June 24 day 56 off PCT at mile 877.3 stayed at VVR hiked 23 miles today
Looked like rain today so I packed accordingly. As I climbed toward Selden pass the rain increased working it’s way thru sleet to snow. I was trying to make a 4:30 “ferry” from the near end of Lake Edison to the far end where the Vermillion Valley Resort is. I made it after running the last portion of the hike and out to the landing. Met Pickles, The Lucky Irishman, and Milkman on the incoming boat. I was alone on the aluminum skiff with the driver in the rain going across the severely low lake. Had to take a van about a mile from the boat tie up to the Resort. I began fattening up when I weighed myself and found I was 122 1/2 pounds. The majority of the people at VVR were thru hikers or JMT hikers. Met some cool new people. Had a fantastic time as I ate, showered, did laundry, and “shopped” in the hiker barrels for free food.
June 25 day 57 stayed at VVR zero PCT miles today.
Today was a full day of eating. I had 3 huge meals and 1/2 a pie that I shared with Soup Nazi. Was barely able to send texts and made one phone call to Hillary.
June 26 day 58 camped mile 889.2 hiked about 11 miles today
Last big breakfast for a while. Said goodbye to the great group of people that I had hung out with at VVR. I put on 4.5 pounds while I stayed here. Hiked up to Goodall pass and then to the junction with the PCT. I have entered the land of mosquitos. As I hate putting on DEET I either had to cover up completely or keep moving and swatting. Getting in or out if the tent results in about a dozen getting inside.
June 27 day 59 camped mile 909.8 hiked 20.6 miles today
It was a beautiful buggy descent down to Devils Postpile. The most interesting thing that happened today was as I was cooking mac and cheese for lunch a Coyote approached me and sat 20 feet away begging for food. It was scruffy looking as it was transitioning between winter and summer coat and was very skinny. I’m sure this animal has been fed before. What struck me most was it’s familiar doglike behavior. As I get towards Yosemite I see more and more habituated animals including marmots and chipmunks. I camp just N of Devils Postpile after picking up some water at a soda spring.
June 28 day 60 camped mile 927 hiked 17.2 miles today
Slow progress today due to mosquitoes and heat. The ascent from Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lake is pretty tough in the heat. It was however extremely beautiful with all the wildflowers and the great view of the Minarets. I kept climbing above Thousand Islands Lake hoping to get out of mosquito territory but no luck. Had a gorgeous camping spot for the eve.
June 29 day 61 camped mile 942.5 Tuolumne Meadows hikers campground. Hiked 15.5 miles today
Made it to Donohue pass (11073 ft) pretty early. It’s strangely still and warm. Get some great views of the semi tame marmots at the pass. It’s a long mostly easy descent down thru the Tuolumne meadows. The river is crystal clear inviting me to take a quick dip. I end up running into Aloha a trail angel who’s wife and her best friend are doing the PCT. I arrive at the store/PO/grill at around 3:00 in time for a giant hamburger. Pick up about half my food from the hiker box and buy the rest from the store. Have a nice eve with a couple of women who are an a short backpacking trip in the park. One is spending the summer being a backpacking guide.