PCT Day 68

Bridgeport to Bushcamp

13.6 miles

Mile 1030.5

I woke up around 7 to shower and hit up the coffee joint, 1882 Cafe, across the street before making my way to the post office by 8.

I’ve been looking forward to this day for weeks. Today is the day I get to rid myself of the horrible bear canister, along with my ice axe and micro spikes! Although there will certainly still be bears, I’m done with section of trail that requires that you carry a canister. As for the ice axe and micro spikes, there will probably be sections that I WANT them, but I don’t think I’ll NEED them…such is the ultra light way.

I arrived to find Bill working behind the post office counter. He was super friendly and helpful, quickly packaging up my gear while telling me of his recent fishing trip. Once my packages were paid for he fetched two boxes I’d been waiting for with great anticipation. I thanked Bill before making my way back to the motel to see what goodies my friends had sent me.

Back in the room I found Spikes rifling through the resupply box her parents had sent her. I joined her on the bed to inspect the contents of my own boxes.

The first box was from my good friend Caitlin, who had sent me an assortment of tasty chocolates and some dried mango from Trader Joe’s, along with a nice note. Chocolate is one of my favorite trail treats, so I was super jazzed!

The second box was from Danielle, an alumni and now teacher at the same high school I graduated from. Danielle hooked it up! It’s contents were for both Spikes and I, and there was more than enough to go around!

My favorites from the box were the macaroons from a local farmers market, the “white crack” she had made herself and the Complete Cookies.

Between the two boxes I had plenty of food to make the 4 day stretch to Lake Tahoe, so that was dope!

Thanks you so much Caitlin and Danielle! Y’all rock!

After packing my food I swung by the General Store to grab some protein bars, but most importantly, wet wipes…those things are critical to my anal hygiene! I actually had to make two trips to the store, since I forgot my wallet the first time. Whoops!

After the store, Spikes and I swung by the Burger Barn where we each grabbed a California burrito to pack out for dinner that night. Innovative, I know.

Chores completed, we headed back to our motel to finish packing our bags before dropping off our room keys and walking to the edge of town where we waited for a hitch.

It took some dancing, but eventually a nice couple from Sacramento picked us up. They could only take us as far as the Highway 108 junction, but we were thankful regardless.

We hopped out and scored a hitch up to Sonora Pass within minutes! Rodger, a cool dude on his way to the Marine base 4 miles up, ended up taking us all the way up. He told us about a wild onion to lookout for that grows in the Sierra meadows with a purple flower. I’ll be on the hunt the remainder of the trip!

At the trail Spikes and I thanked Rodger before setting out a bit after noon. The sun was shining, and much of the snow had melted in the few days we’d been away.

The day started with an easy climb. It felt great to get the blood pumping again…I always get a bit stir crazy in town.

At the top of the climb I left Spikes a note that I’d see her at mile 1030.5 for camp, before heading down the backside into the snow drifts.

I was annoyed to see storm clouds rolling in. Why is it that every day I’m in town the weather is perfect, only to deteriorate the second I start hiking again?

Sure enough, it started raining around 2, and continued to do so on and off the remainder of the day. Dang it!!!!

Shortly after I began cursing the clouds for hating me, I snapped one of my carbon fiber trekking poles between two rocks trying to catch myself while post holing. Great…day one back on trail and I’ve broke a pole. Not only do I use my poles to not die when in snow, but I need them to setup my tarp tent as well! Ugh…just my luck.

Fully irate by this point, I strapped the gimpy pole to my pack and pushed on with one pole.

After getting through the snow drift on the backside of the mountain, the remainder of the trail only had patches of snow here and there, so that was nice. I made good time, enjoying the neat waterfalls on trail as I went.

I passed two thru hikers who had flip flopped up to Lake Tahoe and were headed south in an attempt to let some of the snow melt. Their names were Chapperel and Sensei. We chatted for a bit before heading in opposite directions.

Around 6:30 I arrived at the planned campsite. By the time I pitched my tent and changed into warmer clothes Spikes came walking up. We built a fire which I used to warm the burrito I’d been fantasizing about all day.

Cold and soggy as it was, it was still delicious!

We spent the rest of the evening eating and socializing around our fire. Once the sun went down, so did we.

P.s. Howdy! Somehow I have full LTE on top of this random mountain so I thought I’d catch y’all up! See you tomorrow in Tahoe!

Cheers!