Day 3–11 miles hikedSince I only had to cover 11 miles, I lingered in camp for quite awhile, watching the busy life at the lake. The ground squirrels and chipmunks are hard at work this time of year, constantly scurrying with something in their mouth to stash somewhere. They’re so quick and I still haven’t been able to get a picture of one. They’re so stinkin’ cute though!
Once I finally hiked out, I took my time, pausing at every scenic spot which meant I stopped a lot. I came across a beautiful meadow and it moved me to tears. It wasn’t a jaw dropping view but something about it made me think Mama would like it. She’s with me out here, in case anyone worries that I’m by myself. One of the reasons I wanted to take this trip was to spend some uninterrupted time with her, because she’s probably the only one who can help me figure out how to “do” life better without being in frantic mode all the time. If her death taught me anything it’s that life can turn on a dime for any of us, and so when it lends itself to times of contemplation and restoration, we’re complete fools to think tomorrow is a guarantee–It’s so easy out here to slow down to grab those moments and hold on tight.
I hiked on, eventually coming to the Pacific Crest Trail which the Tahoe Rim Trail follows for 50 miles. I started noticing smoke in the air with a faint smell attached to it. California is famous for its wildfires and it seems like every time I come here I see smoke at some point. I met a couple backpacking shortly after noticing it, and they said there was a fire about 250 miles away, so I felt better knowing that it wasn’t close by. It was really windy and it’s common for smoke to drift that far.
The couple I met was thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) southbound (which means they are hiking 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico). I have the great fortune to be friends with three people who have hiked it and once my kids are grown, I fully plan on joining their ranks one day!
I reached Showers Lake and took a long break at its shore. I keep thinking the lakes can’t get more beautiful but they do! I had a lunch my kids enjoy when we go backpacking and wished they were here to dare each other to brave the frigid cold of the lake.
Showers Lake–I could have stayed here all day
My kids’ favorite lunch on the trail–a tortilla with a flavored tuna packet and chips. Sounds gross, right?! Don’t knock it until you try it–everything tastes better in the backcountry!
It’s difficult to appreciate in this picture, but these boulders were ginormous!
I reached camp and the view of Tahoe did not disappoint! I had dinner with a view, hung my food with and crawled into my sleeping bag. There were gusty winds and they kept me awake. My tent makes noise when it blows and I kept waking up thinking something was walking around outside of it. I try not to let myself get spooked when I camp by myself, but admittedly I sometimes get a little weirded out when stuff like that happens, even when there’s absolutely no reason to be scared.
Dinner with a view
I dehydrate a lot of backpacking meals and this goulash was a hit!
I am having my breakfast to the sunrise as I type this and am about to pack up and head to Aloha Lake in the Desolation Wilderness. Don’t you just love those names?!
Sunrise breakfast