Day 172: mile 890.9-906.6 (Red’s Meadow)
Day 173: mile 906.6-914.9 (Agnew Meadows Trailhead)
Day 172
It was 16 miles into Red’s Meadow and my only goal was to get there in time for hot food and to get my resupply packages. That’s right, plural. Unfortunately Tuolumne Meadows will now be closed when I go through, so it’ll be a long carry for me. Just when I finally felt my pack getting lighter, let’s add 15 lbs or so.
I passed Virginia Lake and completed the last of the uphill miles before I finally got to that descent for some reason I was expecting to start way back at Silver Pass.
The place was pretty empty when I arrived, both of people and the store shelves as they were closing in the next day or so. I headed over to the restaurant after grabbing my packages, and was disappointed at the menu. Pickins were slim and the prices were high. I got a veggie burger and sat inside for a bit before I showered and did laundry.
The cabins were way too pricey to even consider getting one for the night, so I set my tent up behind one of the cabins that was already boarded up. I’ll admit this place was not quite what I’d hoped it would be. Maybe when it’s in full swing during season it’s a little better. I’m sure I’ll be back to verify at some point in the not too distant future.
Day 173
I got up and moved my stuff back into the shower stalls before the rain started pouring. I couldn’t believe how hard it was coming down. Feeling thankful I wasn’t getting soaked, I got to work on my overwhelming resupply. I had SO MUCH FOOD. I don’t know where it’s all going? I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my bear can in my pack any longer, I need the space for food.
The rain let up a bit and I walked over to the restaurant where girl working was kind enough to microwave my oatmeal. I attempted to save money by not eating there, but as I looked around at everyone else enjoying their breakfast I caved. I ended up getting some hot coffee and breakfast potatoes while I contemplated whether I was staying or not. There was a possibility of snow tonight (only about 2 inches) and a pretty big temperature drop set to happen for the next couple of days (lows of 10-15 degrees), but I was really itching to continue on since another day here didn’t sound very fun, so I did.
The sun came out and the weather was beautiful as I left Red’s. I was excited to get just a few miles up the trail to Devils Postpile, the photos I’ve seen look awesome. Just before I got there I stopped to talk to a few hunters who came back early due to the weather. It had been super windy, cold, and rainy where they were camped. They commended me on my badassery for braving the weather and with that, I walked away with a smile on my face, still feeling good about my decision to continue on.
Devils Postpile did not disappoint. Whoa nature, you’re so cool!
The rest of the day I saw more people than normal with the amount of parking lots/trailheads I came across. One of which was Agnew Meadow, where I decided to camp for the night. The miles approaching I began to feel the temperature drop. I didn’t have my gloves yet, so my hands were like ice. I got to the parking lot and started to look for a spot to put my tent where I wouldn’t be run over. While doing so I struck up conversation with another group of guys who had called their trip early due to weather. They were super nice, so we chatted over a couple beers while they waited for the last couple guys. They were headed into town to grab pizza and beer and stay in a hotel. Part of me wanted to ask them for a ride so I could stay in my own warm hotel room because damn it was cold out here, but I didn’t know how easy it would be to get back to the trail, so I stayed. They generously gave me a couple beers before they got in the truck and headed off. Bet that heater felt nice.
I found myself a nice little spot under some trees and set up. Brrrr… It was ALMOST too cold to drink the beers, almost. Cheers!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light