Where | The High Camps | Who for | The Schedule | The Cost |
2006 Yosemite High Country
Backpack Workshop
The high Sierra Camp Loop
A 7-Day Landscape Photography backpack Workshop.
August 26-September 1, 2006
Conducted by Steve Kossack
Limited to only 5 participants
Tuolumne Meadows / Vogelsang/ Merced Lake/ Sunrise/ May Lake/ Glen Aulin and everything in between!
About the Workshop
6 High Sierra Camps!
F-8 And Be There Workshops and Steve Kossack Photographing The Great American Landscape presents a mini-workshop and backpack in the spectacular and beautiful wonderland that is The Yosemite High Country. This is an all inclusive, 7 day outing. From Saturday August 26, through Friday September 1, 2006 we will be photographing and exploring some of the most beautiful country on earth! This is a unique opportunity to see and explore the high country of Yosemite. We will be staying and photographing at all 5 high Sierra camps. This is the best of all worlds. Everything we need as far as lodging, bedding and food will be provided for us, enabling us to carry photo gear instead! We will experience the Yosemite high country as few see it and the photographic rewards as few know them! The workshop is open to only 5 participants.
Photographer, guide and host of the DVD series Steve Kossack: Photographing the Great American Landscape will lead this workshop. It's size and design will lend itself the flexibility to hike and photograph the available light and color of this exciting area during our 7-day backpack and workshop.
Where are The High Sierra Camps?
Built by the National Park Service stating in 1916, these camps are placed in the high country some 7 to 10 miles apart making them a days hike from one another and a perfect loop trip. Each has a superb setting beside a lake, river, creek or meadow and is ringed by magnificent mountains and domes.
Vogelsang
At 10,300 feet it is the highest of the high camps and at the top of the glacial world. Vogelsang lake sits at the base of Fletcher Peak and has morning photographic opportunities beyond the imagination. Vogelsang Pass will be our destination on our early departure from this alpine paradise.
Merced Lake
Eight miles from Vogelsang we come into the "banana belt" climate of Merced Lake. Three miles below Lake Washburn, near the headwaters of the Merced River, this wonderful setting at 7,100 feet holds many opportunities for both sunset and sunrise images. Our trail lends itself to many vistas and meadows on our way down.
Sunrise
The newest of the high sierra camps on the edge of one of the most beautiful meadows in the sierra. Sunrise takes it name from the wonderful sunrises that occur almost daily here. Sunsets are just as spectacular!
May Lake
At the geographical center of Yosemite National Park is May Lake at the foot of Mt. Hoffman. The decent from Sunrise high camp and the climb back up to May Lake at 9,270 with Tenaya Lake as the mid point will mark a day to remember.
Glen Aulin
Glen Aulin means beautiful Valley ... and it is! Set at the foot of the cascade that descends from Tuolumne Falls, this calm and gentle area is the gateway to The Grand Canyon of The Tuolumne. It's our last night in the wilds of the high country.
Who Is This Trip For?
* It's for photographers and nature lovers of all levels. * It's a photography workshop. It's a 7 day loop hike that will cover 6 High Sierra camps. It's a chance to experience the high country without the burden of heavy backpacks. * It's a traditional workshop. * It's for you if: * You like hiking and working in the field from sunrise to sunset. * You want to learn about landscape location and light * You want to learn about equipment and strategies used in landscape photography * You like hiking with like-minded people, and making images and new friends.
This Workshop
You will need to be in fairly good shape, have the desire and stamina to hike the 8 to 10 miles between camps every day. We will cover some 40 to 50 miles in our 7 days. The trails are well maintained and there is no mountaineering skill needed. Previous backpacking experience is not necessary, just the will to do it! This is an excellent introduction to both the high country and backpacking. We will be on the trail 7 to 8 hours a day and photographing the sunrises and sunsets form all the camps. Our pace on the trail will be leisurely and will allow for photography and rest breaks. This workshop is small by design. It will allow for ALL levels of photographic experience. There will be no lectures or product endorsements. Personal instruction will be available at all times. The opportunity to photograph and share with the group will always be present.
Weather, Equipment, Etc.
August and early September are ideal in the high sierra. Great hiking weather! Storms are always possible and weather and conditions change quickly at this elevation. We must make our destination every day no matter. Each high sierra camp will provide us with everything needed for sleeping and eating. Water is available in all camps along with toilets. Some of the camps have showers. you will be given all needed information on equipment, including photographic, backpacking and high sierra camp amenities along with tips and suggestions after your registration.
The Schedule
You will need 7 days. 2 of them are weekend days.
- Saturday August 26, 2006:
- Arrive Reno Nevada International Airport by midday. Transportation to all locations, including the return to Reno on Friday is provided. Our first evening will be spent in Tuolumne Meadows High Camp A sunset shoot if travel times permit.
- Sunday Aug 27:
- Our day begins with a our first day hike from Tuolumne Meadows to the alpine splendor of Vogelsang High Camp. Our early afternoon arrival will allow for photographic exploration of the surrounding lakes before dinner and a sunset shoot
- Monday Aug 28:
- From Vogelsang it's up and over the pass and down to the biggest of the high sierra camps. Merced Lake is the furthest in and our decent will be memorable.
- Tuesday Aug 29:
- Up the trail headed for Sunrise after our sunrise shoot at Merced Lake. The longest of our day hikes will conclude with a sunset shoot at sunrise high sierra camp.
- Wednesday Aug 30:
- After Sunrise at sunrise ... and breakfast, it's down the trail headed for Tanaya Lake and then up again for the majesty of Mt. Hoffman and May lake.
- Thursday Aug 31
- Leaving May Lake we drop into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and the beautiful setting of Glen Aulin at the lower cascade of the Tuolumne River.
- Friday Sept 1
- Alas, our last day on the trail will see us headed back to Tuolumne Meadows and the return trip to Reno.
Please Remember Weather and climate is unpredictable. August - September in the Sierra is usually ideal. Mild days and crisp cool nights. Our packs will be light due to the fact that we do not have to carry sleeping bags, tents, food and the gear usually needed on packing trips, however this dictates that we must make each new camp every day!
The Cost
The cost of this trip is U.S. $2495. This includes transportation from Reno Nevada and return. You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from Reno. All accommodations and food are included! The workshop payment of $2495 will be required when you register. If you need to cancel for any reason, a full refund (less $200) will be made, but only if a replacement for you can be found in time. If we have to cancel the trip for any reason you will receive a full refund. With only 5 places available this workshop is bound to sell out quickly.
Register now!
For more info please e-mail Steve Kossack at f8andbethere@cableone.net or telephone Steve at 1-928-634-8071.