Day 85 – From Sierra City to tentsite, mile 1203

July 14.

Slept until 7.30am, it was a hot night. Sierra City is located on a much lower altitude than the trail – that made the heat even worse.

Tinkle and I had resupply packages waiting for us in the post office – Cactass had a care package from a friend waiting as well. Since the post office only opens from 10.30am to 12.30pm, we had a lazy morning with breakfast in town.

Tinkle also got a package from her family full of Swiss chocolate!

Tinkle’s chocolate package has a long story. She had expected it first in Kennedy Meadows at mile 700. It didn’t arrive in time and the tracking later and attempts to forward never worked. I had given up the hope for that chocolate already… Maybe there never was chocolate? 😂 Today proved me wrong. Thank you for sharing!

The heat got worse during the day and after we had resupply completed from the packages and the general store, we still hung out in the shade before facing the 2500 feet ascend out of town.

When we got to the trail head, another hiker had his parents offering trail magic with sodas and fruits.

You never pass on trail magic…

We were finally on trail at 3pm. The ascend was not so steep after all. We covered the 5 miles to the 1200 miles marker quickly.

We found a tentsite soon after and camped with just 8 miles done on today’s nero. But tomorrow will be a full 25 miles day again.

Day 84 – From Lacey Creek to Sierra City, 1195

July 13.

Got an early start at 6.20am – good. Rested enough for another long day. We will be aiming for 10 before 10am, 15 by 1pm and as early as possible 23 miles to hit Sierra City before the store and restaurants close.

We made 9.8 at 10am – not bad. The morning took us over some hills with amazing views again – this wide open landscape doesn’t stop to amaze.

Fitting soundtrack for today:

Holocene – Bon Iver

We completed 15 miles by 12.45pm – check. 👍🏻😁

Came into town/general store 5.35pm, the general store was still open but their burgers were not available anymore – they had closed the kitchen at 5.30pm – what a disappointment.

Sierra City – General store and post office

Bought snacks and realized that the little town was completely booked out. No room, no shower, no laundry?

We camped next to the church with twenty other hikers – a very crowded spot that night. There was a public bathroom with a cold shower available – I skipped. 😂

Ok – with all that frustration we spend quite some money on a decent dinner with wine.

Probably the best dinner since months…

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 69 – From Tuolumne to tentsite, mile 958

June 28.

Started hiking 9.30am after breakfast at Tuolumne grill. Saw Jinx, TwinkleToes, Josh, …

Breakfast sandwich was tiny. Cinnamon role was ok. Coffee, orange juice, two plums…
Quick stop and tasting at the nearby soda spring.

Hiking on unknown territory again – looking forward to it. My JMT journey in 2016 had split from the PCT here and ended in Yosemite Valley.

We ran into several rangers, on horse back and on foot. We were checked for our permits! First time since on trail! Chitchat with another ranger 20min later… They were escorting a hiker without bear canister out to see a judge… potential fine of 5000USD.

Lunch break at 1pm for two hours on a beautiful meadow, not too many mosquitoes. Tortillas with peanut butter…

Reached tentsite at 7.15pm.

Day 64 – From Tentsite to Reds Meadows and Mammoth Lakes

June 23.

Leaving the tentsite around 6.30am, we quickly reached the 900 miles marker. That’s 1448 kilometers. It’s unreal. It’s starts to feel possible to really make it to Canada. Even though this is just 33.9% of the complete 2650 miles.

Driven by the expectation to make it to Reds Meadows with it’s restaurant Mule Cafe and by shuttle to Mammoth lakes, we were pushing to make it early enough for a second thorough breakfast… 😉

Breakfast at the Mule Cafe at Reds Meadows – a bit small but tasty

Will spend two zero days in Mammoth to relax, eat, shower, do laundry and sleep…