Episode 36: Day 65-67

Day 65:

I didn’t wake up hungry today. I am so grateful to have that basic need met.

For breakfast, I had the best hot cocoa of life (another generous donation from the Hartz family).

After picking up my resupply bucket from Muir Trail Ranch, I packed up and hit the trail.

Slowly but surely I made miles. Selden pass was absolutely beautiful. Met Frogman at the summit, and we hung out for a while as we took in the view.

The climb down was just as pretty, but as the sun began to set, the mosquitos came out in swarms.

I set up my tent at a campsite near Marie Lake, and hopped in. I “eliminated” the few mosquitos who followed me in. It’s a cruel work out there folks.

9 Miles

Climbing up:

Selden Pass:

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Day 66:

Rest day…

Woke up to a beautiful morning. Unfortunately, the mosquitos were just as aggressive as they were last night, so I stayed in my tent for the most part.

Read a book of Kerouac like short stories called “Jesus’ Son,” by Denis Johnson. Not my favorite…

I gave myself a free pass on eating, since I knew the upcoming Vermillion Valley Resort (VVR) had a general store. When I tallied the damage at the end of the day, I realized I ate 3 days worth of food. My stomach hurts…

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Day 67:

Yay! It’s not freezing cold this morning.

My stomach still hurts. Maybe over-eating after under-eating wasn’t the best move.

Another slower than average day, as I only needed 12 miles to get to the VVR side trail.

Caught the last ferry to VVR. And by “ferry,” I mean a tiny old speedboat. Wandered around until I found some cell service and called my mom to let her know the resolution of the food situation saga (I hadn’t directly spoken to her since Kennedy Meadows).

I bought a bunch of food at the general store to make up for the food I ate yesterday (plus some extra… okay, a lot extra).

Free shower! A couple who I shared the Ferry with (they are hiking the JMT), graciously offered access to the room they rented. There wasn’t much pressure and the water was cold, but it did the job. Much appreciated!

Sat around the fire pit with some fellow hikers and was brave enough to pull out the ukulele. Everyone seemed to enjoy it!

I retreated to my tent for some more food and sleep.

12 miles.

Over the river and through the woods…

Waiting for the ferry to VVR: