Day 78/79 – Zero days in South Lake Tahoe – Gear Updates

July 7/8.

Besides the usual town activities (Lots of shopping for food, eating, relaxing), I did another shakedown! We need to increase the miles, and less gear will help… I also changed a lot of my gear.

On its way to Steven: Lowa leather boots, gloves, flint striker, platypus bottle, belt, long johns, Chromecast, solar charger, journal, pen, PCT sticker and pin. Some of items I will need again when getting into the cooler North/Washington.

Into trash: two pairs of socks, short running pants without pockets, Icebreaker top with too many holes.

New: Salomon trail runners X Ultra, TNF shorts with pockets, Arc’teryx hoodie as new base layer. One new pair Darn Tough socks.

The shakedown will reduce my pack weight probably around half a kilo. Changing from boots to trail runners is another big step for me…

Oh… And one more thing:

Stayed at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel, won 20 USD at a slot machine! 😜

Day 77 – From Tentsite via Hwy15 crossing to South Lake Tahoe, mile 1090

July 6.

Got on trail around 7.15am. Tinkle was suddenly pushing to make it to highway 15 and with that to South Lake Tahoe today instead of tomorrow… With just 18 miles left after yesterday’s push to 24 miles…

The morning was surprising with a cloud cover. A new sight… Some clouds even looked dark enough for rain.

Just after 4 miles, we made it to Carson pass and with that to our next trail magic.

Free sodas and fruit at Carson pass visitor info

Continuing on, the trail got steep downhill for the last 4-5 miles to the highway crossing. We were hit by a few drops of rain!

Right at the highway parking, we ran into the trail magic of CopperTone – a former through hiker who now lives in his expedition mobile as traveling trail angel. Thanks to CopperTone I experienced my first root beer float – vanilla ice cream and root beer – a perfect refreshment after the 18 miles on a warm day. Thank you! We got a ride into South Lake Tahoe from a nice lady whose son is currently hiking the PCT.

First stop was Basecamp pizza – as PCT hiker, you get a free pizza, pasta or salad there… Wow. Like three times magic on one day.

During the hike, Tinkle and I had agreed on another shakedown tomorrow morning… We are excited about increasing the daily mileage… Whatever it takes.

Two zero days in South Lake Tahoe. We will be back on trail with Cactass on Monday. 235 miles to the PCT midpoint.

Day 76 – From Small Sherrold Lake to Tentsite, mile 1073

July 5.

Started a bit earlier at 6.45 – the time where late starts were ok due to the cold mornings in the Sierras is over…

Cactass went first, wanting to be early at the road where her boyfriend Tim would pick her up for some zero days in South Lake Tahoe. I caught up with Tinkle first and Cactass short before lunch.

Amazing beauty was waiting again… The landscape keeps changing so much during these days. I did not expect this section Northern California to be this beautiful! I took about 70 photos just today…

Lunch at 12pm at mile 1062 – already more than 12 miles done. Satisfied with the progress…

Cactass left us as planned at the Blue Lake road, we pushed on to finish the remaining miles to South Lake Tahoe as quick as possible – Keen to have a zero day there as well.

In the afternoon, the landscape continued changing and the wind picked up significantly on the exposed hills…

Yes, this mountain is really called like this… 😂

In the evening, we pushed on until after 7pm in search for tentsites protected from the wind – with an amazing view.

Pitched tents at mile 1073. Nearly 24 miles. A good day.

Day 75 – From Tentsite to Small Sherrold Lake, mile 1049

July 4.

Started hiking at 7.20am.

Short break for an energy bar in a meadow full of flowers around 10.30am.

Lunch break at 12pm with Tinkle but without Cactass – she wants to push further. Wolf Creek at mile 1039.

Plan is to camp at mile 1049 Small Sherrold Lake – that would make it a 21 miles day – the first 20+ since entering the Sierra about a month ago. But I start feeling the pressure… Nearly three months on trail, but the midpoint still is 200+ miles out. Still believing in the Oregon wonder… 😉 After the midpoint at 1325 miles, many hikers increased their mileage significantly due to the flat land in Northern California and Oregon…

Caught up with Cactass. We heard about trail magic at Ebbots pass. Made it there around 5.30pm. And what a trail magic! Despite of July 4th, a nice couple offered hot dogs, sodas, beer, fruit, snacks…. Best trail magic I had on trail!

With the trail angels – Thank you so much!

They also had some magic like energy bars, gear, even new socks sponsored by SNAC – thanks for the merino socks!

Had two beers there and another one to go.. our planned camp site was just another half mile out.

A nice evening with bellies full of magic, beers and sparklers for July 4th!

Day 74 – From Bridgeport via Sonora pass highway 108 crossing to tentsite, mile 1027

July 3.

Even before our breakfast in the Bridgeport Inn, we checked out a sporting goods shop next to the general store. I got a simple nylon drysack for less than 5 dollars! They had just one size, but it it just what I wanted to replace my bear can as food storage. Looks even a bit retro…

The breakfast was delicious and had an adequate big size – three scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns and a cinnamon roll.

Finished packing our packs, last blog updates… Then to the post office just behind the motel to send the bear canisters away.

We walked to the end of town to find a hitch… And met Colin already trying his luck there.

Split up. Colin and Cactass first, Tinkle and myself maybe 20 min later.

Chris, a nice guy working in South Lake Tahoe gave us a ride. He works in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! We were considering to stay there… Now knowing a guy working at the bar… For sure!

Got out at the Highway 395/108 crossing, Cactass and Colin standing there… Later a nice guy returning from his fishing trip fisherman took all four of us into his truck.

The hike started well… Trail magic! First magic since the Sierras!

Shortly after also Husk and Queso joined!

Started hiking around 3pm.

We wanted to make miles even with the late start, so we pushed on until 7pm.

The plan is 20+ miles every day until South Lake Tahoe…