July 1: Unlike my previous hiking buddies, Skyline was an early riser. We were both up and hiking , swatting mosquitoes all the while. The water report continued to warn against long stretches where water sources had dried up, but we were finding water- trickling, rushing, gushing along at regular intervals. Which meant less carrying and lighter packs. Woo hoo!
Where the lack of water was obvious was the lakes. From our viewpoint, high above, you could clearly see how low and dried up the lakes were.
Skyline and I spent the day leapfrogging past one another, back and forth. It was a beautiful day to be on the trail. Sunny, warm, and filled with wildflowers!!
I did stop at one unfortunately named lake - Frog Lake- in an attempt to take a swim. Unfortunately still, I could do no more than wade out in knee deep water, kicking up silt. I had to make do with splashing some water over myself and eating lunch in the shade.
A couple miles later, I arrived at Carson Pass, where Skyline was sitting at a picnic table, waiting for his ride from a friendly trail angel. Several of us joined him at the table for a rest and water break. Then, we said goodbye and hiked on. Sixteen more miles to Echo Lake and then into Lake Tahoe. I intended to do around 6-7 today, leaving a very short tomoro.
My body had different plans.
Three miles in, I was so exhausted that I set up camp near an abandoned cabin on the river. Soaked my feet, drank about a gallon of water, and went to sleep with the sun still high in the sky!
Peace love and trail magic!
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