6/25/20: mile: 907; elevation: 7,654 ft.
As typical for town days, I was awake early and raring to go, despite still being tired. The hike today won’t be long or hard, and the one climb is early and shaded. I don’t focus much on the views, though I can’t help but to appreciate the Minarets outside of Mammoth Lakes and near Devil’s Postpile. My plan is to exit at Red’s Meadow, a ranch-style place that is right off of the trail and has a paved road into Mammoth Lakes….except it’s closed to public traffic due to Covid.
The trail passes through a devastation zone where I’m told a big storm came through and it appears a micro-burst hit the ground and just leveled the trees. Quite an amazing site (and no photos, gotta keep marching). Another milestone is made; they seem to be coming quicker now. The next one is sure to mean something to me. I arrive at Red’s Meadow in time to run into Shenanigans, Forrest Gump and another hiker I can’t remember. I buy some beer ($19 for 6 Lagunitas IPA!) and a burger to bide my time and ask around about catching a ride into town. Within an hour, an employee is heading out, so we pile into the SUV for the long winding road into town.
Mammoth Lakes just “opened” yesterday, and already this place is quite busy. After getting dropped off, I stomp off to the Shilo hotel, recommended to my by Duct Tape. Soon after checking in, I get a text from Pac Man (the original). He’s in town and I offer him the hide-a-bed in my room. He informs me that Loud Cloud (my trail son that gave me my name) is getting off trail. We raise a toast of his favorite Steel Reserve.
Let the town days begin.
Savior out.