Yesterday afternoon on a flight from Atlanta to San Francisco, I flew over Mammoth Ski Resort and the John Muir/Ansel Adams Wilderness area. It was incredibly beautiful, but I can attest to the fact that no one will be getting onto these trails early this year. The entire Sierra is covered in thick snow — lakes frozen with no evidence that thawing will come anytime soon. If you have a suggestion about where to go backpack early this year while waiting for the trails and passes to thaw, let me know.Be light. Be safe. Be one with the pack.