June 13, 2007

My alarm woke me up at 4:00 a.m. and I fell back asleep.  At 5:00 a.m. I asked 30-30 if he still wanted to try and catch the 9:45 ferry into Vermillion Valley Resort?  It was below freezing and when 30-30 said to go back to sleep until the sun came up, I was thrilled!  I got up by 7:00 and retrieved 30-30 and my Ursacks.  I made some hot chocolate and began to pack up.

I began hiking by 8:30 a.m. and within 30 minutes, I found Fireball standing on a boulder by Bear Creek.  We were both happy to see each other.  I forded the creek in my Crocs and hiked upon Fireball's campsite with Four Winds, Chigger, Jacob, Greta, and Mr. Pink.  I decided to make a satellite phone call to VVR and attempt to arrange a private charter for the eight of us.  I was lucky and set up a 2:30 p.m. pick up time for the group.

I hiked up to an elevation of 9,980 feet before doing switchbacks over 4.6 miles and descending 2,000 feet.  The eight of us took the 1.4 mile side trail to the ferry and lounged for 20 minutes on a windy beach by the lake.  The ferry was prompt and we took a gorgeous ride to the Vermillion Valley resort.

I made a room reservation at $95.00 and waited hours for it to be ready.  According to Jim, the owner, the guests were regulars and allowed the rules to be bent.  Finally at 5:00 p.m., I was able to get into my room but not before I was chewed out by the owner.  Even though checkout time was 11:00 a.m. and I had paid $95.00, Jim felt compelled to favor his regular guests.  When I asked him how many thru-hikers came through each summer his response was 2,000.  Hhhhmmm.  Jim's business sense is not too sharp.  I wouldn't recommend the Vermillion Valley Resort to anyone!  On a positive note, Tod is an excellent cook.  30-30 and I joined Tod for a late night trip to Mono Hot Springs.  We saw an amazing shooting star and a beautiful starlit night.