A good nights sleep and only 10 miles to go to VVR to meet Lenora. How hard can it be? Turns out harder than I figured. I get into an unexpected dry section again and again run out of water. BUT, I met a man who is hiking with his 15 year old daughter and later I would find out with his sister. They are going the opposite direction. I meet the 15 year old first and hope she is not walking along. I then meet the Dad and he tells me his daughter is just ahead of him, which I acknowledged, and that she will turn 15 on the trail. I asked him if he could spare some water and he had plenty and gave me a liter. This was more than enough to get me to the next water source. This was in the middle of a 1000 foot ascent and it is just nice to have water when going uphill on a warm day. I was very grateful. After getting to the top of the 1000 foot climb and starting on the 2000 foot descent, I met his sister and talked to her for awhile and asked her to thank her brother for me once again. This is an interesting day because I also met 4 other PCT hikers that I have hiked with off and on at other times and was surprised as I thought they were way ahead of me. Rock City, 8Track, Lighting, and another whose name escapes me. It was nice to see them. All of them were going on to Mammoth Lakes and so we departed when getting to the VVR cutoff. VVR is about 5 miles (a number I don’t agree with) from the PCT and is right on Lake Edison. There is a ferry that picks you up and takes you to VVR BUT the ferry only runs in the mornings and I got there at 12:30 and so I had to hike the 5 miles “around the lake” to get to VVR. I don’t know about you but “around the lake” sounds like a nice mostly level walk to me but this was anything but and it just had to be more than 5 miles. Perhaps the 5 miles was as the crow flies and since I don’t fly it was different for me. I’m guessing at least 7 miles. I have 3 resources that list the distance. One says 4 miles, one says 5 miles, one says several miles. At any rate I did make it to VVR. VVR is a full function resort and so I was able to shower, have a steak dinner, and a great breakfast the next day. Lenora picked me up the next day a little after noon. Now the distance on the PCT between VVR and Mammoth Lakes is 30 miles. However it takes 7 hours to drive between VVR and Mammoth Lakes!!! Talking to the people at VVR about it the manager there told me that he could hike to VVR faster than I could drive there.
Lenora’s note:
July 6, 2015 (Monday):
After getting my moving chore done I realize the next time I see this room it will be very different. So many changes in a short time. We are really looking forward to the redo of the office. I’m actually glad I could do this while Don is hiking so he can enjoy the result when he gets home and now I can relax and enjoy the journey. I’m very anxious to get going. I now know D will reach VVR early but I’m not ready and need to meet Mike H, return his shot.
One of the challenges of this adventure is leaving our faith community and not knowing when we will return. Among the things I know we will miss is Friday morning Adoration where we spend time with Jesus and see Ardie. Joan is there when we arrive and Tim arrives before we leave. Every week I am reminded how blessed we are to be in a place where the Body of the Lord is present for worship in a familial but also intimate way every week. Another thing is the meetings of our Small Church. This little community has become family and they share with us in the excitement of our adventure. Thank you guys. Another parting is our morning rosary and mass group. These are the people who encouraged Don every day of his RCIA journey and my heart is lifted with joy every time I enter that small chapel to pray and worship with these faithful brothers and sisters. There are many others and I hope they all know I carry a little bit of them with me on the journey.
July 7, 2015 (Tuesday):
Could not fall asleep last night. Decided if I’m awake I might as well drive. GPS said I had 6.5 hours to go to meet Don. GPS was wrong and not based on I-5 roadwork. LA is not my favorite city and much of the night was chewed up trying to get past LA. No bathrooms, no coffee and what is the deal with ALL the gas stations north of Temecula always claiming their restrooms are all out of order? Long night ending with a couple of short naps and starting drive again around 7 am. GPS says I have 50 miles to go and I have 150 miles left in gas so the closed gas station does not concern me. After driving around Huntington lake for a while I conclude there is no VVR in area and think to try “find my phone”. Still 26+ miles away? Now I need gas so get gas and directions. Two false tries and I’m on another mountain drive that surpasses all expectations of beauty. Too bad I’m so terrified of the sheer drop off that I can only stare at the road right in front of me. Thankfully on the way down Don drives and I enjoy the views. Lots of things to thank God for today.
July 8, 2015 (Wednesday)
My husband has uncanny fortune in hiking weather. A 0 day and he is missing the sleet, hail and wind. Too stormy for many birds but we drove over to Mono Lake anyway. Meagan’s news is both good and bad. Morgan’s aunt Carla continues to struggle with multiple issues related to diabetes and needs many prayers. Meagan has been assigned her first client at the Mercer clinic, the first in her class to be deemed ready to work with a client. We are suitably proud of her accomplishments.
July 9, 2015 (Thursday)
On our way to Brigham City for “The Mickey” and in checking in with Susan we learn of Rod’s ‘minor’ stroke last month. These Goodliffe men are a stubborn lot.
Heading across Nevada on Hwy 6 and the rain finds us again.
There should be photos but I’ve forgotten how to do that 🙂
July 10, 2015 (Friday)
At Rod and Susan’s. Cats in playpen in garage. Dinner w Reid & Jane who will have hip surgery soon.
July 11, 2015 (Saturday)
Rod went golfing while Don worked on his blogs. Lots of time spent identifying the wildflowers he photographs.
July 12, 2015 (Sunday)
Mass in Brigham then down to Jarek’s farewell reception in the park. He leaves on his mission to the Dominican Republic in two days. Watched Ashlynn walk completely unaided. Miracle child.
Heidi there and Chris.
July 13, 2015 (Monday)
My birthday and the Mickey. Whole family gathered to work and support and cheer on the kids. Saw Lori and all her kids. Mindy, Kaden a Gma Eloise there all day. Don manned the grill all day with first Susan then Shawn. Both of Shawn’s kids, Brinley and Tajer played.
July 14, 2015 (Tuesday)
Drive back to trail to Silver Maple Inn in Bridgeport, CA. Long drive. Both tired. Room very small, no ac and teeny shower with a bad shower head but room bright and park like tree filled lawn out front very inviting.
July 15, 2015 (Wednesday)
Getting ready to send Don out tomorrow morning. Checking out drop off spot. Cats left in playpen. They ran and tumbled and played all night. Visit to the drop off point. If there by 7 can drive up – if later take shuttle. Want to take shuttle myself to see the sights.