Journey Day 83 | PCT Day 83

Snow lingering on peaks near Echo Lake, California.

7/8/85

A bit lazy getting up, partly because mosquitoes buzz a wake-up call. Finally off, lost almost immediately near outlet from the lake despite Dr. Briggs’ instructions. After some head scratching, hiking and guide reference, find my way out.

Climb ridge. Then down almost immediately. At Bryan Meadows, rest against marker. Head off, more down, rocks hard on sore feet and ankles.

Pass two horsemen breaking. Find out farther to go than estimated. Hike across ski slope, a barren wasteland without snow. Trail obliterated by recreational equipment. Hike down, finally chose Nordic ski trail. Ends near a private driveway. Chose Highway 50 to Echo Lake Road, not knowing this is according to guide.

Up to junction. But pick wrong path at apparent parking lot. Dog runs me off from residence. Developed areas are the hardest to navigate. Back on Echo Lake Road, I hike asphalt to parking lot. Make a friend who shows me the way to the lodge.

Stumble into the post office a bit fried. With my help, young clerk finds my box, not all my mail, but some. Outside the fountain lures me. Two milk shakes and a cheeseburger later, I drop $40 for food and go for a ritzy $40 room with cooking option.

Carry it all up hill, little boys giggle. Shower first, then giant p.b. and j, beer, ice cream, milk. Try to get organized, decide most can wait. Snow seal boots. Discover bad bruising on insteps of both feet. Too many miles. Averaged 20-plus for 4 ½ days.

Update journal. Telephoto lens, fogged since spill into Whitney Creek on June 12, dried. Just when I’d decided to send it back.

Read mail. Car registration no concern when you travel the path. Wash clothes, especially socks with dishwashing liquid in sinks. Make spaghetti, salad. Drink beer, munch out. Ice cream, p.b. and j, milk, plus a dinner. Pass out too full.