Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
(Use the F1 key to summon help for most fields)
(Forms and General Information: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ )
1. SUMMARY INFORMATION
A) Trip Title:
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific
Coast Elephant Seals
B)
C)
D)
E)
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
Carson Tang
Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
Day-Hike and Nature Exploration
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 10
Total # of days:
11
Maximum: 14
G) Advertised Cost: $1,640 + flight $350 estimate
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 1 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
Arrive San Francisco airport and pick up two vans for ground transport. Stay first night in
downtown hotel style hostel with private rooms in Union Square, San Francisco. Travel next day
to the awesome day hikes in Yosemite National Park with a stop enroute to pick up lunch
supplies. Stay in private cabins in Curry Village within Yosemite Valley. All breakfasts and
dinners at Yosemite will be buffet style, including one breakfast at the Ahwahnee - described as
one of the most beautiful restaurants in America. We shall hike from base elevation each day at
about 2,000' to summits up to 8,842' to sights such as iconic Half Dome, world famous El
Capitan, exquisite Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove - land of the Giant Sequoia, picturesque
Tenaya Lake, and heart stopping Yosemite Falls, the nation's 5th highest waterfall. A land rich in
history, the birth place of the national park system, the linch pin to John Muir's beginnings as
Sierra Club founder, and a living classroom reflecting the raw power of terra formation through
Earth processes.
The last two days we depart for the Pacific Coast and stay at the Pigeon Point hostel located
just north of Monteray at the base of one of America's tallest lighthouses, standing at 115'. We
will be ocean front and 100 yards from unique tidal pools brimming with marine aquatic life with
sea anemones, abalone, starfish, etc.; rutting bull elephant seals just 7 miles down the coast at
Ano Nueva State Preserve, and the secluded canyon of massive redwood tress at Butano State
Park just 4.5 miles away. Enroute to Pigeon Point we shall pick up provisions in Santa Cruz for
group prepared (2) breakfasts, (1) lunch, and (1) dinner to be savored with our private cabin.
Lunch will be enroute at participant's expense; offsite dinner will be included for the first night at
Pigeon Pt. in Santa Cruz.
After breakfast and checkout on July 5 we return vans to San Francisco airport and board our
flights in the afternoon to our home destinations.
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
Combination of hotel style accommodations at Hotel Hostel in San Fransisco for the first
night, 2 person private cabins at Curry Village in Yosemite; and group cabin with 7 bunks and a
single - excess #16 would go on roll away or be booked into separate building for the final 2
nights at Pigeon Point Hostel.
C) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
Yes
Incidental Business Permit required by Yosemite National Park. We have had preliminary
conversations with Ruth Middlecamp, the person who handles IBPs. She sees no problems with
the application as it is similar to many submitted by the Sierra Club. She should be able to
provide a tentative written approval my mid Summer, and issue the permit in January 2005.
D) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
No
<If YES explain what equipment is needed and will any of it be provided by the trip>
E) Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and recreation
organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails
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Pg. 2 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also
provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the
region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that
successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three
interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation, education, and recreation
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and recreation?
For examples, please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>
See Executive Summary
F) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
No
Name: <If YES provide outfitter's name>
Safety record: <Provide information about their safety record>
Liability insurance: <Provide information about the oufitter's liability insurance>
Emergency response: <Describe the outfitters SOP in case of emergencies>
3. LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Carson Tang
1653 11th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(home) 718-965-3056
(work) <work telephone>
(e-mail) carsonoutdoors@earthlink.net
Co-Leader:
Revised 04/09/03
Paul Davis
117 Davis Road
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
(home) 610-667-1144
(work) 215-430-9945
(e-mail) pauld@worldlynx.net
Pg. 3 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
B) First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or
its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: Renewing summer 2004
WFA: Renewing Fall 2004
Other: <Describe course; expiration date>
Co-Leader:
CPR: Expires 11/2005 (on record at Joy St)
WFA: <Expiration Date>
Other: WFR expires 11/23/2006 (on record at Joy St)
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
<Plans for re-certification prior to start of trip, if required>
C) Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you have led for
the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.), dates, and number of
participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate
experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. Canadian Rockies ME August 1 - 14, 2001
2. White Mountains - July 3 - 6, 2003; July 3 -8, 2002; and July 2-6, 1999
3. August Camp - Various 1998 - 2001
Others: Washington DC - April 3 -4, 2004; Cape May, NJ Raptor Migration - October 13 14, 2001
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
Yes
Leader has completed day hikes to mountain summits in Yosemite Valley, hiked Sierra
Nevada and visited Mariposa Grove as well as toured San Francisco.
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
Ability to hike strenuous day hikes where elevation gain may be a factor
Yes
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
No
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 4 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it
may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to attempt to prevent
each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
A) Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards: Lightning, strenuous vertical gain terrain
Response:
Look for weather forecast frequently and anticipate storm fronts while
being prepared to modify hike. Carefully qualify participants for ability and experience.
B) Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards: Not applicable
Response:
Not applicable
C) Transportation
Potential Hazards: Plan to hire two 12-passenger vans. The vans will be driven by the leader
and co-leader. Possible vehicle accidents.
Response:
Plan to take collision and liability insurance when hiring vehicles.
D) Participants
Potential Hazards: Medical conditions such as heart problems
Response:
All participants requiring healthy disposition and clean record
E) Other
Potential Hazards: Altitude
Response:
While the maximum altitude is not significant (8,842'), it is possible for
altitude difficulties (HACE, HAPE, etc.). Lower level hikes are planned for the first couple of
days before going higher. If anyone (participant or leader) experiences altitude symtoms, plan
standard response (go lower immediately).
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
A) Emergency Communication
We will be in the National Park system where there is an abundance of park police and
rangers. We have cell phones and easy to follow trails to send for help if needed or even carry
out. The trails have heavy usage so often there are hikers on it, especially in June-August.
B) Evacuation
We will not be hiking more than 17 miles R/T in a single day so will not be more than 9 miles
from trail access and public road.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 5 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
C) Medical Care
Park Headquarters in Yosemite Village where we are staying. 911 is usable in the area.
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an itinerary
with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 6 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
6. COST INFORMATION
A) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
50% required within two weeks of booking by Hostels. We will book subject to approval but
prior to publication date to ensure reservation of space. Balance is due within 30 days of trip
so we would ask for balance 45 days prior to the date of the trip. Cancellation is subject to a
10% processing fee at Pigeon Pt. from day one of deposit; deposit is due within two weeks of
booking hostel.
Curry Village can only be booked 1 year, 1 day in advance. It usually fills up within the first
couple of hours. However, we can cancel with full refund up to 3 days before the trip.
B) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
60 Day Notice
C) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 600
D) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
Full refund on 60 days notice or if we are able to fill the spot with another of same gender.
We suggest trip insurance since we have 30 day minimum guarantees we are obligated.
E) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
<If "Yes" describe conditions>
No
7. PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips that
are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
8. AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
Please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html> for the current rules
and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the long (150 words
maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to goeke@space.mit.edu ,
preferably in plain text format, at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip
notices travel a different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when
the trip is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the first (long)
notice appear at the normal time – see the above referenced rules – include your special request
in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from this site
to AMC Outdoors !
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 7 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16
Yosemite: Summits, Domes, Mile High Hikes, Canyon Sights, And Pacific Coast Elephant Seals
Carson Tang/Paul Davis
June 26 - July 5, 2005
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the forms are
completely filled out and received three weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. Please make
sure you have filled out all appropriate sections of this form completely. Note that the following
forms are also required to complete the application; see the Handbook section of the Major
Excursions web site for forms and instructions.

Leader Qualification information

Detailed cost information
 Medical History: Both leader and co-leader need to have a recent copy of the AMC
Confidential Medical Form on file at 5 Joy St. This form can be obtained on the Major
Excursions web site or call Heidi Reilly at 617-523-0655 x356 to receive a hard copy by mail.
 Copies of first aid certifications and medical forms should be submitted in hard copy only.
These can be faxed (marked attn: Heidi Reilly) to 617-367-8878 or mailed to the Major
Excursions, 5 Joy St. address below.
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all policies and
procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian Mountain Club in
preparing for and conducting my major excursion.

Please save and forward your electronic document in the following format:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination-Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-26-03.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at <mecchair@amcboston.org>
Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at <hreilly@amcinfo.org>
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly
Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at <mecchair@amcboston.org> or 617-795-1651.
She can put you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
Revised 04/09/03
Pg. 8 of 8
Application to Lead an AMC Major Excursion
Application Submitted 07/15/16