We all got up this morning having slept terribly. Must have been something in the air but it made getting up early a task. We also had to immediately climb Carson Pass but with all of our ‘training’ through the Sierra, it wasn’t too bad of a climb. The view itself was also incredible. After the pass, we began walking by a ton of day hikers which usually means a trailhead super close. We were in luck as there was also a ranger station giving out soda and snacks.

After our break, we had some rolling hills for the rest of the day. Our water sources have become less and less reliable since the middle of the Sierra and it reminded us we will be ending this section today. Our next section being NorCal.

Sonic, Rummage, Spoons, Fly Lord, Mackenzie and I are making it into South Lake Tahoe for a half day after hiking 18 miles but 2PM.

Rick, a trail angel, volunteer, and genuinely great person gave us a ride from Highway 50 right to the Chipotle in town. We all loaded up on food and headed to the grocery store for our resupply. Just a three day carry but for some reason, we have as much if not more food than we normally do for a four or five day carry. We can’t seem to figure out our food situation. Goldie Locks has yet to be satisfied.

We’re set up in South Lake Tahoe campground for a free place to pitch our tent. Should be some good sleeping even though we just saw a bear roll up to the camp site next to ours.

Happy town…

We got up this morning and slowing rolled out of camp to eat at a breakfast spot called Ernie’s. Definitely wasn’t a hiker friendly spot but they gave us big portions, coffee, and juice for a reasonable price so we were happy.

After breakfast, it was around one and we decided to hitch back to the trail. We’re doing a short day to stop by Lake Agora resort to do some site seeing if Lake Tahoe and some cliff jumping. I’ll stick to the lower stuff but we’re hiking with someone who has done jumps as high as 60 feet. She showed us one that went wrong and the bruises were enough to deter us all.

We walked to Echo Lake Chalet and grabbed some ice cream before continuing on the perimeter of Echo Lake. The area is beautiful with historic and modern cabins placed throughout the shoreline. The smoke of some campfires was quite appealing and made us all want to stop by to lay on their docks and enjoy but we had places to go and people to see.

It wasn’t long until we made it to the junction that brings us up and over a peak down to Lake Agora Resort. The hike was quite treacherous but the resort was quite worth it. Wonderfully designed cabins with cedar shakes that will age quite nicely. Rather than go swimming, we rinsed off our legs and feet, had dinner, and will plan on playing tomorrow morning.

Happy trails…