Buddy and well done on your first trip. Your spirits were good and that is what is important. You can shave weight ..... just totin' a heavy pack will get you to do that.
Way to go dmacken!!! That lake just looked so peaceful, not a bad place to live for a couple of days.
I learn from each & every trip I go on & it's good to think back on a trip & think of anything you might have done differently. It's ok to lighten your load, but don't leave something at home you may need. Backpacking is all checks & balances.
Excellent video, location and first hike - well done! That's some serious, healthy elevation! Thanks for bringing us along! So what do you think about your gear choices, besides the weight of it all?
@wawhiker I think I made some good and some bad choices. The tent worked out fine. The food I had weighed to much and I had more than I needed. I'll be getting a bear vault to. Much easier than hanging and works better than a hang also. Didn't need the big knife but it could still come in handy for fire wood splitting. Must have a self inflate or blow up pad for side sleeping too. Other things will change also. Thanks for checking in!
Great Video! Glad you had fun and safe time. Sure looked peaceful out there. LOL @ first comment - Less Weight. How much did your pack weight in at? Nice filtering trick ;) Great food ideas too.
Mystery seemed steeper from the parking lot.. but its nicer than First Dinkey anyway.
Great video ...i'm glad you had fun on your first backpacking trip
now that you have the first one under your belt...take all your ear..put it in a pile...then make 3 piles out of your gear. one pile for the gear you used,one pile for the gear you used 1 or 2 times...and a pile for the gear you never used..
now besides your Firstaid kit...take all the other gear you didn't use...and put it away ...and go from there ..also with this try you gt to see what works best for you
@MeanJRod I certainly do have a new respect for going lighter next time. I'll be trying some of the Mountain House meals I think. It's kind of a pain in the ass to have to clean that pot every time you use it. Something that can be made in a bag that is burned is much better. The Jet boil was great though. I liked it a lot. Already have some ideas for sorting out some gear and loosing the weight. I need to try a hammock too. The tent was nice but I'm a side sleeper. the pad did not work.
@dmacken11 You might check out some freezer bag cooking too?Thats what I'm planning on trying.I'm considering trying a hammock too,but that may have to wait til next yr.
The 3 piles idea sounds great,but then you come to the big knife,and say...but it COULD come in handy,lol.I'm thinking,make the "did not use" pile,but take ONE thing from that pile w/ you each trip,just for kicks,LOL.a dozen or two trips we'll have it down :)
@thewizardking13 Freezer bag cooking? Can you point me to videos or info on that? I'll be keeping my eyes open for a hammock. There's a lot of them to choose from not sure which is best. As far as 3 piles the do not take pile I could pretty much dump my entire food bag in that pile! Going to try Mountain House. Looks like they weigh nothing and no clean um up afterwards. Same idea as freezer bag I assume. That knife would come in handy for wood whacking just didn't have to. Only used saw once 2.
@dmacken11 I'll try to send you a some links.There are not alotta videos on it really...thinking bout doing one.Think fixed by doc was going to too.yes tho,like mt house,cept a freezer bag in a cozy pouch,mix your own stuff up,cheaper than mt house.what about other blades u carried?I've been looking at hammocks.
Loved your video! Where did you purchase your hand held tripod?
joeldanielmullins 1 week ago
Just getting up in the morning does that for me. Great vid THX
shippen2010 2 months ago
@shippen2010 This was my favorite trip for obvious reasons. Peace and quite and a wilderness all to myself. Had such a good time there and my first backpacking experience. can't wait to go there again hopefully this spring when the water is running in that creek bed. thanks for watching and commenting.
dmacken11 2 months ago
I still love this video. So nice to see the Sierras again. You should live up here every weekend, lol, ;-)
rainbowhiker 3 months ago
@rainbowhiker I keep looking at all these "tiny house" and "cabins" made from recycled shipping containers and what not. Saw a guy that bought the land a fire lookout was on and built a little cabin structure. Would love to have just the smallest of places somewhere like this to go to on weekends. This is one of the most memorable places and trips I have ever been too.
dmacken11 3 months ago
Nice video Dave. That is a beautiful area. Wish the video was longer. Take care, and great job.
handyscot1 3 months ago
@handyscot1 That was my very first backpacking trip. I carried to much weight as I was inexperienced at backpacking but not at camping. This was one of the best experiences of my life. Totally alone in this wilderness area for 3 days. It was really pretty spiritually nice. My first video backpacking too. I think it turned out pretty well. And you see The Stickpic at work too :-) Wanted to go back there this September but everything fell through and I still haven't been out anywhere :-(
dmacken11 3 months ago
What a nice spot. Thanks for sharing.
JoeNeanderthal 4 months ago
@JoeNeanderthal Thanks for coming by and checking out my video of Mystery Lake. Really was the most peaceful place I have ever been. And the most remote for me. Looking forward to checking out your videos.
dmacken11 4 months ago
@dmacken11 I see somebody asked the question about the ROAD up to the west side trail head (Willow)...if anybody is reading this, how is that drive up on that road? Does it require 4x4, would a normal 'car' or 'minivan' make it on this road? Thanks!
funsocaldude 5 months ago in playlist backpack
@funsocaldude I haven't been up there for a year now. But when I was there there were cars in the parking lot. I used a jeep to get there. I am planing to go up soon and will be taking my 2 wheel drive truck. Most of the road was fine when I went up. It is dirt and broken road the last few miles or so. Because it is steep on the way back I had to use a low gear and crawl down the beginning because it was washboard like. The majority is paved up there. The last "Fire roads" are interesting.
dmacken11 5 months ago
lol 666 views lol
skinnycopdude24 7 months ago
Beautiful place thanks for the vid :)
TheValineurheilija 7 months ago
Fantastic area. Thanks for sharing!
redimixofmd 10 months ago
@redimixofmd Thanks for the comment. This is a great place. If your in the area it's not a very difficult hike.
dmacken11 10 months ago
Just had to check out your video again. That really is a great looking place to hike in to. I can only imagine how nice it was to have it all to yourself. Places like this, with several groups nearby, can get awfully noisy. I was thinking how wise of you to camp where the morning sun would hit you. Was wondering, What have you done to lighten your pack since this trip? as you mentioned you were going to do.
slodeth5 11 months ago
@slodeth5 Well as far as lightening my pack I did some of it prior to this hike. Not sure if you saw my Post Dinkey Lakes video I'll send it to you. And I have not had to pack for any overnights since this trip. But things will certainly change and are always changing. I'll get back to you on this.
dmacken11 11 months ago
@dmacken11 I've seen all your videos, but don't remember all the details. I'll go and review them. Thanks.
slodeth5 11 months ago
Great video! I really enjoyed it. Showed it to my son and now he is totally pumped up to go. We dont have a 4x4 but do have a 2wd SUV do you think we will have any trouble getting to Willow Meadow?
schafer100 1 year ago
@schafer100 should be fine. Most of the trip is paved. Last part of the drive is a road that has deteriorated badly. There are no obstacles or "rock climbing" type areas to worry about. Coming down the hill though is steep you must be able to put it in low gear and not ride your breaks down. You will need to plan when to go as I am not sure when the road is open to the trail head. I here there is a nice wildflower time period. Also though HEAVY mosquito area too. Be warned. I have GPS info too.
dmacken11 1 year ago
@schafer100 Check my other videos for other local areas to hike. And Subscribe too!
dmacken11 1 year ago
Good Vid! Ty for sharing it.
londt7777 1 year ago
Looks like you had a great trip in a very beautiful area. Watching this video makes me wanna go on a hike right now. A shame it's so cold right now. Thanks for sharing!
athieron 1 year ago
@athieron It was a great trip. Actually my very first backpacking trip and my first time to this area. Also my first trip was a solo trip too. Kind of rolled everything into one trip. My pack weighed 35 pounds! I'll never do THAT again. As far as inspiration goes... You subscribed to me, I watched all your videos and got up and went to Millerton lake where I did my last video. So you inspired me! Are you sure it's to cold to go out......
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 -15 degree Celcius at night is to cold for my equipment ;-) I can wait until it gets above the 0 level. Day tours are of course no problem, but I'd love to sleep in the forest for the first time, soon. Glad I inspired you ;-)
athieron 1 year ago
This is a fantastic video...thanks so much for putting it together. I am AMAZED that this was your first backpacking trip, and you did it alone! Dude, you've got balls the size of Volkswagens!
I have backpacked every year at least 30 miles for the past 40 years, and this is one of my favorite places. I have camped at Mystery Lake at least 20 times, and you chose the best locale. There are so many great lakes beyond Mystery, and I hope you do another video. I admire your work. Mike from Visalia
runfourcover 1 year ago
@runfourcover Thanks much Mike the comment is greatly appreciated. I'll be going back there ASAP for sure. I had hoped to go to Swede lake that trip but was just glad I did what I did that first time out. Now I have much more knowledge and will do better next time. Less weight more fun. Part of the reason I did the video is so there would be another one of the area maybe better than the others. Visalia ain't far. See you on the trail this spring! Keep in touch. Dave
dmacken11 1 year ago
Very nice trip for sure. The sad thing about those populated camping sites low supply of fire wood
medicjimr 1 year ago
@medicjimr - As for the fire wood..not the case where I was. I actually camped on the side of the lake that most people do not camp on and it has the most trees. Also some downed monster trees where the bark was off them and they were all split and rotted inside. The outer layer was solid wood. I could rip long pieces off and couple whacks on a big rock and they were not only campfire size but the rot would fall off. Had a big fire and it was great!
dmacken11 1 year ago
I like the way you captured the quiet and solitude in this video. For a first time backpack, I think you chose good solid equipment and a beautiful area and mild route. As your learned on this, Light is Right. Keep using your stuff but slowly convert to lighter gear as you replace things. And find out about self-made alcohol stoves. So light and easy to make and/or use a t-lite stove. It's already made for you. Wish I'd been along for the fun. Thanks for sharing. You'll do well, pilgrim.
slodeth5 1 year ago
@slodeth5 Ha ha Thanks Much. That WAS a nice trip. The quite was so worth the hike. Totally alone and absolute quite except for the occasional far off jet noise. Already working to lighten things up for sure. I do like the jetboil but just a pot and a few sticks and one can boil water. Also experimenting with alcohol tee lights. what fuel do you use? Denatured, Heat or something else. I need to continue to look through your videos as I imagine the answer is there.
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 Denatured works fine but so does yellow-heat and truck line alcohol. That Jet boil is a super nice stove, I almost bought one myself but had to keep reminding myself that, No, I-do-not-want-to-carry-weight. Most stores don't want to sell ultralight backpacks and gear because the profit isn't as great and with lighter weight equipment, it can be less bomb proof so warrenty issues arise. Just take care of things, like your light pack, when you get to it. Looking forward to your progress
slodeth5 1 year ago
Awesome vid!Looked like a beautiful place for camping.When's your next trip? :)
thewizardking13 1 year ago
@thewizardking13 I'd head back today if I could get away! How about you? You better get out there before the snow flies!
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 I know I'm going at least on Oct.23 to help the hoosier hiking council re route a trail and do some maintenance on a switchback.May go back before then though.I may try to brave flying snow even,who knows.
thewizardking13 1 year ago
Whoooo Buddy and well done on your first trip. Your spirits were good and that is what is important. You can shave weight ..... just totin' a heavy pack will get you to do that.
Nice video and excellent camera quality.
Shug
shugemery 1 year ago
Way to go dmacken!!! That lake just looked so peaceful, not a bad place to live for a couple of days.
I learn from each & every trip I go on & it's good to think back on a trip & think of anything you might have done differently. It's ok to lighten your load, but don't leave something at home you may need. Backpacking is all checks & balances.
Great video!
CampfireTalk 1 year ago
Excellent video, location and first hike - well done! That's some serious, healthy elevation! Thanks for bringing us along! So what do you think about your gear choices, besides the weight of it all?
wawhiker 1 year ago
@wawhiker I think I made some good and some bad choices. The tent worked out fine. The food I had weighed to much and I had more than I needed. I'll be getting a bear vault to. Much easier than hanging and works better than a hang also. Didn't need the big knife but it could still come in handy for fire wood splitting. Must have a self inflate or blow up pad for side sleeping too. Other things will change also. Thanks for checking in!
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 I seem to carry too much food too.
thewizardking13 1 year ago
Great Video! Glad you had fun and safe time. Sure looked peaceful out there. LOL @ first comment - Less Weight. How much did your pack weight in at? Nice filtering trick ;) Great food ideas too.
Mystery seemed steeper from the parking lot.. but its nicer than First Dinkey anyway.
Next summer Buster should be able to tag along!
86diggler 1 year ago
Great video ...i'm glad you had fun on your first backpacking trip
now that you have the first one under your belt...take all your ear..put it in a pile...then make 3 piles out of your gear. one pile for the gear you used,one pile for the gear you used 1 or 2 times...and a pile for the gear you never used..
now besides your Firstaid kit...take all the other gear you didn't use...and put it away ...and go from there ..also with this try you gt to see what works best for you
:)
MeanJRod 1 year ago
@MeanJRod i'll have a clothing video up sometime in the next week ...
glad you got home ok...and had fun
MeanJRod 1 year ago
@MeanJRod Looking forward to your video.
dmacken11 1 year ago
@MeanJRod I certainly do have a new respect for going lighter next time. I'll be trying some of the Mountain House meals I think. It's kind of a pain in the ass to have to clean that pot every time you use it. Something that can be made in a bag that is burned is much better. The Jet boil was great though. I liked it a lot. Already have some ideas for sorting out some gear and loosing the weight. I need to try a hammock too. The tent was nice but I'm a side sleeper. the pad did not work.
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 You might check out some freezer bag cooking too?Thats what I'm planning on trying.I'm considering trying a hammock too,but that may have to wait til next yr.
The 3 piles idea sounds great,but then you come to the big knife,and say...but it COULD come in handy,lol.I'm thinking,make the "did not use" pile,but take ONE thing from that pile w/ you each trip,just for kicks,LOL.a dozen or two trips we'll have it down :)
thewizardking13 1 year ago
@thewizardking13 Freezer bag cooking? Can you point me to videos or info on that? I'll be keeping my eyes open for a hammock. There's a lot of them to choose from not sure which is best. As far as 3 piles the do not take pile I could pretty much dump my entire food bag in that pile! Going to try Mountain House. Looks like they weigh nothing and no clean um up afterwards. Same idea as freezer bag I assume. That knife would come in handy for wood whacking just didn't have to. Only used saw once 2.
dmacken11 1 year ago
@dmacken11 I'll try to send you a some links.There are not alotta videos on it really...thinking bout doing one.Think fixed by doc was going to too.yes tho,like mt house,cept a freezer bag in a cozy pouch,mix your own stuff up,cheaper than mt house.what about other blades u carried?I've been looking at hammocks.
thewizardking13 1 year ago
very awesome man! im planning on my first backpacking trip here real soon. im waiting for it to get colder since i LOVE cold weather.
leoffensive 1 year ago