Date: 7/10/16
Miles: 19.3
Total Miles: 1149.0
Slowly but surely these past few days, my attention has begun to shift away from the miles of stunning scenery and towards the ground that had for so long been comprised of either dusty desert or shrinking snowpack. The calendar may have fooled you into thinking it's summer, but up here spring is just beginning and with it arrives the transition from shoots of green into something much more dazzling. Like an orchestra easing into the first movement of a symphony, the wildflower show is only just beginning. Red Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and many more are only now beginning to unfurl themselves in the opening of act of what is sure to become quite a display in the coming days and weeks. The unseasonably cool and windy weather of yesterday continued all day today, and the juxtaposition of hiking in down jackets and wind shells alongside blooms of wildflowers was a strange one to reconcile in my mind.
Fittingly with the cool weather, the trail wandered its way along the boundary of several ski areas on the northwestern shore of Lake Tahoe--Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, and Sugar Bowl. I'd never have believed for a single moment that the first time I'd see Squaw Valley would be with anything but a deep blanket of snow and a pair of skis beneath my feet. Yet there I was, on this early July day, looking down on a place so rich with skiing history, dating back to its place as host site for the 1960 Winter Olympics. If only it was winter...
Ahhhh, Squaw Valley! I started my 1997 hike there from a feeder trail on July 4. We took a bus to SV from Truckee I think. I remember being so damn excited and so scared.
Donner Pass is coming up for you! Don't buy and "local" beef jerky. Heh heh.
Haha, good tip on the jerky, Ken! I saw three signs this morning before getting to Donner Pass with various historical narratives though none of them even mention the Donner Party. Strange...
Turn back! IT'S A TRAP. 😉
Hey Jeff Jamie's mom Lyn here. Just want you to know that I am mesmerized by your experiences out there! Your writing is so gripping. I feel guilty lying in my bed while you are under the stars. I love your collection of friends you have met along the way. Just want you to know that I look forward to reading your bed time stories! Be safe and carry on!
Hi Lyn! I'm so glad you're enjoying them!