DAY 80: EVERGREEN LODGE (VACATION VACATION)

miles: 4

I have never been more excited for a vacation. A real vacation. A 4 day hiking hiatus. This morning Ben's mom and brother are meeting us at Carson Pass, swooping us into their vehicle, and transporting us back to Yosemite National Park. The four of us will have a vacation! Ben and I could not be more excited.

Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep I've had on the trail due to the surprising amount of wind and dust. There was dirt spatter flying horizontally under and into the tent, filling everything with grit, just as it had that night on the Mojave Desert floor. We were eager to pack our things as it was (so excited) but this gritty, dusty situation just accelerated our movements and made us pack faster. We were out of camp by 6:00am sharp, King Street and Pepperflake just barely percolating, we said our goodbyes (not sure when/if we will see them again)...

The 4 miles we had left this morning were easy and beautiful.

Looking back to where we just came from/camped.

Found Ben stretching at the base of the "Elephant's Back"

 We had a minor climb - what is referred to as the "Elephant's Back". It wasn't very long, and our adrenaline kept us alive, awake and happy!

Once at Carson Pass we were D - E - L - I - G - H - T - E - D to find trail magic! We would be picked up shortly, so we felt bad taking advantage of the fresh made sandwiches, cold chocolate milk, and fruit, so we didn't partake and left the goodies for those behind us who would need it more (seeing as they were probably not just about to indulge in Yosemite Vacation Goodness).

We relaxed in the light of the morning sun on the porch of Carson Pass Visitor Center, where the staff were friendly and informative.

I want one of these wall maps featuring ALL long distance trails....

Anxiously awaiting Lisa and Nate

 Then they arrived! Ben's mom, Lisa and his little brother Nate in the driver's seat!

The road trip south was just a few hours, long and quite relaxing actually, and we snacked and chatted our way down to the Evergreen Lodge just a few minutes outside of Yosemite National Park (sort of located right next to Hetch Hetchy Resevoir).

Some photos from the AMAZING evening we had:

A deer sighting (a deer with.... tumors?)

We consumed these delicious Santa Fe Brewing Company beers

Nate with TWO cigars?

We porch sat / visited for hours

This place was gorgeous.

 random hammocks tucked away

 

 Basically the evening consisted of the perfect mix of sitting in chairs on a porch, drinking delicious beers, chit-chatted, sat poolside WHILE drinking beers, swam, hot-tub'd, and campfire'd. PERFECTION.

Sittin' poolside.

Ben. Swimming.

Thirsty baby...