Mammoth to Bushcamp
21.8 miles (3.5 off trail miles)
Mile 921.7
I awoke to the sound of rain pattering on the window beside my bed. Great…of course it rains the day we leave. Oh well!
After showering I headed upstairs to enjoy a cup of joe as I watched the shit weather I was about to walk all day in through the balcony glass doors.
Once Spikes and I’d finished packing we hopped into Andy’s awesome converted Sprinter van to be ferried to the trailhead which would take lead us back to the PCT. We swung by the post office on the way so Spikes could grab a box her parents had sent her and I could mail my postcards.
When we arrived at the trailhead, Spikes gave Andy the number to her InReach unit so he’d be able to text her the exact location of where he stashed our food box in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Goodbyes given, we set out into the foggy morning, passing McLeod Lake on our way to the trail.
Rather than wasting time attempting to navigate the snow covered side trail, I took us on a more direct bushwhacking route to rejoin the PCT. The large amount of deadfall slowed our progress, but within an hour we were back on trail. It was around 11 and the weather had letup for the time being.
We made quick progress, passing through a burn area before swinging by the National Monument, Devils Postpile. The hexagonal basalt columns were rad, but the cloud of mesquite slurping me up persuaded me to keep moving.
The trail remained flat and largely snow free for some time, making the morning hike an enjoyable one.
As the day progressed, a thick fog crept down from the mountains and dark clouds began to build. Perfect.
I passed a neat meadow before the trail began to slope upwards and the rain began to slope downwards.
The rest of the day was marred by a constant drizzle as I hiked alongside cloud covered mountains.
Around 6 I caught up with Spikes, and we both agreed to make camp at the next inhabitable plot of ground.
After walking another mile or so we found an acceptable spot. We were lucky to have a break in the rain as we quickly pitched our shelters. After exchanging my drenched hiking cloths for my dry sleeping getup, I enjoyed dinner in bed. I fell asleep to the pattering of rain against my tent.
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Cheers!