PCT Miles: 1016.9 to 1031.8
Miles Hiked = 14.9
Yesterday, after I arrived at Sonora Pass on Highway 108, I was picked up around 3:30pm by the KMN shuttle and transferred to the resort and pack station.
I checked into to my bunk room, did laundry, dried out my gear (tent, sleeping bag, shoes, etc), took a shower, picked up my resupply box and bought a few supplies at their well supplied store.
Oh, I also had a couple beers and had dinner with a nice young female hiker that I had met while waiting for the shuttle. Her trail name was something like “Strange Sounds” because she has to hiccup often. We had a nice chat. She graduated from the University of North Caroline a couple years ago and then worked in the Athletic Department as a sports photographer. When she quit her job her parents weren’t very happy. I told her that’s the way parents are but that they’ll get over it – she needs to lead her own life! We talked about all the places that Donna and I been fortunate enough to travel to and I gave her some ideas on possible companies to contact for employment opportunities – she’s interested in environmentalism, photography, travel. Seems like Nat Geo, Lindblad or one of the other adventure travel companies would be a perfect fit. Hope it works out!
I was lucky enough not to share my bunk room with other hikers – there are five beds crammed into each small room! So I was very fortunate to essentially have a private room!
The next morning I had the “Cowboy Breakfast” at the restaurantand finished organizing my gear. I also mailed my bear container (not required after exiting Yosemite) and micro-spikes home. It actually should be called an “anti-bear food container” – it doesn’t really contain a bear! Most hikers only carry a bear container through the Sierras because it is a requirement by the National Park Service. They typically weigh about two pounds and most hikers don’t want to lug around any more weight then they have to.
Lastly, I called my father and filled him in on the trail and my hike. He is 93 years old and did his last backpacking trip four years ago!
At 10:00am I caught the shuttle back to the trail along with nine other hikers. It wasn’t long before I was back on the trail headed north towards South Lake Tahoe. I was looking forward to meeting Donna there in a few days and enjoying two “zero” days – days when I don’t hike any miles.
As I hiked north away from Highway 108, I gained about 1100 feet in elevation in the first three miles. When I got to the top I enjoyed a great view looking back at the mountains I had descended yesterday in rain and hail. It was certainly nicer weather today!I also had a great view north towards where I was headed and was surprised at how little snow I saw in the distance.
I then had a long descent (about 2500 feet) down this valley over next six miles.
As I got further down this valley the surrounding walls got more rugged.
I started to see these colorful plants along the trail.
Thanks for reading.
Love those colorful plants and all your pictures! So pretty!! Glad You got to dry out your wet clothes, get a nice hot meal and a little rest. Hopefully the weather will stay nice for you. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
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Hey Todd, nice breakfast. You eat better on the trail then I do at home. Except I do get to have Bloody Marys with my breakfast
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Well when you calorie deprived you tend to “pig out” in town! – part of the trail experience!
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We’ll have to look for Strange Sounds on our next trip!
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