Cottonwood Lakes, CA - July 2004
Original Plan:
2-day, 2-night, 15-mile, partial loop backpacking trip to the Cottonwood Lakes and the New Army Pass.Actual Trip:
2-day, 1-night, 10-mile, up-and-back trip to Cottonwood Lakes.Excuse:
We were robbed! Twice!
The first thief was the bear that stole our food Friday night.
The second thief was the person who sold us the bear bags.
Before the trip we were warned about the Ursack - a friend of ours had gone to Kings Canyon National Park and the rangers had a "compromised" Ursack on display. These things are not approved in National Parks and for good reason. There were bear sightings around Cottonwood Lakes, so we decided to hang our bags in a tree. Well, there was nothing stopping this bear. He first went to our camp neighbor's food tree, then to ours. Each time climbing the tree and breaking any branches necessary. The Ursacks added only a small additional challenge for him. Each bag took him about 1/2 hour to get into. One he turned inside out (was not tied properly) and the other was ripped wide open. See pictures below.
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They're a waste of money - just as good as a plastic bag. For the best protection, buy a bear canister. Our camp neighbors had one, and it contained the only food remaining Saturday morning. We decided to hike out before we got too hungry.
Location:
Inyo Nation Forest (map)John Muir Wilderness Area
Cottonwood Lakes
Topo Maps:
 Lone Pine |
 Cottonwood Lakes |
Pictures:
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