Hello all,
Long time lurker but first time poster. I know this is not a JMT board and for that I apologize but I like the advice given in this group. ( I have indeed joined the JMT FB group). I have looked at some of the JMT posts here as well as WanderingJims's recent TR.
I have a JMT2024 SOBO permit starting at LC with a July 24 start date. I have not done a long backpacking trip like this so I am doing my best to prepare and plan. I am trying to go light but not ultra light. Here are my questions:
1) I have a REI magma 30 bag (comfort rated for 39F). Is that adequate if I don't mind sleeping in my puffy jacket on really cold nights? I generally sleep warm. Or should I get a lower rated bag? I'll be sleeping in a BA CS2 tent on a Thermarest uberlite sleeping pad.
2) Since this looks to be a normal snow year, what are he chances that I will be able to ford the south fork of the San Joaquin river past MTR where the bridge is washed out? I know late last year in Sept. people had been able to do that. I am hoping that by the time I get there in the last days of July, it will be in the same considering the normal snow year this year compared to last. I don't want to miss the Evolution valley if at all possible. There is a chance of course that the new bridge will be up by that time and I don't have to worry.
I am sure I'll have more question as the date draws closer ... Thank you for your time.
-Abe
