Day 114: Windy and Exposed

7/8/20; mile: 1,070; elevation: 8,678 ft.

Another big day (at least for me), close to 22 miles again! It’s kind of cheating for me since I’m not carrying a lot of food, but I’ll take it.

I got up early and was on the trail by myself by 6am. As typical for areas around passes, I had to climb as I hiked away from the highway. Curiously, I spotted an American Flag in the sunrise on Ebbetts Peak as the trail curved around the east side of the mountain. And soon thereafter, I pass by Kinney Lake (actually two lakes). It makes me think of my kind neighbors back home. Hi Pete and Sonny!

Vader eventually catches (as he’s prone to do due to his speed) and we continue our getting to know each other. The trail is now getting close to Blue Lakes, an area I’ve explored on my motorcycle years ago. I start telling Vader stories of my adventures and how one of my good friends gets his monthly ski day in this area in the summer due to the lingering snow on north facing slopes. It’s popular area due to the high terrain, multiple lakes and easy road access. All is well and good with this, allowing the miles to fly by again until we get within 5 miles of the end our planned day. The trail starts to climb and get more exposed, so now we have wind. It’s really kind of miserable after a while, though we do have some pretty good views. Add in that the mountain sides are steep and slippery with loose rocks and the trail can get narrow, you kind of have to focus. The trail drops back down into the trees near Lost Lakes, the headwaters of the West Fork of the Carson River. It looks to be a popular lakeside campsite for 4X4’s, but it’s empty on this Wednesday evening. After setting up tents, Vader and I sit together to eat our dinners.

Once I’m finally getting settled in my tent and getting my “chores” started, I hear voices and footsteps. Forrest Gump, Barbie and Tapeworm have caught up with us. Forrest and I share a hug, we all talk about the last couple of days, and then off they go to set up their tents and make dinners. I’m tired but excited. Tomorrow is Carson Pass and my next resupply.

Savior out.