Trail Tale for June 20, 2007

June 20, 2007

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir, 1877

I woke up at 5:00 a.m., freezing! The wood burning stove had cooled and my layers of covers did not provide enough warmth in my tent-cabin. I put on all of my layers of clothes and started the stove. Ahhhh. 30-30 and I hiked to the Tuolumne Campground to find Fireball. He and Hot Chocolate had some exciting news. They had purchased a new trailer so Hot Chocolate's trailer magic just got fancier. Fireball's 2007 PCT hike will definitely be the most expensive. Our team had to split up temporarily. Fireball needed to finish up with the paperwork on his and Hot Chocolate's new trailer which could take several days. 30-30 opted to complete the John Muir Trail before continuing his PCT hike. I opted to continue solo until 30-30 and or Fireball catch up to me.

30-30 and I spent some time at the store organizing our packs and re-supplying. I hugged Fireball and Hot Chocolate goodbye and felt happy for them. 30-30 and I ate breakfast and went to the outfitter where I purchased a hat. We hiked to the trail and were approached by day hikers asking about our hike. Without thinking, I changed my clothes from long pants and long shirt to a skirt and sleeveless top. I answered the day hikers questions as I continued to deck change...'er...meadow change.

One woman remarked, "We'll leave you to your bedroom now".

I laughed at her comment and at myself. I suppose Yosemite was my home in which I feel very comfortable. 30-30 and I split, but not before hugging each other and wishing each other the best. I felt sad but kept reminding myself that this was only a temporary arrangement.

Today, I hiked solo from Tuolumne Meadows to the Virginia Canyon Trail which was a little more than 15 miles. I crossed over a bridge at Glen Aulin which was under water last year. I laughed. I met Second Hand from New Jersey and we leap-frogged once or twice. Second Hand was thrilled to mail home 2½ pounds of gear. The cost? $10.00! Money well spent to a distance hiker. I took breaks to place phone calls home with no luck. I enjoyed pastrami and cheese for my lunch and dinner. I am now in my tent with a bear! 30-30 surprised me with a stuffed black bear since my birthday is tomorrow. I've never seen a bear while hiking (including my 2004 AT hike). 30-30 thought the bear was a perfect gift. It was. I still want to see a live bear though, but NOT in my tent. Maybe on my birthday?