Gut-Z Journey offers 2 different wilderness first responder course formats. One is a traditional 7 or 8 day course. The other is a hybrid WFR course, giving you 5 days of in person learning. It can be hard to decide which is the right course for your needs. Beyond the obvious difference in class time there are a variety of reasons to choose one course over the other.
Is a Hybrid Course right for you? Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of both course formats.
Antarctica has to be one of the least accessible places in the world. Just being here and getting to stand on the continent is a pretty special feeling. Knowing that I get to see things most people will never have a chance to see. My very first season I worked at the South Pole station. As I flew from McMurdo (the main station) to the pole, I could hardly comprehend the scale of what I saw. At times glaciers span practically to the horizon on both sides. There were so many more dramatic peaks and valleys than I had imagined.
3rd Class, Summit 12,995ft, mileage varies depending on route
Onion Valley out of Independence CA
You have the option to make this a climb into a circle. I chose a counterclockwise circle heading to Dragon Peak first, traversing to Gould and then dropping down to Kearsarge pass to hike back to the trail head.
To reach Dragon Peak from the east you start out on Kearsarge pass trailhead but promptly veer right onto golden trout lakes/dragon pass trailhead. While an official trail, expect to focus on navigation at times, as you make your way to the dragon basin. Sections have been damaged by erosion and flooding. Once you gain the upper lakes you will be rewarded by great views. Dragon peak and Dragon tooth are both very striking and worthy of their names. You can read about my ascent up dragon tooth HERE.
This is a little quick report on a backcountry scramble up Hurd Peak.
The trail starts out of South Lake in Bishop CA.
If you have ever been at south lake before Hurd Peak is likely the first mountain your eyes will be drawn to. It poses a striking presence at the back end of South Lake and dominates a lot of the skyline from this vantage point. The hike begins out of south lake proper. You will eventually take a trail spur towards treasure lake. Hurd peak is in view for much of this approach and when you decide to turn off cross country towards the peak is really individual preference.