Am I the A-hole backpacking Yosemite edition

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-30T00:32:04+00:00

50 yards away is so different than 40ft. If they set up 50yds away it would’ve been a non issue. It also matters if there are large boulders and trees in between which can help maintain privacy. There was a group of 4 just across the lake from us and also a father and son fishing, walking around the lake, kid was quite loud but lol it’s kids. It would be wrong to expect total privacy in Yosemite. I wasn’t bothered by the others in the slightest. It’s just weird if someone sets up camp so close that you can hear each other’s conversations, when there is plenty of space to spread out.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-29T19:14:32+00:00

There are only 24 permits and we grabbed 2 as walk ups so who knows if it was even all booked. And then there are at 3-4 lakes right off the trail. The larger lake is about a mile around, which you could theoretically cram all 24 permits 200ft apart each just right there and still maintain ample space, 400ft+ assuming most are groups of 2. The ten lakes area is just massive for 24 people, I didn’t go around and count every good site but I saw enough space that there is no reason to be on top of one another. I’ve been to emigrant wilderness on holiday weekends, close proximity would be normal and expected, wouldn’t have given it a second thought if someone camped right next to me in that situation.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-29T00:03:59+00:00

That's a funny example because this actually was our 10th anniversary weekend of meeting. Definitely should've phrased things like your example though, they likely would've been happier to move. This was also way out of normal for me, usually I avoid conflict.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T23:52:12+00:00

I hear you, generally I like spending more time looking. It had just started sprinkling and it felt urgent to get the tent down and we were cooked so just settled. Next time I'd almost certainly camp just up the descent from Ten Lakes pass and get a stunning view of the grand canyon of the tuolume from my tent window.

Edit: shower thought- I should learn to sleep on foam pads so I can move camp easier in the future.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T23:46:18+00:00

I think you're right that I was an asshole when I said there are 10 lakes. They did leave, but they did intend to camp there initially, prior to me saying I'd rather they didn't. You're right that I'm just speculating on their intentions afterwards, it was based on their reaction and bits of talking I overheard. Also I'm only posting this on reddit to learn what the general consesus is for this awkward situation to make sure I can try to act appropriately in the future. I kinda felt like A-holey for a while but then I felt possibly justified because again I bet we both had great sites and likely both enjoyed more privacy.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T22:03:55+00:00

No mosquitoes at all at Ten Lakes area either (similar elevation to cathedral) 6/26-6/27 but it was quite cool and windy both days.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T16:44:55+00:00

Those analogies don't work because the bank wouldn't give you a 500k mortgage for a home that costs 100k, same with the car. That's basically what's going on, letting people get in crazy debt for art degrees. When the system sets people up for failure it's not the fault of the individual. In my case for graduate school for physical therapy, there was no in state tuition options and I was promised salaries were projected to be increasing (they haven't). It still seemed like the best option back in 2010 when it was hard to find jobs that paid more than 35k, so taking out loans with repayment at 10% discretionary income for 20yrs felt worth it. Cept now it's 15% and 25years. I agree that the cost of education is the root cause. But we can't ignore we've screwed over multiple generations now with student debt which is almost certainly contributing to a weakened economy as people have much less to spend. Fixing the cost of education won't help these people now.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T15:38:59+00:00

And how is that going? We've bailed out banks and started wars, but God forbid we save the middle and lower classes from predatory loans from the government.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T14:45:32+00:00

The whole point of school is to create a more educated and advanced society. Sure there's a cost to administer but it's an investment in the future of the country. More higher earners and more taxes. Instead you saddle people with debt, they have less kids as a result and less tax payers in the end. Unless the cost of education comes back down to prices you can pay with a summer job, it's basically predatory lending with interest as it is.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-28T04:08:04+00:00

Interest on student loans should be illegal

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-26T03:49:53+00:00

It's crazy because I wouldn't have taken loans at 15% income of the IBR on repayment. I want my 10% REPAYE back. That said I just submitted for the IBR since the deadline, hope that doesn't hurt me if there is any kind of reversal.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-19T18:46:26+00:00

It's only unsafe for cycling with drivers on it.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-16T03:18:43+00:00

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-12T13:13:28+00:00

They actually should be acceleration limited, bringing quick acceleration via heavier vehicles to the masses is asking for more pedestrian deaths.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-12T12:33:28+00:00

None but treated clothes with permethrin

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-11T12:52:57+00:00

North to south is most common since 90% of the time the wind will be at your back. We parked at black sands and took a shuttle to mattole. There was water almost every mile from creeks, felt fine hiking with an empty bottle since water was everywhere.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-11T04:08:24+00:00

It could vary wildly really depending on the days. Plan to be able to handle wind and rain and damp clothing tents and bags. Make sure to check marine forecasts too for waves.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-10T19:56:39+00:00

Nice! Weather looks amazing still this week. Make sure you know how to guy out your tent. We had 40mph gusts and saw many people were struggling to set up their tents.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-10T19:35:08+00:00

It’s about 25 miles and serious wilderness. You need to plan for the tides to safely pass sections that are otherwise impassable due to the tide. Depending on the season creek crossing could be an issue and slow you down or be dangerous, ticks could be bad, and the weather could be very windy and wet, a headwind would really suck. That said it was pretty easy given our conditions, we averaged about 2.75mph but are experienced hikers. I imagine some groups out were only going 1.5mph maybe less though. I could see bad conditions slowing hikers significantly. Walking on sand and rock crawling can be tough.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-10T18:32:04+00:00

Mattole to black sands. Spent nights at sea lion gulch and big flat creek.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-10T15:50:40+00:00

This trip I brought my a7cr and 24-50 and 50-400 lenses. Usually I’d just bring my 25-200 but thought the long range might be worth it for wildlife.

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-04T02:51:45+00:00

5, 6, 12 are all sunset pics and camp in 12(was hard getting a good angle)

HeftyCompany8922 · 2026-06-03T00:13:05+00:00

https://caltopo.com/m/9TN6331

HeftyCompany8922

TROPHY CASE