DAY 88: GRANITE CHIEF

miles: 23

Slept at Richardson Lake last night and moved onward into the Granite Chief Wilderness.

The Granite Chief Wilderness area is... amazing.

We woke up at 6:00 (LATE FOR US) and I bolted up in bed, already sweating at the thought of hiking in the daytime temperatures. Smiles and Dr. Slosh were already up and out of camp (also not typical of them - it's like we all swapped roles this morning) when we got up. Their goal was to make it to Squaw Valley in time to meet a friend of theirs at the bar there (High Camp el 8200, sounded nice).

Rocky and I were going to try to make it, but if we didn't, we didn't and we had to come to terms with that. Starfox, Chik Chak, Atlas, and the others down at camp that night were all still sleeping soundly, strewn about so Rocky and I tip toed out.

The day was gorgeous and windy so there were few mosquitos, yet again! It has been surprisingly mosquito free these past few days, since the end of the Sierras. I'm beginning to wonder when they will pick up again... I shouldn't even talk about it. Just be happy.

Met up with Sunset today (love him) and it was nice to catch up. I told him about the Squaw Valley experience, and he was interested, but we somehow lost track of him as the afternoon went on... Also - we couldn't have made it to the bar in time (it closes at 4:30 - WHY!? WHAT BAR - especially a really really rad sounding bar -- closes at 4:30?)

We had been in touch with Dr. Slosh and Smiles (had service all day - real treat right there) and they let us know there was a hot tub AND a pool! JEALOUS... so bummed we didn't make it, but maybe it's for the best. Save our money? Yeah, we should.

Rocky and I got to camp fairly early after a 23 mile day and were thrilled to find a really picturesque spot nestled down under the ski resort and ski lifts. The granite boulders and slabs casting shadows all over the meadows and wildflowers. There was even a fire pit! By the time Dr. Slosh, Smiles, Atlas, Chik Chak and Starfox rolled into camp it was dusk, we had started a fire, and we celebrated with a few Fat Tire's!

Lake Tahoe in the background.

This portion of the PCT parallels the Tahoe-Rim Trail.

Leaving notes!

Celebration!