June 28, 2007

I had company last night.  Birds chirped all night long in a bird's nest above my ceiling.  I enjoyed my mattress and warmth of my sheets.  I awoke by 7:00 a.m. and was the first in line when the general store opened at 8:00 a.m.  I ordered a strawberry-banana milkshake and a blueberry muffin.  My clothes are beginning to loosen and my pack's waist belt is too big.  I cannot eat enough.  I am always hungry.  I bought a USA Today and organized my gear for my trip northward.

30-30 phoned me to tell me that he'd be at Echo Lake this afternoon. Yeah!  I'm excited to be hiking with my trail buddy again.  I made phone calls and socialized with Hammer and Diesel from Michigan.  The two brothers left the trail today after a week of contemplation.  Hot Pants and Reaper's daughters met them and they are taking three days off to visit with them in North Tahoe.  I'm envious.  I'd love to visit with my husband and three children.

I chatted with a Forest Service employee about the fire.  It is now 55% contained and is three miles from the PCT.  He assured me the trail would be blocked off if the direction of the fire changed.  I specifically asked him if I would be plucked from the trail if need be and he said,

"Yes."

So my hike will continue in the morning.  I can see the helicopters dropping water on the fire from Echo Lake.  30-30 and I got a twilight boat ride on Echo Lake with Fredrico who introduced himself as a trail angel. Fredrico also offered to drive us into North Tahoe in the morning.  Woo-hoo!