Day 82 – From Tentsite to Donner Pass, mile 1153.

July 11.

After yesterdays 25 miles/40km, we wanted to keep doing 25 miles today and tomorrow as well. That will leave 20 to come into Sierra City on Friday evening.
Started 6.30am – after watching a beautiful sunrise during breakfast.

Short break at 9am with 7 miles done.

The beauty of the landscape kept motivating us…

The afternoon got longer and longer. While we had again done the first 15 miles before 1pm, we realized that there was no tentsite in the maps around mile 1150, so we pushed on to Donner Pass around 1153. At Donner pass is a small Ski Ranch that offers free 1 liter beer for hikers. 😜

As it got later and later, I offered to run ahead the last miles to make it to the restaurant before the kitchen closes. I made it at 7.56pm, just before 8pm. Cactass and Tinkle came in about 20min later. We enjoyed burgers, wingsand the free beer. No big surprise – at 9.30pm we were wasted and had no more energy to push on. Coincidentally the Ski ranch also has hostel beds available – paid 30USD for a bed and a shower.

28 miles – long day.

Day 81 – From Heather Lake to tentsite, mile 1126

July 10.

Started 6.20am, full of motivation to do a long mile day. The beautiful views made every mile worthwhile.

Just before coming up to Dicks Pass, a very brave marmot came close and started eating some grass just a meter away.

Made it up to Dicks Pass at 8.15am.

Lunch break 12.30pm with 14.6 miles done. Good base for 25 miles today.

Left Desolation Wilderness – a very beautiful part of the trail.

Arrived at tentsite mile 1126 around 6.30pm. fetching water .2 miles away. Washed feet and legs.

Dinner. Amazing view. 25 miles. Happy and satisfied.

Day 80 – From South Lake Tahoe/Hwy15 crossing to Heather Lake, mile 1101

July 9.

We took Lime scooters to ride to the South end of South Lake Tahoe for a better chance to get a hitchhike back to trail. We were waiting for packages for Tinkle and Cactass.

Had a late breakfast at IHOP.

Finding a ride took a while… finally a guy offered a ride – we made it 3.15pm to the trail.

After walking just a bit, we came at 4pm to a general store at Echo lake. Enjoyed some more snacks before finally heading out.

Passed the 1100 miles marker.

We hiked until 8.30pm to find a campsite at Heather Lake, mile 1101.

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.