Hi everyone,
I obtained my very first wilderness permit (entry Mono Meadows trailhead) and I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty pumped about it!
I only have one concern: BEARS. I will be my 1st backpacking experience and I wanna make sure my friends and I have the best experience. As I am the one planning the backpacking trip, I feel responsible for respecting all the safety tips so I'm digging into it as much as I can before heading out there! I would like to be able to make them feel safe at all time.
We will start our hike from the Mono Meadows trail parking lot and I am planning on camping in the Illilouette Basin, about a 5 mile hike (see link).
http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/1042271767
The few questions I have are:
1. We will be 3 people. I've read it is rare bears attack group of 2+ people. Anyone can confirm? That could be a good first stress relief.
2. Is Illilouette Basin an area with a high bear density?
3. Does the food have to be stored in the bear canister AT ALL TIME or only at night? Does the food need to be in the canister while hiking during the day?
4. Fires? Are bears attracted by fire, noise and marshmallows? I picture myself trying to have a small campfire and grill sausages when the sun sets. Is it safe or do we have to swallow cold sandwiches as fast as possible in order not to attract bears?
5. Finally, is it safe to start our 2nd day hike at dawn? Or should we wait until the sun is up?
Looking forward to hearing from you all! And my apologize if those questions sound stupid to experienced hikers and backpackers!