South Lake Tahoe to Bushcamp
20.3 miles
Mile 1112.6
After sleeping in a bit, Spikes and I cleaned up the house as we waited for a trail angel to ferry us back to the trailhead at Echo Lake. Around 9:30 I answered the door to find Mike standing there! I knew he was in town, but hadn’t heard from him since I’d arrived, so I was shocked to see him. It turns out we had enlisted the help of the same trail angel.
Spikes and I walked out with our packs to meet the driver, who’s name was Crazy Larry. He was actually a thru hiker who had just recovered from an injury, and had made a deal with the trail angel that would allow him to leave his car parked at her house if he ferried us to the trailhead.
During the ride back to Echo Lake Spikes and I caught up with Mike and got to know Crazy Larry. When we arrived around 10, we thanked Crazy Larry before hitting the trail.
The day began with a scenic trek along the east perimeter of Echo Lake.
After leaving the lake behind, we passed a sign announcing our entrance into Desolation Wilderness, named not for its lack of hikers, as we saw many of those, but for its lack of trees due to the rocky soil.
An hour in Spikes and I took a short break while establishing two possible campsites, the first was 17 miles out, while the second was 20. If the trail conditions were good, we’d push for the further site, if not, the closer one.
Plans made, I pushed on alone. I made good time for a few miles, until hitting a few snowy sections before Aloha Lake.
After I short break at the lake I moved on, passing the 1100 mile marker.
As the day progressed I passed a few more lakes before beginning my ascent towards Dick’s Pass. At just over 9,300 ft, this would be the final time I’d go over 9000 ft for the remainder of the PCT! That means it’s all downhill from here right?
As I climbed I saw a small black snake with vertical orange lines down the length of its body. This surprised me, as I hadn’t seen a snake for over 500 miles! It must be warming up…
There was a bit of snow to navigate as I made my way up the switchbacks towards the pass, but nothing too terrible.
When I reached the top of the pass around 3, I took a short break to soak in the views of the valley below before beginning my ascent.
I passed a few more hikers as I snaked my way down the mountain. I saw more hikers in the last 15 miles than I did my entire time in the Sierra! Nuts!
As I continued towards my destination the melting snow fields created a wet and muddy trail.
When I reached our first possible campsite, I left Spikes a note that I was pushing on for another 3 miles to the second site we’d chosen.
An hour later I was laying out my ground sheet to prepare for a night of cowboy camping. The weather had been incredible all day. I’ve got a feeling summer is beginning to take hold.
Before long Spikes joined me at camp and we built a small fire to watch as we enjoyed dinner. The Subway sandwich I’d packed out had grown rather soggy, but was delicious none the less.
Just before nine we retired to our sleeping pads just as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Cheers!