Over the past week or two, we've been making our way out of the high Sierra and into the lower mountains filled with lakes, ski resorts, and day/weekend hikers. The hiking is getting easier with less elevation gain, smoother trail, and warmer days.
Over the past 5 days (after leaving South Lake Tahoe) we've been hiking through thick forests, gradual climbs and descents, and thicker vegetation. We've hiked through many ski resorts with fantastic views and great sunny weather. Apparently, last year thru-hikers were hiking in the snow next to skiers on the 4th of July. This year, we're fortunate enough to have mostly dry trail to trek on. Because we're in ski country, we've been lucky enough to stumble upon and sleep in Sierra Club Ski Huts. We've slept in 2 of the 4 huts available along this stretch and got the opportunity to catch up with other hikers looking to get a spot in the warm, mosquito free huts as well. The first lodge we stayed in was called the "Ludow Hut". Located next to a lower elevation lake, the Ludlow hut is an A-frame ski lodge built by the Ludlow family and adopted by the Sierra Club (for winter use by skiers and summer use by thru-hikers). This hut provided a mosquito free, hiker trash fiesta and the wooden loft was a comfortable place for us to crash.
The next day we hitched in to Truckee/Donner area for some sub sandwiches and fresh fruit. An old PCT enthusiast gave us a hitch back up as we passed the Donner Party memorials (showing the snow level at the year where some of the Donner Party had perished back in 1847). Back on trail, we hiked to the Peter Grubb ski hut. This hut was dedicated to an 18yr old Sierra Club member, mountaineer, and adventurer who had died back in 1937, in Italy while biking through Europe. We made use of the wood-burn stove and cards available. The best thing about the Grubb hut is the electricity powered by solar panels (who would have thought that we would get lights at night?!).
After waking up yesterday morning, we pushed through a big 30 mile day to get us setup for an easy 5.5 mile approach into Sierra City. Last night, we entertained a weekend backpacker who was fascinated with the thru-hiking concept (he MADE us sign his sleeping pad haha). This morning, a firefighter gave us a hitch into the old gold-mining town. Upon arrival we walked into the Red Moose in (very hiker friendly and recommended in Yogi's guide) where we were greeted with a free place to camp, free laundry, free shower (I got to sneak a shower in before one of their guests arrived to the room) and bottomless pancakes. I'm planning to resupply at the local store, relax for the remainder of the day, and get back on the trail tomorrow. This place is too accommodating not to stay for the night.
Other things to mention:
-I've been jetting ahead hiking from new group to new group with Ant Eater. I'm continuing to meet great people with amazing stories (e.g. Canadians, Israelis, etc.)
-The shoes are starting to give way (needing the 3rd pair very soon)
-The half way point is coming soon!
-Boredom has hit many on the trail every now and then causing many people to drop off, bus to Reno, and fly home. I'm lucky, because I have nothing yet to look forward to be doing after the trail, my boredom doesn't justify leaving. Also, I figure out ways to entertain myself/my mind on those long stretches of lonely trail.
-Looking forward to finishing California and moving up into the Pacific Northwest!
-I've had sunny days EVERY day on the trail so far
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| Red Moose's Bill and I chattin' it up |
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| Hiker lounge ouside the Red Moose Inn in Sierra City (cheeck out the green sign up/right) |
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| Tourist overload in Yosemite Valley (National Park) with Ant Eater |
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