Sierra Sojourn -- Trip Report

“My summer hiking plans just about ended with nary a hike. I had gone through Plan A-JMT thru hike and Plan B-a HST loop similar to Humanpackmule's, hikes of shrinking durations with my precious wife doing her best to schedule an outpatient surgical procedure on a day that would allow me max time on the trail. Well the outpatient procedure turned into a 3 day stay, then a trip into ER, then a 2 week stay with 2 week recovery to fix the initial mess. (another story altogether). To make the long story short, she started feeling better and encouraged me to go and blow off some steam during the week before the kids start school. Bless her!

Of course I jumped at the chance. I knew just the hike-Plan C-North Lake to South Lake in the Sierra Nevada. I figured I could manage the trailhead shuttle, then make the 60.5 mile trek in 5 days, 4 nights.

Spent most of the day (8/2) shopping for food and tossing my gear together leaving home (Phoenix) at dinner time. I stopped for the night in San Bernardino, and was up bright and early for the Hwy 395 run to the Bishop Ranger Station. The goal was to get in queue for the 11am walk up permits.

At 11:30, permit and a copy of John Muir's "My First Summer in the Sierra" in hand I left Bishop and drove to the overnight parking at South Lake. Proceeded to eat lunch and get the pack a bit more organized. At 1pm I was ready to make my way over to the campground at North Lake where I planned to stay the night for a Thursday morning start to the hike.

Many have successfully thumbed a ride between North Lake and South Lake. But me, well I must look scary or something as car after car passed and the pavement continued underfoot. I am almost to the Bishop Creek Resort, I am starting to suffer from shin splints, I am hot and sweating like a horse, and no one has even given a hint they would stop for me. So I say screw it, I'll walk the whole damn way.

Stubborn as all get out I pick up the pace and charge off. Don't know whether it was all that hot-but it felt at least 90 degrees, or whether it was the pavement that was hot, or whether I wasn't drinking enough, or what, but as I turned the corner and started up walking uphill to North Lake I really started to suffer.

I turned walked off the highway into the Cardinal Village Resort and its promise of a cafe' and store. A half mile later I am still not there and am regretting this decision as I see the highway continuing uphill apace and me getting further and further from it. About 3:30 I drop my pack on the porch and stagger into the resort market buy a liter of water and kick back for an extended break. I am feeling much better in a half hour and learn from the proprietor to my delight that I can follow a trail out of the south end of the resort up to the highway at the North Lake turnoff. Spirits renewed I get underway. I am dragging again as I arrive at the North Lake campground, but not to worry-there is an open campsite and I'll soon be all rested and ready for some food.

By 7 o'clock I am cleaned up, fed, and thinking about tomorrow. It's been 6 years since my last multiday backpack, 14 years since my last visit to the Sierra, and I figure 31 years since I camped at North Lake as a Boy Scout anticipating the trek to South Lake. I reflect on the support I have from my wife and family to take this time out. I worry a bit for my wife and hope that she continues to heal well. I think about the 60+ mile route that I'll cover in the next 5 days. After my 14 mile jaunt today and my difficulties and wonder if I've bit off too much. Too late for that, I am committed. I read from my book "...a glorius wilderness that seemed to be calling with a thousand songful voices." I have much to be thankful for right now. I can hear the trail calling. As night falls I snuggle into my sleeping bag. Right now, all is well with the world.”

“Nice report... I lived the first few years of my life up near South Lake. There just isn't a more beautiful place :) And what a good book to take along! That was the first Muir book I ever read and I read it on my first trip to Yosemite.”

“More to come, just need time to collect my thoughts and make my journal notes coherent. Returning to this location after so many years was kind of like a homecoming. So much was familiar, yet much has changed.

The book was a great addition. The emotions Muir expresses I certainly relate to and felt many of them on the trip.”

“stay-tuned?”

“hey I wrote that before you clarified, okay
patience”

“Woke up at 6 am after a restless, mostly sleepless night. Slept right through the 5 am wrist watch alarm, guess I must have got a couple hours after all. Legs feel like lead-another reminder of my walking trailhead shuttle. The wind, that kicked in about 2 am is still blowing pretty good, but not too cold. Got packed up pretty quick. Wrestled with the stove and matches. Took 5 matches just to get one lit and then the stove ran about 30 seconds and sputtered out. Repeated the process, repeated the process, repeated the process-Fire!

Assembled the pack. Ah, boiling water, coffee, oatmeal. After a quick potty run I am ready to hit the trail. Record the trailhead signs on film and I’m off. Other than the legs feeling already tired all other bodily systems seem in good working order.

The trail is forested with limited views. The good breeze keeps me from heating up and I feel like I am moving along quite comfortably. I hope to make Piute Pass by 11 am, figuring to take a short break about every 50-60 minutes. Jardine advocates it so I figure to give it a try.

I see no one. Not even much wildlife apart from a few birds. A nice moderate uphill grade, I am not winded, but my legs are not moving too fast. I start to pray. It’s been a while since I last spent much time alone with the Lord. Much forgiveness needed, much to thank Him for. Worries to contemplate and ask for wisdom. Good to clear the mind and regain my center. Some decisions reached. Thank you.

Finally pass someone just below Loch Leven. He mentions that he is about to pass the Argonath. I turn around, look back, and realize that I’ve climbed a bit and a bit of a view is starting to open up. I instantly see what he means with the Piute Crags to the left and the ridge dividing North Fork Bishop Creek from Lamarck Creek on the right. Make a note to myself-take a look around every once in a while and let the glory soak in.

At length I reach Piute Lake and am taken. Worth a photo shoot. I wonder why I have so little recollection of the trail. Yes, it’s been 30 years or so, but I do have vivid memories of other hikes from my Scouting days. I do recall a snow patch on the last 100 ft or so approaching Piute Pass. Maybe there will be snow again? Not this time.

I reach Piute Pass just before 11 and can visualize exactly where the snow lay so many years ago. There are a few patches about, but the trail is clear. Wind is blowing hard at the pass. I duck behind some rocks for a wind break, doff the boots, and kick back for a nice lunch break. Pull out the map and start looking around, figure it worthwhile to get myself oriented. To the north must be Mt Humphreys poking above the ridgeline. Down Piute Creek can easily pick out Summit Lake and maybe a tent on the far shore. To the south, guessing the most prominent peak is Muriel Peak and beyond that getting a good look at the Glacier Divide.

Time is getting on, I am itching to move, though more tired than I should be. I haven’t set any land speed records this morning but figure the 7 miles to Hutchison Meadow will come more easily. Cruising along, when I get aside Summit Lake confirm the tent. Two to be exact. Golden Trout Lake comes into view. Start looking closely at the Glacier Divide and try to pick out Snow Tongue Pass but not sure. It all looks impassible-maybe someday I’ll walk Roper’s High Route and know for sure.

Just past the trail to Humphreys Basin encounter a guy, guess about my age, mid 40’s, and an older gentlemen his dad. Dad looks whipped, but “jr” is all excited as he just saw a hawk snag a squirrel. “Didn’t you see it? It must have happened 10 feet in front of you!” Another note to self-look up, look around, don’t just hike, enjoy. So I pull the hat back, stand up straight, slow down. Yes, I need to blow off some stream and exorcise the my frustration demons, but why not do it by letting the mountains fill my soul and displace them rather than just trying to blow them out.

I do slow down and do look around more. I notice butterflies, birds, squirrels. I feel the breeze and breathe it in deeply. As my mind and soul come to ease, my aching legs relent a bit. I feel alive, and not just because I hurt.

Find a nice creek side campsite about 3 o’clock. About 4 feet out sits a flat stone, maybe 2x3 feet, about 6-10’ under water. Too good to be true! Strip down, walk out, and take a seat. Just a brief chill. The water rushing all round washes away the weariness along with the grime. The breeze has stilled so there is not much chill when I finally stand. Nothing like an invigorating bath after a hard day.

Averaged just under 2 mph today. Wondering whether I should skip the Blaney Meadows Hot Springs tomorrow and make my way further up the trail. Decide to make the decision tomorrow-at the last possible minute. Figure it best to take it as it comes. If I feel strong go for it. If I am whipped, cut it out.

Dinner time. No problem with the stove. Eat greedily and get that smile that follows having all hunger fully satiated. A few bugs-nothing like DEET to ward them off, except for the occasional biting fly. Read Muir’s description of the rock in the middle of the creek near one of his camps and his stealing away at night to climb up and lay out watching the stars while the water sings. I am right there with him.

Glacier Divide is God’s creation at it finest. Magnificently beautiful.”

“Been fighting with my computer trying to upload my photos to webshots. Finally got it working. Hopefully you can view them here

http://community.webshots.com/album/176980633qPSsIb?69

Now I can get back to finishing my trip report. Steve”

“Great Pictures! Thanks for sharing!”

“It looks like you practically did the Sierrapalooza trip in reverse (minus the Piute Pass thing). Brings back great memories. One comment, the lake in this picture has been dubbed Eugene Lake. Well, I guess that is unofficial since there is no paperwork to backup our claim.

Hey Navi, do you think we can start to the process to officially name Eugene Lake?”

“Heard the alarm and got an early start-on the trail before 7. I really enjoy the wildflowers on display around Hutchison Meadow and my spontaneous laughter at the joy of it all! Not much breeze, already it is a warm day as I start the descent to the where Piute Creek meets the San Joaquin. The Camelback ads pop into mind-“Hydrate or die!” so I consciously program my water drinking to consume a liter every hour or so. Catch some good views of The Pinnacles, but mostly I focus on the trail making sure to plant my feet (downhill disagrees with me) squarely so as not to fall. Lots of manzanita on this hot slope, took a picture (but it turns out to be pretty boring on film). I arrive at the junction with the JMT at 10am and decide to make the side trip to Blaney Meadows Hot Springs.

Expected to and did meet a lot of people on this stretch. A couple of large groups that were staying at the Muir Trail Ranch out on dayhikes. Met a PCT thru-hiker “wannabee” as he put it. Had started out in Mexico, then had some knee problems and had to abandon the trip. Started at Donner Pass and headed south after a couple months of healing. Answered a few questions about Onion Valley and services in Independence.

Arrived at the San Joaquin crossing at noon. Doffed the boots and waded across in search of the hot springs. Found a sign pointing to the left and spent the better part of a half hour searching for the hot springs and found nothing, but a few fetid, marshy pools. Major disappointment and a bit pissed that I had added 6 miles to my day for nothing. Waded back across the San Joaquin and started back up the trail. Ran into a group of folk who asked if I had just come from the hot springs and told me they had visited earlier in the morning. I expressed my surprise they had dipped into such nasty water. Compared a few notes and learned that the hot springs were off to the right a few hundred yards once across the river. Off with the boots again, back across the river-nothing like cold clean feet! I found them and to my pleasure I was the only one around. Had a nice soak and leisurely lunch. My leg muscles felt like they shed the aches picked up on my walking trailhead shuttle of a couple days ago. Inhaled my surroundings-dragonflys buzzing, the meadows at Muir Trail Ranch adjacent to the pool, big mountain vistas, and warm sun. Photos don’t begin to do justice to what the eyes see. If I had more time I could definitely soak the afternoon away and camp nearby. But all good things and all too soon (even though it was a 2 hour break) I was on my way back across the river. Met a “real” PCT thru-hiker who had been “looking forward to these hot springs for some time now.”

I took my time returning to the bridge across Piute Creek. It felt really hot, I’d guess >90 degrees though it probably was much cooler. Made sure my rest stops were under the few well shaded areas. Encountered one of the two MTR day hiking groups on their return trip. Took a few minutes to reassure a struggling solo backpacker that his goal-the bridge-was attainable. Thought he might be suffering heat exhaustion and suggested he drink more. Reached the bridge at 3:30, sat under it in the shade soaking my feet until 4 then headed up the trail figuring to stop at the first decent camping location I saw after 5pm.

Came to rest at a nice little campsite in the lower parts of Aspen Meadow. The view up and down the San Joaquin was exquisite in the fading sun. Since there wasn’t a rock like Muir had to climb up on, just sat my butt in out in the water and let it wash away the grime, worries, and life frustrations. My company gives my 2 months off paid every 7 years-decided to ask for 2 months off unpaid as personal leave every two years or so. I definitely need to do this more often.

A cloudless sunset with just a bit of Alpenglow. Tomorrow night I’ll be in Evolution Basin and hope to be dazzled as the sun sets. Read a bit more from Muir. Bear encounters at their first camp and his nightmares from his view of Yosemite Falls. Me, I start thinking about bears tonight and take time to tuck my canisters under a fallen log. The squirrels seem curious after I walk back to the tent. I make a few notes in my journal and am asleep just as it turns dark.”

“Whatever it is, I thought it quite nice. In thinking about the trip in the opposite direction, probably offers the best camping between Dusy Basin and Evolution Basin.”

“Eugene was the mascot on our trip and since that lake wasn't named on the map, we dubbed the lake, Eugene Lake. Or Lost & Found Lake (geologyguy lost his wedding ring during a swim in the lake, but found it a few hours later).”

“ stevet's link

We did that part of the JMT in 2001. We'll be in that area in a few weeks. Can't wait!

Taking the next 3 Fridays off (extended weekends) Then 16 days in the Wilderness! Can't wait! Oh, I said that already .”

“great pictures and report stevet.”

“No bear visit last night. Probably wouldn’t have heard it anyway. Funny how reading a story can plant the thought in my mind. Getting this “strike camp” thing down pretty good. I am fed and on the trail shortly after 6am. Been looking forward to this day as once I pass the junction with the trail up Goddard Canyon I step on new ground for me. I’ve been told, I’ve read, and I’ve seen photos of Evolution Valley and Evolution Basin. All assure me that I will feast on God’s creation today.

The aspen trees all about Aspen Meadow, or should I say ‘Twisted Aspen’ Meadow have an interesting bend and twist for about the first 4 feet of growth. I don’t know the cause, but surmise it is due to the pressure of snow pack. It really is curious.

I revel in the cool moist morning air. The deep canyon and river generate a much different micro-climate here than lower down by Blaney Meadow. In short order I reach a bridge crossing just below the spot label Franklin Meadow on the map. To the right is a really nice shaded campsite, a single tent and couple enjoyed this bit of paradise. At the stock gate in Franklin Meadow I meet a family coming down from Davis Lakes. “Dad” (mid 50’s) strikes up a conversation describing that this trip is much harder than he remembers, especially the talus hop from Wanda Lake to Davis Lakes. I walk away thinking that I better keep on at the gym and also hit the trail more often. I don’t want 10 years from now kicking my butt. I want to be backpacking well into my 80’s like Garnett Beckman (she completed her 14th rim to rim Grand Canyon hike 7 years ago at the age of 89!)

The forest growth completely shades the trail even as the sun rises, very pleasant as I reach and ascend the switchbacks into Evolution Valley. A young family with 3 kids, all under 8 years pass me on their way down. I love it seeing confident kids out backpacking. As the trail levels out I reach a location overlooking Evolution Creek that is particularly peaceful. I stop to soak it in and take a picture. Moments later I realize this is the creek crossing. No matter, tension just fades away.

Pass through Evolution Meadow, certainly not ugly, but my expectations of the scenery have been pumped pretty high and I am disappointed. Then it happens. The forest opens a bit and I see it, McClure Meadow. A wilderness temple. The west end, the Holy Place. The east end with The Hermit as backdrop, the Holy of Holies. Tears in my eyes. Joy, inexpressible elation at what I see. I ask permission to leave my boots on. I stop, absorb, and let the image become part of me. I am thankful to God for allowing me here.

I join up with a fellow from D.C. He is easily the most talkative person I have ever met while backpacking-maybe ever. He is an art teacher on an annual Sierra trek to rejuvenate and gain new inspiration. Today is special for him, he is camped at McClure Meadow and dayhiking up to Evolution Lake to meet a former student. He is rightfully excited about the reunion. We stop on a granite outcrop at the top of the switchbacks just below Evolution Lake. I offer to share lunch, he passes. We continue talking, sharing stories of our Sierra exploits trips, Boy Scouts, his young son, the Webelos program, life in general. I must admit, I enjoy the visit, but as we part ways I am quickly reabsorbed into the grandeur. I do enjoy my time alone.

Shortly after my lunch break I reached Evolution Lake. That first impression view is the best. Passed a couple working real hard at taking some good photos and I should have stopped and joined them, but I figured the view would only get better. It didn’t and I got a lousy photo from the south end. Still a beautiful lake in a spectacular setting.

Joined up with two guys (of a group of four from Wales) for the hike up to Sapphire Lake. These two were just dayhiking to Sapphire from as a side trip-they were headed to Darwin Bench tonight. We arrived at Sapphire Lake about 2pm pulled out a map and spent a few minutes orienting ourselves, identifying peaks, and so forth. Got to Goddard Crest and it just caught our attention, for maybe 5 or 10 minutes we stood transfixed examining every detail. Finally one of the guys says, “You just need to let it become engraved in your mind so you don’t forget. You never know if you’ll ever get back here again.” Well said. The two said farewell and were off to join there group. I shot a couple photos, pick a campsite, and went to checkout the lake.

To my delight the water was swimmably warm. I stripped down and went right in. Must have been swimming around for 20 minutes or so and was thinking about sunning myself on a rock island when a group of 6 arrived with intent to camp and swim. One of the women walked up, looked at me, looked at the lake and announced to her husband that she was going to take her top off and go for a swim. He looked over at the lake, saw me and said something to the effect of “Like hell you are!” It was a good laugh. After everyone had a swim and got camp organized, I joined them while they took their “happy hour.” They were basecamping at Sapphire and planning to bag the nearby peaks over the next few days. Three of them climbed competitively.

My goal for the night was to see alpenglow and stars. Didn’t set up the tent, just used it as a ground cloth. Took some late afternoon pictures to play with the camera settings (turned out pretty bad) ate a late, for me, dinner and waited for the sun to set. I read a bit, then looked around, repeating the process until I had put 50-60 pages behind me, the alpenglow appeared. Took photo after photo as it got better and better-lousy photographer that I am only a very few are worth looking at. Tucked into my sleeping bag and started journaling, waiting for the stars. Wow! What a conclusion to the days visual symphony! I just looked up until I fell asleep. Awoke a couple times during the night and just let the stars put me back to sleep. The first awakening included a brilliant Cygnus and enough Milky Way to cast a shadow. The second view was somewhat lessen by the half moon, but still held my gaze. What an ending to a most wonderful glorious day.”

“With seven of us in close quarters, there is a lot of early morning activity. The group of six get a real early start, their first goal for the day I think is The Hermit. I get going about a half hour later after filling up on a large breakfast. Wanted a big calorie start to what figures to be my longest and toughest hiking day. Walking up Evolution Basin in the early morning is most excellent and I make good time. Wanda Lake is quite spectacular and brings back an important memory.

It was here, probably 31 years ago, that I got a lasting lesson in environmental action. My scout troop arrived here, probably about this same time of day, coming over the saddle from Davis Lakes. There was another scout troop camped at the north end of Wanda Lake (I think there is no camping now) and their scoutmaster was busy at the lake cleaning a frypan with scrambled egg residue. All round him were egg floaters. My scoutmaster, not a large man, throws his pack down, races over to this other scoutmaster, grabs him by the scruff of his neck pulling him away from the lake and his cleaning duties and says “What the hell do you think you are doing?” They exchange a few choice words, and in the end the other scoutmaster calls his group together and they sheepishly grab their breakfast dishes and remove pretty far from the lake. As a kid I was pretty impressed. It was clear that my scoutmaster really meant what he routinely told and expected of us in terms of any kind of ‘leave no trace’ ethic.

After reflecting on this memory, snapping a couple photos, and just enjoying the appearance of the deep blue water I move on. About 9:30 I arrive at Muir Pass. There stands the Muir Hut, much like I remember it. Inside though, some changes. So many years ago there was a stash of wood someone had lovingly carried to give warmth to anyone caught there in a storm. In addition was a small stash of canned foods, and a note to leave what we could. It was a well supplied emergency shelter. Today, the fireplace is blocked. It is emergency shelter, but make sure you have your own fire and food. The sky above Muir Pass is as blue a sky as I’ve ever seen. The Black Divide provides a striking contrast to the lighter rock at the pass and to the north. I take notice that as Roper states in his Sierra High Route, not a tree is in sight. See a few birds able to eke out a life up here. I read the plaques that refer to the Muir Hut as a wilderness memorial. I experience the silence of the moment and feel a deep reverence for this place.

I am nearly to Helen Lake before I encounter people again. I feel a certain loneliness amidst the solitude. I find Helen Lake not nearly so striking as Wanda. A few minutes beyond Helen I am at an overlook of a small lake right at end of this cirque basin, overlooking LeConte Canyon (the Sierrapalooze dubbed Eugene Lake). It would make an excellent location to camp, especially if doing this trip South to North Lake.

Past this lake the trail goes relentlessly downhill. Okay, it’s been downhill since Muir Pass, but it is finally getting to my feet. It take a breather to tape up the hot spots and proceed. Looking down LeConte Canyon it takes me awhile to figure out how far I need to travel to the Dusy Basin trail. After getting my bearings I proceed. Big Pete Meadow (some nice campsites), some hikers taking lunch at the creek crossing that flows from Mt. Gilbert, Little Pete Meadow, and lots of backpackers out on a variety of treks. I reach the junction to Dusy Basin around 12:30 and decide to walk an extra 5 minutes to the Dusy Branch creek for lunch.

I set up under the bridge, doff the boots and start soaking my tired feet. I figure I’ve traveled already about 12 miles today and need to rest up for the climb that will come soon enough. Nearby is a calm pool with 3 fish. I move to soak my feet there and play a little hide and seek with the fish. Feet in, fish behind a rock. Remove feet, out come the fish to their previous locations. I willingly play the game amused at the almost mechanical behavior of the fish. A deer crosses the creek maybe 20 feet upstream. Squirrels come close to investigate. This stop is the most wildlife I’ve seen in just a short time period. I made a good decision to take lunch here. Though I am antsy to get on to Dusy Basin, I force myself to stay and let the batteries and glycogen levels recharge first.

The hike up to Dusy Basin is quite simply the hardest bit of hiking on this trip. Not sure whether it is me being tired or the baking sun or what, but I am having a harder time of it at 46 than I did at 16! My pace is slow and steady. Some hikers blast past me and I always pass them again as they stop for a rest. I am determined to follow my rhythm of walk 25 minutes and stop for a long drink, another 25 minutes take a 10 minute packless rest along with a trailmix nibble and drink. As I near time for my first real break I come face to face with a deer, less than 10 feet away. We check each other out for what seems like a long time then the deer moves on in a rather cavalier manner. No fear of humans. I make good on my plan an in 2 hours I reach Dusy Basin, hot, tired, and ready for a break. To my right is a location by the creek, across which is a grassy area, and on my side a sandy bank shaded by a large boulder. I duck into the shake, knock back a liter of Gookinade, enjoy a snack and take a well earned rest. After 20 minutes or so I am feeling human again. I take note of Knapsack Pass, Columbine and Isosceles Peaks, and the beauty of small area in which I rest. Take my favorite photo of the entire trip then move on up trail to find a camp spot closer to Bishop Pass.

About 5:30pm I lumber off the trail, near the snowpack measurement instrument. I cross the creek and a small lake finding a small sandy patch hidden beyond a natural windbreak. Having plenty of fuel I cook some water and enjoy a hot “shower” before dinner. Some clouds move in, the first of the trip, and hide the sun. I get a slight chill as I dry off. After dinner, for all my struggle in getting up here, I actually feel pretty good, and if so motivated could continue hiking. But not tonight. My camp spot is one of austere beauty and I want to make the most of my last night. Need more Alpenglow, need more stars. The Alpenglow display is not as spectacular as that of Evolution Basin, but the night time heavens do not disappoint. I am asleep within minutes of lying down.”

“Full of the realization of this being my last day I am not at all anxious to get underway. My family obligations win out and I grudgingly take my first steps toward Bishop Pass. It takes me just under an hour to top out. Not much to see except Mt. Agassiz so I continue on for a few minutes before resting on an overlook of the Bishop Lakes.

Lake after lake along S. Fork Bishop Creek. I remember it well. Looks like the trail has been rerouted a bit since my last visit here 15 years ago. In a couple hours I start seeing people coming up trail. I guess that after passing by the leading edge of this mass of humanity that I am just under an hour from the car. At my last rest I meet a mother and daughter team just setting out on route to Mt. Whitney. They are so excited and I share in their enthusiasm. I recall setting out from South Lake for Whitney 15 years ago. They are in for a real treat. I arrive at South Lake in short order, a number of boats are already out on the lake and several fishers are just off the trail at the lakes edge indulging their hobby.

Well I make it and load my stuff into the car. Meet a guy from Oregon who just successfully hitch hiked over from North Lake after completing his South Lake to North Lake trek, exiting via Lamarck Col. We figure we most likely passed each other on the trail, though had no recollection. We each take our final Sierra moments taking in the Thompson Ridge backdrop. Then it is down the hill. I stop at Parchers for a shower then place a call home. To Bishop for a lunch sandwich at Schat’s and pickup a couple loaves of Sheepherder Bread. Then the lonely drive home.

By the way…does anyone know when Bobo’s Bonanza in Lone Pine went out of business?”