Into the Sierras - Water, Water, Everywhere!

 Stats: Monday 7/9, MM 942 (total miles)

(197 new miles - 1,708 to go)

It's been a rocky journey (literally, rocks everywhere) this past week, and water everywhere - lakes, streams, waterfalls. Didn't get a chance to give Mary all the daily details, but shared some of the highlights. First, pictures from the last blog that I didn't get a chance to upload.

These pictures are the only ones I have from Kennedy Meadows. It was raining that day so we spent much of the time on the porch or inside. It's a hiker spot, with the primary places, Grumpy's and Kennedy Meadows store, being run by ex-hikers, Grumpy and Yogi.

This is generally how my tent setup looks (two different spots). I try to find a level and somewhat protected spot when I can. Since it's colder at night I always have the rain fly over it. The blue can next to my tent is a bear canister, where food is stored so bear can't smell it. Required for hiking in the Sierras. And it stays outside and away from the tent. The blue and orange bag is my evening meal - just add boiling water heated in my stove, and I can enjoy a hot meal. Most of them are really good, and it is a nice end to the day.

Then these are from the last miles of the desert, and first miles of the Sierras. Just a few more, it's hard to know what to take when I'm out here, every view is so beautiful and breathtaking.

Overall the trail through the Sierras has been rocky. But the views - one right after another, so beautiful they almost look fake. As you'll see in the videos (end of blog), there are quite a few hikers out here and we meet at certain spots to take in views or rest. But for hiking and usually for camping I am by myself. I'm hiking mostly between 8,000 and 11,000 feet altitude, which means more tiredness, especially uphill, but thankfully no other issues. 

I have so many pictures, it's hard to know what to take. I think, "wow, this is amazing!" then walk a short bit more and find something even more beautiful. It never gets tiring! So Mary created a folder for the pictures (they are dated) so you can do a slide show in the same order I walked the trip. Included are some of the people I met, a few campsites, and of course the beautiful views.

Photos of the Sierras

A few photo notes:

• 7/4 - 7/6 AM I was at Vermillion Valley Resort ranch. Had to take a boat across a shallow lake to get from trail to the ranch, and back.
• 7/7 - stopped at Mammoth Lakes PO to get package from Mary

After the last blog in Long Pine, I decided to try and hike 8 days straight when I set out. This meant carrying 8 days of food instead of 4 or 5 days. And it meant no phone calls to Mary, no service that high in the Sierras. But I wanted to try it since most supply points in the beginning of the Sierras are so far off the trail.

I thought I packed enough, but, at about day 5 I realized I needed to cut down on some of my snacking. Didn't realize how much energy I got from those snacks! At the end of day 6, I realized I needed more food for the last 2 days, I was getting really tired. I prayed and asked God what to do, thinking I would probably need to ask someone for food, if I saw someone.

He said, "Don't worry about it, someone will give you food."

Early the next day I ran into a hiker who had just stopped at a hiker box a few miles off the trail and loaded up. I didn't stop there because I'd heard it's hit or miss, and no store so if it's miss you've walked several miles for nothing, plus lost time. He dumped out a bag of snacks on the ground and said, "Want some food? Help yourself to whatever you want." 

God is so faithful, I didn't have to ask, amazing! I was so grateful, shared my story with the guy about how God provided, and thanked him again. Such a miracle!

The biggest problem since getting to the Sierras has been my feet, probably because the trail is so rocky, plus I've been out here for over 700 miles, right? They hurt for the first few hours of the day, sometimes 1/2 day. I need new boots - will pick up some that Mary sent to me for the end of the Sierras and onward. Not sure that will fix all the issues, but should help a little. 

Some sad feet!

Even with my feet hurting, I am enjoying the challenging hikes and the views so I press on. I am so thankful I can be on this journey!

Wanted to end with all the videos from the Sierras so far. Everything is so beautiful it's hard to know what to share. One thing you'll see is water, water - lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and even water out of a rock! SO different from the desert, thank God. Like the photos, Mary put them all in one folder with dates/times and short names so you can browse as you'd like. Here is the link to the folder on Google Docs:

videos of the Sierras

I have one more week in the Sierras, will post another blog when I see Mary this weekend! She'll pick me up somewhere around Sonora Pass on Saturday 7/16. Can't wait! 

Oh, and ran into Racer and Caboose again today, good to see them!

My feet and I thank you for all your prayers and your encouraging comments. I hope you are enjoying the scenery!

Happy Trails!

Nailgun