Lake Tahoe, CA ~1100 miles

WOWWWWWW SO it has been nearly 400 miles since I last sat at a computer.  Since Kennedy Meadows I climbed up into the High Sierra Mountains, summited Mt. Whitney (highest point in the lower 48 states at 14,509 feet), traversed some of the most wild parts of the trail through Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks, was hit by one short and sweet snow storm and one not-so-short-and-sweet high altitude storm, and had my birthday at Tuolumne Meadows with a good climber buddy of mine, Greg.  I now sit at the public library in South Lake Tahoe and out the window is a beautiful sunny day with windsurfers and paddleboarders out on the lake enjoying these beautiful mountains.

The High Sierras in a mountain range that was carved out by glaciers and seemed to go on forever.  Every high mountain pass I would climb up to (the highest being Forester Pass at 13,208 feet) there would be more stunning glacial valleys and snowy jagged peaks stretching north as far I could see. It seemed to never end, in a good way of course, lol.  The high alpine ecosystem is home to Yellow-bellied Marmots and Ground Squirrels and even Ravens.  The wildflowers bloom the moment the snow melts because the growing season is so incredibly short.  The glaciers left behind huge rounded valleys and many alpine lakes with the clearest snow-melt water you've ever seen.  And of course the wild mountain trout are plentiful: brookies, rainbows, goldens, and browns. Coming down off Forester Pass I stopped for lunch with a few other hikers and we watched as a front rolled up the valley in our direction.  Sure enough the temp dropped from 61 to 40 in 15 minutes as the wind kicked up and the precipitation was indeed snow.  I was very happy to dawn all of my foul weather gear (including rain shell mittens) and be toasty warm as I strolled down the valley to lower elevation.  Some other hikers had decided not to bring rain pants or gloves and were forced to set up camp and wait out the storm in their tent, they missed an incredible experience.  When the storm was clearing I actually just sat on an overlook and watched the clouds play on the high mountain peaks.

I can't say it enough, every day is incredible.

At Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park, I was lucky enough to catch up with a climber friend I had met previously in Idewilde.  He was up there climbing some of the best stuff in the country and I was happy to spend an evening around the campfire with good spirited climbing folk.  For my birthday I simply took a "zero" day (no miles hiked) and took advantage of the shuttle bus to go to various viewpoints and learn about local flora and fauna at the visitor center.  I also "yogi"ed which is a term we used for striking up conversation with tourists/locals and getting food or rides or a place to stay.  It usually happens with out much intent to be honest.  Throughout the day I got chocolate, wine, beer, chips, humus, more chocolate, and at the end of the day a traveling couple told me about a free bluegrass concert just down the hill later and offered a ride.  Sure enough, on my 29th birthday I was eating chocolate cake and dancing my heart out to a fabulous bluegrass concert.  Not a bad day indeed.

From TM I set out for 154 miles to Echo Lake (on the trail) and Tahoe (a short hitch down the mountain).  About 3 days in some clouds rolled in but the sun kept making its way through so I decided to do  10 mile long ridge walk that is extremely exposed and nearly 11,000 feet.  The wind was intense and it also decided to snow on me  periodically but all in all it was a great little section just before Sonora Pass.  That night the storm decided to get serious.  The snow started to stick up at higher elevations as I was luckily heading off the pass.  But down below the wind kept blowing and the rain kept coming..... for 2 solid days.  Literally everything in my pack (except my sleeping bag) was soaked by the time the sun finally decided to come out.  My feet were so swollen from walking in wet shoes for so long they hardly fit in my shoes.  At the end of the 2 days I came to a road crossing that led to a small mountain town Markleeville.  I stuck my thumb out and started dreaming of a steaming hot shower, warm dry bed, and maybe even a whole pizza all to myself. It was everything I hoped and dreamed.  Sandy at the cafe/motel was an absolute angel and before I knew it the wet, damp, cold mountain seemed to be just a dream.

My time is up and of course this computer doesnt seem to like loading pictures.  I'm still having the time of my life and loving every minute of my adventures.  THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has made this journey possible =-)

Peace and Love and Happy Trails
Beads

Mt. Whitney on a bluebird day

classic glacially carved valley

happy girl at 12,000 feet

Evolution Valley

clouds dancing on the mountains after the storm