Day 176: Zero in Mammoth
Day 177: mile 942.5-948.4 (Mammoth back to Trail)
Day 176
Sweet gloriousness! I was so happy sitting in my hotel room I decided to stay another night. What a bum, I did absolutely nothing, but eat food and relax.
Day 177
Relaxation over, I was ready to head back. I hopped on the free bus in town and rode it to the gear shop. I spent way too much money on gloves and a water filter, but at least the guy took pity on me and gave me the PCT discount and added employee discount for a little extra off the gloves.
On my way to the street I was planning to hitch from I slipped on some ice hidden by the shade and skinned my knee and ankle (no clue how my ankle got skinned through socks and gaiters?) and ripped the new pants I just had sent out. Yep, time to get back to trail!
It took me 3 separate rides to get back to Tuolumne Meadows, and each of them was so pleasant! One ended with a big hug after some great conversation. One with the guy offering me a bottle of tequila! I would’ve taken some if I had anything to put it in, but a glass bottle was way to heavy to add to my already heavy pack. The last was a lady who had always dreamed of doing the trail, but felt she was too old now and missed her chance. This just goes to show you how important it is to do the things you dream of now!
While walking through Tuolumne Meadows I stopped over at Soda Springs and the memorial buildings, which is a very short side trail off the PCT. I wanted to taste the water from Soda Springs, but I opted not to just in case. I already tempted fait once in this area with my frozen filter.
Shortly after I lost the small crowd of tourists, I spotted a bear. I said hello, we acknowledged each other and kept walking. This is the first bear I’ve come across at this distance that didn’t go running the other direction. I’m sure they see their fair share of people around this area.
The trail began to follow the Tuolumne River closely. In some places the water was perfectly still, and others it flowed over the rocks loudly. I can only imagine how Tuolumne Falls must’ve looked earlier in the year when the water levels were much higher than they are now.
I crossed my final bridge for the day into Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. I think you’re supposed to make reservations to stay, but it’s now October and I think I may be the only one out here, so I don’t think space will be a problem. I took my pick from the many spots and set up next to the creek. …well more so a short walk to the unlocked pit toilet. What a nice surprise!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light