Tuolumne Meadows
Crowded campground
Miles: 17
Trip: 273
Elevation: 6700 feet
Today was filled with fast hiking and friendly people - lots of them. I saw more hikers today than I have in all the days since Bishop, most of them wearing bright shiny gear and exhausted expressions. Most are very interested in where we're going. One man seemed especially intrigues by our story - called us heroic. We're not even hiking the entire trail! But it did feel good to hear such high praise from a stranger, even if all we're really doing is walking.
The mosquitoes kept us moving quickly today, and we reached Tuolumne by 3pm. Yosemite is impressive. The huge domes of solid rock are like nothing I've ever seen, then to see people scrambling up and down them...wow. The down side of being in a national park is the prices..and the crowds. The small store and cafe were crawling with tourists from so many countries I rarely heard English. That part I like - the diversity. But it was overwhelming to be surrounded by people and asphalt and cars after over a week in the Sierras seeing only hikers and horsepackers. We did get to meet a few more PCTers - four more hikers from Israel. It was very cool to get their impressions of the American trail parks service. Mostly I gathered they think we have way too many rules and regulations. Hitchhiking is illegal but there aren't enough buses; fishing and hiking permits are hard to get; bear canisters are too small for our food supplies. All legitimate complaints, but I hope they experience some of the generous, accommodating side of America too. They said they haven't even had had trail magic yet! At least I got those four Jolly Ranchers...
Shaggy says:
The sounds of vehicles, alarms going off, horns going beep, and the steady roar of them passing us as we parralleled the first road that the PCT crosses in 220 miles. Though we had not crossed the road yet today, we followed it to the store here in Tuolomne Meadows. The place was, and still is a zoo. I was so overwhelmed after our 18 mile day. Dehydrated, hungry, and a bit ornary. Lauren was feeling the same way, as she snapped at me at one point. After eating, we both felt much better.
We even made some new friends with PCTers from Israel. Drank a couple beers and washed up in the river. Felt so good! We are making great time and will hopefully make it to Bridgeport on the 4th.
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| More amazingness on our way over yet another pass...ho-hum. |
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| The trail into Yosemite. Now imagine passing a hiker every half mile, each one asking "How far'd you go?" and "How long are ya in for?" |
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| Shaggy's socks hanging on our tent provide a special brand of security. |
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| Puppy Dome at Yosemite. A few of those dark specks are climbers. |
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