Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board JMT with Kids TR

I've just not had any luck. I'm trying to find the TR from last summer (fall) by a Dad who took his two kids (boy & girl) on the JMT. I think it was Fish395, but I can't find it. I want to share it with a friend who wants to take his kids out. Thanks for the help.

You are looking for fishmonger. He has a recent post 6/1/10 at the top of page 1. Click on and you will find his JMT 2009
subject right below the WPSMB Members Photo Album Links (pics)

He also did a book about the trip he took with Claire and Damien

Karen,

Here is the link of their trip:

http://didnt.doit.wisc.edu/outdoor/Muir2009/default.html

Thanks guys....wrong Fish...

Yup.


We're planning to go again in 2010 - trying again for a full JMT Yo-Yo hike - Yosemite - Whitney Portal - Yostemite. Exact dates depend on snow this year, but the goal is an early season start around July 1

Each year it gets easier. If you're going with kids who have never hiked in the backcountry before, it is a bit stressful. Give them room to have fun, and be as flexible as possible with the schedule. They love 'days off' and they like to discover things beyond the great vistas. Play with a Western Fence Lizard, or figure out what dead animal's bones are at Lake of the Lone Indian. Those are their highlights, while they take grand vistas from passes almost for granted... Then there's food - take advantage of all the real food options along the trail. My kids will walk a detour to get to VVR to eat there for example - that is more important to them than seeing a different section of trail.

Your trip is a great inspiration to parents with kids about what you can do when you introduce them to the outdoors early. We did that with our daughter, but have hit the "teens" and "wilderness plumbing" just pushes her over the edge. I know the solitude of the mountains will call her again.

Look forward to your next TR and pics!

I agree Karen. My Dad lst took me to the Sierras in 1948 when I was 10 & we went often until I graduated from high school in '55.
After marrying in '61, I eventually took my 3 year old son into the Oregon Cascades in '65 for some overnights. When my daughter was born in 1965 she went on hikes in a Gerry Kid carrier and eventually when we relocated to Colorado in 1969, she and her older brother began backpacking with my wife and myself. She
actually climbed Pikes Peak just before her 5th birthday, but it involved an overnight half way up the 13 mile trail and an early
start the next morning.

Now with grandchildren ages 11 and 9 the family camping, hiking.
and even modest Mt Climbing continue. Don't know if they are
ready for something like Claire and Damien (fishmonger's kids)
but I think they will be soon with me, age 72, being the slowpoke.

By the way, fishmonger's book about Claire and Damiens great adventure is a well written and interesting read about the twins.

I have 6 kids (so far), oldest is 13. I was inspired years ago by a book called "Daughter, Father, Canoe" to plan and execute a "coming of age" trip individually with each of my kids. I have sort of serttled on the JMT, although the possibilities are obviously endless. Anyway, I have bought this JMT book and am sure it will be helpful for us.

BTW, the DFC book is at http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-sub-arctic-stories-Snowdrift-Nonacho/dp/0972402306?tag=dogpile-20