Day 63

June 14, 2021 PCT mile 1072 to 1090 (Echo Summit)

PCT miles today - 18

Hiked over Carson Pass across Hwy 88 through a lovely large open pasture with wildflowers just starting to bloom. Will be bright with color in a couple of days. Moved quickly - excited about meeting up with Mark, food and rest in hotel for the night. About a mile from the parking area at Hwy 50 a section hiker had stopped off the side of trail and was talking on his phone. Chris glanced up to look at him and took her eyes off trail for a second. Oops. She fell head over heels through rocks and boulders and came away with only a scratch on her knee. Her backpack took the brunt. Lucky.

We met up with Mark, who had cold drinks waiting for us -nice!, and drove into South Lake to get a few resupply items before we checked into our hotel near the Heavenly Valley ski area. Rick finished off a pint of yogurt and pint of ice cream minutes after Chris brought it to the car.

Very interesting hotel set next to Heavenly ski area. 1970’s Woody Allen movies came to mind. Not one 90 degree corner in the room. Large room with three areas separated with shutters (?), lots of mirrors, an enormous two-three person tub on a raised platform in the middle of the room and access to a roof terrace. Dated, but fun, and it proved very comfortable for us all (not the tub, the room).