Day 75 – Tinker Knob

Miles: 1123.3 to 1146.6

Trail Miles: 23.3

Last night I camped with Smokebeard and Cody, a TRT hiker we had met. We got to camp at 6 pm, the earliest I had in a while. It made for a nice, leisurely meal at a reasonable hour. We had a fire to help with the mosquitos and I even had time to wash the day’s dirt and grime off my feet – a luxury I don’t always have time for.

It was a cold night (39 deg) compared to the last few nights – I awoke at 2AM and had to put socks and my down jacket on. I fell back asleep and I didn’t wake until 6, the latest I had slept in a while. It felt so good to sleep in.

My plan was to do 23 miles today, so I could get to Soda Springs early tomorrow. I wanted to bounce my resupply box ahead to Sierra City. I had plenty of food already and didn’t need to carry more. The catch was, it needed to be in Sierra City by Monday and today was Friday. Timing was everything.

Smokebeard on the trail, early morning 6/28/18

The changing forest, along the Tahoe Rim Trail & PCT

Photo of green moss growing on painters

There was cell service overlooking Lake Tahoe. In case anyone missed it, someone left a inscription in the snow:

A Reminder there was cell service

I chatted with HH and Betty’s Mom. It was good to check in and hear some info Betty’s Mom had received from her Doctor friends who hike. They confirmed some of what I suspected but also illuminated some other things I needed to consider. I needed to do better on my caloric density and add specific supplements to my diet.

In other health news, my left foot is fully healed, thank goodness. My rib cage is still tender however. I notice it when I sleep, cough or clear my throat, but it is getting better. Good news overall.

Lake Tahoe

The trail wound its way through several Tahoe-area ski resorts: Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Boreal and Donner Ranch. It was pretty interesting to hike through what I imagine are Squaw’s expert runs. Even without snow or moguls they looked pretty challenging. I think I’ll have to come back next winter and see.

Big Boulders make big moguls at Squaw Valley

A re-appropriated ski sign

I camped near Tinker Knob, on a windy and exposed ridge. Fortunately the wind died down at sunset and it turned into a beautiful night.