Echo Lake 6/24, Mile 1094

Loading up gear for the short trip to the cabin. FC taking a quick map when she can. 

We left South Lake Tahoe after spending a ton of money on mediocre food and expensive services. FC sat in a salon and watched her hairdresser take 45 minutes to shave her head. A job that takes TC maybe 15 minutes. It was considered a haircut and cost $40. FC tipped her $5 because she took so long and was a single mom. She even offered to blow dry her hair. FC did not allow it. One night they spent $18 on fries and a dry hamburger. Food, except for the Driftwood Cafe which served breakfast and lunch, was disappointing. 

       Our little group has split for awhile. Glitter left 2 days ago; Moxie left yesterday, we left today and the Germans may be leaving tomorrow- Princess is nursing some tendinitis. FC and TC were picked up at the BW by Darcy Thole who happens to have a  beautiful cabin on Echo Lake which happens to be part of the PCT route. The path goes around half the lake. We arrived which made the head count 7 adults and 5 children in a 800 sq. ft. cabin. Darcy's daughter and grandson were staying at another cabin but dinner included everyone. It was fun and relaxing. We were well taken care of and fed extraordinarily superb food. 

YUMMY!

Sharon is a fabulous cook. We had pork tenderloin with the best mashed yams FC has ever tasted along with green beans, salad and dessert (fruit salad and brownies). We felt pampered and special. What a beautiful place to spend a day off. 

 

TC with her lifelong buddy Darcy in front of Echo Chalet. 

Most of the crew. 

   We returned to the trail today ( Wed). It's always difficult to get back on the trail after having two days off. One feels the pull of comfortable pleasures like hot showers, toilets, beds, nice pillows, soft sheets, chairs and sofas, friends. It is easy to desire everything you have been missing so the first day back FC feels more tired and thinks hiking is hard. She is usually a bit irritable (quietly to herself ) for the first half of the day. She mainly misses the people she has been with and wants to be of service once again. It takes a day to get back into the groove again; to know the tent is your home and the blow up pad your bed; to feel ok about your pillow being all your clothes stuffed into a bag under your head and peeing in the dirt around your tent. 

Aloha Lake.  Desolation Wilderness.  

      Our feet are bigger and swollen. TC bought 5 pairs of shoes (all the same size ) before she left and now the shoes are too small. Oops. She will have to get another pair before long. Firecracker bought a new pair of Lowa  boots which she loves. They are a size 8 and a half, much larger than her normal size. Yes, after time off our feet have to reorganize and remember what to do. In the mornings they feel like glass... easily breakable. The first few steps taken are tentative.

     The wind today, especially at Dick's Pass, was formidable. By the time we reached the top we were staggering. The wind was gusty and very pushy. We looked drunk, falling to the left, then to the right. When we found a camp site and made dinner we ate it in the tent. It was too cold and windy to stay outside. This is the first time in 1110 miles we've had to do this. This number is the same number of our address in Santa Cruz. We're hoping it's a good number for us and that tonight we are safe at our address. TC asked FC what she feels when she hears the wind's sound elevate and get stronger. When it gets so powerful the sides of the tent are being sucked in and out. FC said she feels safe enough. TC said that her heart tightens and it feels like her internal barometer is going up with the wind. FC suggested ear plugs.

Dick's Pass. Cold & windy. A storm is brewing.