Day 72:
So my phone’s out of battery, but it’s not a big deal since I was going to have a chance to charge later in the day at my next resupply point – Tuolumne Meadows, only 12 miles away.
During the hike, I was stopped by a park ranger who verified that I had the appropriate permit and a bear canister, which I did, so I was sent on my way.
Got to Tuolumne at 1pm, got my box and bought all the things – ice cream, chips, chocolate. Yum! Hung out with some fellow hikers while I grubbed.
Finally hit the trail at 4pm. Three hours later, I setup for the night by a stream in the beautiful Glen Aulin Campground. Ate dinner with a new friend called “Papa Squat,” but eventually the mosquitos became a nuisance, and I took shelter in my tent for the night.
18 Miles today.
These views:
Such a great spot:
—
Day 73:
Rest day.
One of my favorite days on trail. First of all, there was beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. Second of all, I was just in the greatest of moods (partly brought on by the beautiful weather and beautiful scenery).
I spent the day exploring the hills that surrounded the campground. It was lovely. I have to come back here again.
Story Time: Around 9:30 in the evening (it’s pitch black outside), I’m walking back to my tent after filling up water, and some guy walking by asks “is this your tent?” “Yeah,” I say, unsure why he wanted to know. “Well you can’t camp here” he said. Confused by that, I shine my headlamp at him to get a look, and the first thing I see is a gun on his hip – oh boy. The second thing I see is a park ranger patch on his shoulder and the uniform overall – okay, I can handle this. I respectfully say, “Sorry sir, I thought this was a designated campground. He replied, “It is, but don’t you know how far from water you have to camp?” – I remember learning this… “Umm, I know on trail it’s 100 feet away, I didn’t know it applies to campgrounds too,” “Well it does,” he said sternly. “It’s part of leave no trace. When people have to use the bathroom, especially late at night, they aren’t going far from their tent. Some people drink this water unfiltered – it was safe to drink when you arrived, it should be the same when you leave.” Without fully understanding I said, “I understand. I can move my tent now if you’d like.” He replied, “You can stay there tonight, just don’t do it again.”
All-righty then… goodnight.
maxontrack 