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.

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…