June 26, 2007

Today, I hiked 27.2 miles which is my highest mileage this year (Last year I hiked 33 miles into Kennedy Meadows).  There is a fire burning near South Lake Tahoe and it is only 40% contained.  That means it's 60% out of control and the weather forecast calls for high winds.  So I'm hustling to my next re-supply.  I am hiking with Big City Boy into Echo Lake early tomorrow.  We are actually hiking toward the fire which is kind of scary. But, I am with a Harvard graduate so hopefully we'll hike smart.

My hike today began at Raymond Meadows Creek (an elevation of 8,640 feet).  The mountains, lakes and ponds were stunning.  Snow still exists and adds to the beautiful vistas.  Multi-colored flowers are becoming more plentiful.  The elephant ears are en masse.  I plucked a yellow flower from an elephant ear and placed it in my pony tail for my trail fashion statement.

Big City Boy and I ate dinner at the picnic table on Highway 88.  When BCB was using the pay phone, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was out for a day hike.

"Are there any Coke machines around?" I asked her.

Twenty minutes later when her ride pulled up, the woman offered me a Coke.  Ahhhh...simple pleasures!  I felt sort of guilty since BCB had been observing my trail magic while still on the phone.  Should I split my fortune with him?  I saved half for BCB, but thankfully BCB doesn't drink carbonated beverages.  Thank God!

I am camped with Big City Boy at infant Upper Truckee River.  I hear a loud bubbling brook next to my cool and very hard campsite.  I really need to get a new sleeping bag because I am too cold at times.  BCB and I agreed to wake each other up under one condition....NOT before 5:30 a.m.