Trails: A Means Of Extending Personal Boundaries

Dale Matson

My late mother would have been 100 years old this month. She was a Campbell from the Highlands of Scotland. She had two contrasting but complementary attributes. She was a fearful woman but a lady of courage and proceeded into the headwind of her anxieties.

The “Peter Principle” is often used to explain why individuals in an organization rise to a level beyond their ability to perform. The reality is that this may apply to organizations but life is quite the opposite. In life most individuals never measure up to their potential. The dreams and ambitions of their youth remain only dreams that are never pursued. Yet, they are not like the day dreaming inept Walter Mitty.

Even ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things. The source of the inertia is fear. Fear usually has an object. People are afraid of failure, afraid of injury or death, afraid of change. They refuse to put themselves ‘out there’ to be tested. It is easier and safer to be a spectator than a participant. In other words, fear has put internal boundaries around the life and activities of most people. They select things to do based on fear. They decide what not to do based on fear but they are not honest about it. They always offer another reason/alibi for why they won’t do something new.

My mother gifted me with her complimentary attributes of fear and courage. As I have grown older, I have also grown more rigid and brittle. The default for all of us is to continue to do things we have always done the way we have always done them. We are less likely to put ourselves to the test as we age yet it is part of being human to enjoy learning and mastery over novel things. Remember how proud you were when you were able to tie your own shoelaces?

Trails are an incremental opportunity to push beyond where you are now. They are a life metaphor for expanding personal boundaries. Trails are a gentle test that gives us a new view, a new perspective just over the next hill if we can push a little further. Out and back trails allow us to set the limits, the turning back point yet trails beckon us beyond our comfort zone.

Climbing The Cables At Half Dome

I remember the first time I attempted to climb the cables at Half Dome. I made it about half way and climbed back down facing the smooth granite for fear of falling to my death. It took two more attempts to make it to the top and I still descended facing the granite. The trail back to Happy Isles in Yosemite was a lot shorter than the times I failed to summit. And after that came Cloud’s Rest.

Half Dome From Cloud's Rest

Many people who exercise on a treadmill never make it to the trails. Some of those folks are fearful. They want the cardio but prefer the safety of virtual exercise. They can push a button and it will be over. They can even program ‘hills’ into the exercise. I have friends who are young and fit and sound that will never go into the wilderness. It is because like Dorothy, there are “lions and tigers and bears”.

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out I found, was really going in.”  John Muir     

Overnight In Dusy Basin From South Lake

Dale Matson

Click On Photographs To Enlarge

We drove four and a half hours from Fresno over Tioga Pass in Yosemite to the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop. We picked up our trail permits for our hike and began the drive to the trailhead (elevation about 9,800’) in South Lake. Highway 168 is “Line Street” in town and the drive to South Lake is about 22 miles from Bishop. South Lake Road cuts off Highway 168 and ends at South Lake. The trail to Bishop Pass is popular with lots of day hikers, fishermen and backpackers. It is interesting to note that Highway 168 is also on the west side of the Sierras and someone probably planned for the two ends to eventually meet.

The Bishop Pass Trail, once over the pass, continues to descend and eventually meets the John Muir Trail below Dusy Basin in LeConte Canyon near the ranger station. There is about 3,000’ of elevation gain from South Lake in the 6 miles to Bishop Pass. There is then a descent into Dusy Basin. Bishop Pass is the boundary between Inyo and Fresno Counties.

The view from the trailhead parking area is a hint at things to come. In a sense, this hike reminds me of the hike from the Onion Valley trailhead for Kearsarge Pass. There are lots of high mountains and small lakes along the way. The Bishop Pass trail has plenty of places for water resupply. We talked with a number of groups who made this a four-day/three-night trip. They stayed at Long Lake the first and third nights and Dusy Basin the second night.

The outbound trail is well signed but be careful on the return leg because the sign for the cutoff trail to Chocolate Lakes is high on a tree and beyond the junction. One could unknowingly find himself headed S.E. to Chocolate Lakes.

The lakes with easy access are along the west side of the trail and we took a break at Long Lake. The climb for us was slow partially because we started our trip that day in Fresno at 5am. There are good photographs back to the north all the way up but no north view from the pass itself.

Mt Agassiz

LTR Winchell, Thunderbolt, North Palisade, Isosceles, Columbine

 

Ben Breaking Camp

Mt. Goode And Long Lake

Our descent of about 2.5 miles was gradual and we stayed the night at an established site at about 11,000’ by a stream with a lake view. I would compare our view to the east with any place I have stayed in Kings Canyon. This is also within Fresno County. There are lots of 13,000’ plus mountains and North Palisade that is over 14,000’. Ben said there was a little rain during the night with some distant thunder. It was in the forty-degree range when we awakened, ate and broke camp.

The hike out was not a bad climb for tired legs and it always amazes me how fresh legs can climb almost as fast as tired legs descend. We began with cloudless skies with clouds predictably returning in the afternoon. Our outbound hike time was 5:40 and our return was 5:20. We took lots of photographs.

On our return we ran into a couple (Tom and Joetta) who had started in Tuolumne Meadows and been on the JMT for 18 days. They decided to cut short their hike, turned around before Mather Pass and headed out over Bishop Pass. We offered them a ride back to Tuolumne and they gladly accepted. Good timing folks! We saw them turn into the store area and I just know they were headed for the hamburgers and fries. I've been known to do that myself after being on the trail for spell.
Note: A video with more graphics is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acPx5Fhx_2c&feature=youtu.be    

Iron Deficiency Anemia, Exercise And Performance

Dale Matson

Two years ago I had a problem with anemia following sustained blood loss from surgery. Two months later, I was infused with 2 units of packed red blood cells. Even after the infusion however, my iron numbers remained low. I suspect this has been a lifelong issue for me and a blood bank technician once told me that if my hemoglobin score had been any lower, I would not have been allowed to donate blood. I had noticed that whenever I donated blood, it took about a month to fully recover my normal performance level and should have put two and two together.

After the infusion, I began treating my anemia with food and supplements to increase my hematocrit (HMT) and hemoglobin. What I have done since that time was to include lab tests specifically for anemia. What I discovered was that my iron serum (26) and iron saturation (7) were dangerously low even though my HMT and hemoglobin were nearing the low end of normal. What I have done since that time is to develop a treatment regimen designed to raise my iron saturation and iron serum and hope that the hemoglobin and HMT would increase in response to more available iron. My goal was to increase the iron supply in my body.

First, I would like to offer my symptoms of iron deficiency anemia that I experienced. My resting pulse of (60) was 20 beats higher than normal (40). I couldn't do my normal exercising with the same power and speed. I was very cold all of the time and needed an electric blanket in addition to a heavy comforter for sleeping. I needed a wet suit to swim in 75 degree water. I would get dizzy just from bending to pick up something. I had lots of headaches. My skin was pale. I think it affected me psychologically with a mild depression and anxiety too. Let’s just say the problem was pervasive and sapped my strength to the point that I was fatigued most of the time. I would sigh and yawn. Some folks told me I had exercise induced asthma.

I was simply not getting enough oxygen.  Athletes can have diminished V02 max because of this type anemia and their performance drops dramatically. I believe sometimes that is referred to as overtraining can be an exercise induced iron deficiency anemia.

 

Second, if you look up the numbers, you will find that incidence of reported anemia is greater than 10% of the population overall. I suspect that many folks are pre anemic or anemic and don’t even know it. The numbers are probably much higher. They may go to their doctor and report malaise, chronic fatigue or some other problem and not be identified as anemic. I believe anemia is grossly underdiagnosed.

Here is the good news. I was able to treat this problem using food and food supplements to the point that I am no longer anemic. I remind the reader that this treatment was with consultation from my physician and my sister who is a retired medical technician. The only problem with many physicians is that they learn their trade in a hospital, so “not being sick” is being “well” from their perspective. Unfortunately, not being sick is not necessarily optimum health. Please have your physician ok any food or supplements you anticipate using first.

The internet is a great place to conduct research and I received quite an education. The best source of iron is what is called Hemi Iron. Meat is a source, especially liver and beef. I decided to resume beef once a week. Another source of Hemi Iron is in desiccated liver tablets. The best Hemi Iron source that I came across is a product called “Proferrin ES available in limited amounts from Colorado Biolabs Inc. I promote it because I believe the three tablets per day recommended on the label probably did more than anything else to boost my iron (I am not a paid spokesperson). Hemi Iron is the most usable form of iron for the body. Iron pills, like ferrous sulfate are not absorbed well, were problematic for me and gave me tremendous heartburn. Others I have talked to about this have had problems with heartburn also.

You are also encouraged to avoid calcium within a two hour window before and after taking the iron supplements because it reduces the iron absorption. Vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin B12 are encouraged to help with uptake. I also take blackstrap molasses as a non-heme iron source and enjoy this “medicine” that tastes like licorice. Mixed nuts and dried fruit and leafy green vegetables are also sources I used. Finally, I also use a product called nutritional yeast flakes which are gluten free for B12.

It is now mid-July and here are the numbers for my iron serum (78) and Iron saturation (22. My treadmill speed is up to 6.5 mph from 4.5 mph with a lower average and maximum heart rate than before.

My symptoms are no longer evident and now I have reduced the amount of my iron intake to maintenance levels. There are lots of warnings about iron overload and that could be a serious problem for some. That is why I have had lab testing done every three weeks and paid for it out of my own pocket. I have used Econo Labs (I am not a paid spokesperson for them either). It is easy to set testing up over the internet and to pay in advance. They have a quick turnaround time and will email the results to you and your physician. The results are easy to read and normal ranges follow your results.

I posted this on another blog a couple of years ago and there has been enormous traffic, which says to me that lots of folks are looking for answers to their problems, which they can only vaguely define. If you are having these issues, start with a blood test. I believe many cases can be treated with diet and supplements.

Reflections On A Mutual Aid SAR

Dale Matson

Searchers went to the mutual aid search in Southern California for missing firefighter Mike Herdman. There are a number of factors that led to the tragic outcome. There has been quite a bit written about lost person behavior but this is not just a case of what Mr. Herdman did or did not do. The person hiking with Mr. Herdman began searching for him in the middle of the night and in the process became lost also. Had he not come across a couple of fisherman two days later, he may have perished also. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-firefighters-body-found--20140627-story.html

I lay no blame on Mr. Herdman’s companion who gave a valiant effort to find his missing friend but there is too often an inherent problem when the group leader/navigator becomes incapacitated. Also, even with a navigator/leader, people may become separated from a group and are immediately lost because they have little or no navigational skills. I would like to make the case for everyone being a navigator. If the group leader becomes incapacitated, what is plan B?

A few years ago two men were backpacking in the Sierras when the leader fell and was knocked unconscious. His companion went for help. The injured man’s companion was lost for two days and eventually spotted by a sheriff’s helicopter. Unfortunately, by the time he returned with the helicopter, his injured and confused friend had crawled off the edge of the cliff and fallen to his death.

There are certain things that could be done before a hike that would help to avoid some of these situations. Ideally all hikers would have a copy of the topographical map with the route outlined and there would be a briefing by the leader to orient the hikers. Each hiker should have a compass and know the direction to head to get back to the trail, trail head or a main road. If all else fails wait on or near the trail until the group returns.  Keep in mind that a group is only as fast as its slowest hiker. The plan should be that the group would reassemble at all trail junctions.

Each hiker must realize that he or she is ultimately responsible for their own safety. Know where you are, where you are headed and which way to go to get back. Everyone should have some basic navigational skills. Navigating in the wilderness, like swimming is a basic life skill and could be taught in school. Also if there is someone in the group with connectivity and another person in the group has gone missing, don’t be shy about contacting the local sheriff’s office. The sooner an organized search begins, the more likely someone will be found.   

Hydration

Dale Matson

Hydration is one of the most important considerations in the wilderness. Water is also one of the heaviest items to carry. One pint is one pound. In the most extreme cases one must carry all of the water needed for the course of the trip. Dehydration should be avoided at all costs and along with hypothermia or altitude sickness can be life threatening in the wilderness. In the dry and warm mountain air, combined with the effort required by backpacking, it is possible to lose water without even being aware of it. If you are thirsty, drink water. Have it in a convenient location to encourage drinking. I have helped search for older folks who perished after wandering off trail. Some have attributed it to high altitude dementia but I believe dehydration played a role.

When I consider a backpacking trip or even a day hike, I look at a topographical map to see if there are water sources along the way for resupply. Know where there is water along the way! Often a hike is to a lake where resupply is guaranteed. What I don’t want is to carry more water than I need or to run out of water too soon. Additionally because a creek is indicated on a map does not mean that it will be there in late summer. Some creeks are year round even in dry years however.

There are two main considerations for me. The first is what containers I will use and the second is what filtration I will need. Let me begin with containers. For years as a trail runner, I went with plastic bottles with pop tops on top of screw on lids. I used a double bottle fanny pack. When I ski the back-country I still stay with this combination. One thing that can happen in cold weather is the pop tops freeze. You can bang the bottle against a tree and unscrew the lid to drink. Even insulated hoses on bladders can freeze up.

I am still partial to bottles. Nalgene bottles seal well and are almost leak and bullet proof. I always carry two brightly colored bottles on backpacking trips. If one winds up getting lost, left behind or rolls down a cliff, you will always have a backup bottle. When there is easy access to water (trails that follow creeks), I only fill one bottle to save on weight. I use one bottle with a filter in the cap. This allows me to quickly resupply and move on with potable water immediately. I also carry chlorine tablets for the other bottle. Having two bottles also allows for a chlorine pill to do its work in a fresh resupply bottle while you drink out of the other bottle if you don’t have a filter bottle.

There are other means to carry water and perhaps bladders are one of the most popular. Most packs today are designed for bladders with a separate pocket inside the pack. I have backpacked with a few folks who swore by bladders. IF the bladder develops a leak or is improperly sealed, guess how long it will take to notice? Your gear may be wet by the time you feel the water dripping down your backside. Also, one is usually committed to filling the bladder once your pack is off your back. This may mean two plus liters of water added just before a big climb at altitude.

There are additional means for water purification like a pump with a filter, ultraviolet pen, and iodine pills. I have used these methods and each works better than boiling. What I do recommend is filtering or purifying your resupply water. There are bacteria and viruses even in a fast flowing mountain stream.    

Mitchell Peak: Kings Canyon National Park

Dale Matson

Click On Graphics To Enlarge

The Mitchell Peak trailhead is about 2 hours from Fresno CA. The route begins on Highway 180 and once in the park it is a south turn on the General’s Highway into Sequoia Park. After a drive south, turn left on Big Meadows/Horse Corral Road. Stay on the paved road until you see a sign that says, “SHSC” to your right. Turn right and you will soon see a road marker (Forest Route) “13S12”. Follow it until it turns into a dirt road. Eventually, you will end at the trailhead for Marvin Pass. I think the directions can be confusing and my GPS will clarify the trailhead and route to Mitchell Peak.

There is a cutoff trail on the left outbound that leads to the Sequoia High Sierra Camp. There is another signed trail junction further out.

Mitchell Peak (elevation 10,365’) is in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness of Sequoia National Forest/Kings Canyon National Park and is an out and back hike of seven miles. It has about 2,000’ of elevation gain in the 3.5 miles of outbound trail. The trail is almost entirely through the forest until you are above 10,000’ of elevation. There is a concrete slab on top where there once was a lookout tower. We found that the outbound hike was about 2.5 hours and the descent back to the trailhead was faster at about 1.5 hours. There is no water source of consequence so take plenty of water with you on this hike. There is a bit of boulder hopping at the end but it is not too difficult. Younger folks would call it a “walk up”.

The view is one of the best in the Sierras since it is 360 degrees and well worth the climb. Most of the photographs were with a 35mm prime lens on a clear day and attest to the view.

Panorama

Panorama

Telephoto 

Telephoto

Here is an August 2017 Video of this hike. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHWC1WDetZ4