Mammoth to Lake Tahoe

I’ve officially finished the Sierras after a seven day stretch from Mammoth to Kennedy Meadows North, followed by another four days to South Lake Tahoe. Not easy, but could have much more difficult during a higher snow year. Evolution Creek (the most notorious river crossing) was below knee level, and I haven’t used my microspikes since Forester Pass.

Breaking news: Control of Yosemite National Park has been surrendered to local mosquito population. Mosquitoes to form breakaway republic of Buzicstzan. Park rangers vow to faithfully serve their new mosquito overlords.

I was able to mail home the bear canister and spikes at KM North, which helped with the weight issues considerably. After Sonora Pass, I was able to start pushing the mileage back up to pre-Sierra levels.

Breaking news: Mosquito scientists lobby for DEET ban in park, citing “environmental concerns.”.

The approach to Sonora Pass was some of my favorite scenery on the trail, and a nice ending to the Sierras. The three days prior, including most all of Yosemite was absolute mosquito hell. Tough to admire natural beauty from behind bug netting.

Breaking news: Concerned so many tourists deprived themselves of Yosemite’s beauty during the COVID epidemic, Mosquito Chamber of Commerce pushes to increase warm-blooded park visitation in 2021.

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading home for a week to see my family. Hard to believe I’ve been gone almost 3 months already. Time to review all my gear, drop more pack weight, plan for Northern California, and eat lots. Not necessarily in that order.

Breaking news: Mosquito graduate students condemn bug netting, long sleeves as “hateful symbols of colonial oppression”.

Oh, and I passed the 1000 mile park. Woot!

PS: I’m told this is a grouse, but I will dub it the Sierra Chicken. Also, sorry about the mosquito postings. I may or may not have mosquito-related PTSD after being chased through Yosemite for three straight days by the mother of all mosquito swarms. Special thanks to Sue and John, the wonderful trail angels who gave me a ride put me up on my arrival to Tahoe.