Sam, Tom, Gail and I started out at North Lake (elev. 9000)(out of Bishop). Our ending point would be Reds Meadow (near Mammoth) 75 miles later. We set aside 8 days for the trek with a daily mileage between 8-14. We had a re-supply at Vermillion Valley resort on day 5 and picked up two more hikers (Deon and Brad)to our group on day 6. They came in over Mono pass starting at Rock Creek and completed the trek with us. We lost Gail at VVR due to a knee injury. She's doing well now though.
Day 1- We hiked 8.5 miles went over Piute Pass at 11423 elev and stayed on the inlet creek to Golden Trout Lakes (elev. 11073). The view was awesome but the skeeters were unbearable. total ascent-2820, descent- 814 no fires due to elev.
Day 2- Hiked 10 miles to the Kings Canyon border (connectioning of the JMT trail) and camped at the San Joaquin River. Love the sound of the river rushing while sleeping. total ascent- 526, descent- 4411
Day 3- Hiked 9.5 miles to Sallie Keys Lakes (elev. 10220) Went over Seldon Pass at 10880. I got sick with a stomach bug this day and had a hard time the last 3 miles. But I made it and even tried to fish a while later. (Thanks Sam for sticking by me) Beautiful lakes. I recommend staying there. Skeeters were bad though as well as the biting flys.
total ascent- 2065, descent- 609
Day 4- Hiked 9 miles to Bear Creek (elev. 9197) The downhill this day did us all in and we were ready to camp. Now to find a spot along this creek(river) without too bad of skeeters. Not happening! We crossed a large rushing river to get the most awesome (skeeter infested) camp spot. Oh, and what an awesome swim lagoon. I loved this spot and we all took advantage of the swimming spot. Total Ascent- 1453, descent- 2146
Day 5- Hiked 10.6 miles to Vermillion Valley Resort. (elev. 7559) Total descent- 1448, descent 2501 (brutal)Here we would pick up the resupply we sent and Gail would catch a ride out to go home leaving Sam, Tom and I to continue. We arrived, ate lunch in the cafe, slept in a tent cabin (with a mattress), had dinner in the cafe, showered, did laundry and drank bear and wine. Yeah, good stuff. We played cards and sat by the fire pit and talked with other through hikers. It was really cool. The next morning they shuttled us down to the very low lake and we boated across to the trailhead at the other end shaving off about 5 miles. It was worth it and fun too.
Day 6- Hiked 11 miles to Squaw Lake. Plus we met up with Deon and Brad on the trail today. The trek seemed mostly uphill and extreme. Total ascent- 2654, descent- 1613. We went over Silver Pass at 10895. Squaw Lake is wonderful and Brad caught enough fish for a king to feast on. Way to go Brad.
Day 7- Hiked 8 miles to Purple lake. Beautiful place. A few more fish for dinner here. We camped on the outlet creek so we had awesome water rushing noise to sleep by again. Had a fire here and it helped to keep the skeeters away after dark. Total ascent- 1748, descent 2300
Day 8- Hiked 14 miles to Reds Meadow. The last 4 miles or so was brutal with a burned out forest and no shade. I could feel the sorrow in the burned out forest as I walked alone. Then I'd look up and see the awesome mountains in the background and it would remind me of the future of life to offer. I was so glad to finally get to Reds Meadow and celebrate with the guys. The hot spring showers were awesome. We had 'all you can eat' Bar-B-Q, some beer and partied a little more at the backpackers campground where we made friends with other through hikers. The guys got me up early (5 am) to hike AGAIN to the Devils Postpile. It was well worth it although I wasn't feeling too well. (Thanks for the coffee guys) Oh, And being a Princess is good for me after 8 days on the trail. :) Thanks!!!!!
We headed for the shuttle out of Reds Meadow and met Gail and her husband 'Tom" at the Mammoth parking around 9:30. Thanks again Tom and Gail. I had a great time and look forward to next year with all of you.