Typically most individuals start this trail at the southern end, but due to the notoriety this trial has bolstered over the years, we decide to begin at the north entrance at Kaiser Pass. It is quite simple to reach this entrance by traveling north up 168 out of Fresno. By the time you encounter the town limits of Academy you'll begin to see the mountains swallow you up as you climb higher and higher into this majestic national forest.

The next major town, Shaver Lake, is around 6,000 feet in elevation. This is the last place where you can get your supplies and fuel before heading for the trailhead. Now confident that our supplies and fuel will carry us through the entire journey, we set out for Huntington Lake. Still climbing in elevation and now at over 8,000 feet, we come to our first turnoff towards the Florence and Edison Lakes. This is the Kaiser Pass Trail and continues on for a couple miles.

Making a left at Badger Flat's is a must as you begin traveling a single lane road up… up… the mountain. Soon you come upon another forestry sign on the right indicating that the Dusy/Ershim trail and White Bark Vista are very close. Here there are a couple of forestry installed toilets (Clean too) that remind you that these creature comforts will not be available for the next several days. serif">Getting late we get a move on and travel beyond the official trailhead and set-up camp on the ridge over looking Edison Lake1 and the Minnerettes.

Mark Matthews (Turtle Man) in his 1984 Blue Toyota Four Runner2 parks on level ground to prepare for the evening. His rig has been modified to handle most contingences that may arise during this 33-mile expedition. Along with the standard 2.2 Liter motor and transmission, he added 5.29 Ring and Pinions coupled with Detroit Soft Lockers. His 3 ½ inch lift is a combination of Rancho and Northwest springs, with a set of small 33 X 12.5 X 15 tires to give him additional height. We are not done yet. Yes, this truck has a Marlin Crawler beneath its belly.

Next we have a Yellow 1980 ToyotaZu3 belonging to yours truly (Mr. Ugly). This truck was a project of mine, which I am still debugging. The engine, tranny and transfercase was removed from the Toyota and replaced with a 1990 Isuzu Trooper driveline. 2.8 Liter TPI V-6 Motor, 5 speed Tranny and all gear transfercase. Next was the swap of the rear axle (Open) from the Trooper (Four Wheel Disc Brakes), the front axle needed the new 5.54 ring/pinion, so a LSD was added at the same time. The Northwest suspension gives the truck an extra 3 ½ " of lift overall, with a little extra height in the rear by way of longer shackles.

We get camp set-up and I fire up the chain saw for the first duties of this trek. Fallen trees everywhere and dry as a bone. We make quick work of the cutting and splitting the wood, making our first campfire and having our last fast-food dinner (Subway) for the short term. Night comes upon us quickly. At 9800 feet, the air temperature drops significantly when the sun disappears on the horizon. We prepare our sleeping arrangements and say goodnight.

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