Friday Day 48

5.11.2018

Well, I started the day out by almost peeing on someone’s tent. Let’s just take a minute to laugh about that. I think it was Ruffles tent, but I’m still not certain. In my honest defense, he was NOT set up in those bushes the night before!!!

Now that’s out of the way, I had breakfast with Justin and Joey. Tyler sat with the other group of cool kids. Either way, the three boys were packed up and ready to head back to the trail by noon. Bob–the local trail angel/Grumpy Bear assistant/driver took us all over to the trailhead. I had to take photos as they left. Their plan is to make it to Vermillion Valley Resort. That’s mile 878 on the trail. That’s quiet a stretch so I’m doubtful I will see them any time soon. I wish them all good luck!

I was told last night that the General Store carried ice axes. So after we dropped off the boys (and picked up Tang who was just getting to town from the trail) Bob stopped at the GS for me. Tang picked up her packages while I checked out the axes. It was my lucky day. They had one in the length I needed. I was super happy although I had already placed an Amazon order for one to Lone Pine so I needed time to rethink my plan before I purchased another one.

So back to Grumpys we go. Matt showed up at 230pm with all my goodies from Las Vegas. Such a great friend to come and visit me and deliver all the goods. I immediately went into action of constructing and deconstructing my bag, the bear canister and my next resupply box–which I still couldn’t decide where to send it. After all that was sort of situated Matt and I went to the General Store where I snagged a few extra food items and the ax. I ultimately decided I could return the amazon order, make the next stop Independance in 6-7 days instead of Lone Pine in 3 days. The town stops are a little more tedious through the mountains with longer side trails to get to the town access roads.

Just before leaving the GS we ran into Seeker, Camel, Heidi, Ruffles and Cruise all having dinner. A few of them hiked from Grumpys and some just took the ride over. They were only headed to the Kennedy Meadows CG 2 miles up. I asked them if they wanted beers for later since Matt had a cooler and they wouldn’t have to carry them down trail. Of course they just thought that was a great idea. So beer into the cooler and Matt and I went to find a campsite. He’s got one of those fancy tents on his truck–foam pad included-so I was eager to sleep in it. Cozy it would be with 2 adults and his adorable pup, Ryder.

Back to Grumpys, I packed up my tent. I also spoke with Luc about my plan to leave tomorrow. He and I had already discussed leaving KM together. He roped in Dude as well. I told them both that I’d be back to breakfast tomorrow and we’d head back to the trail together. They agreed.

Matt and I headed back to the campground to setup (him) and organize (me). I walked down trail to find Seeker and his group which turned out to be perfect timing. They all setup with us at the same spot which was fun. Matt dragged over a couple of small trees and built a fire. I’m sure we stayed up later than we should have, I’m pretty sure it was past 9 pm.

Sleeping in the Tepui was seriously nice.

Tomorrow I will actually put my bear can into my backpack. Nope, I still haven’t done that yet. I’ll also pick up a few more meals from Triple Crown Outfitter and ship my next resupply box to Independence. I shouldn’t need to buy anything when I get there except for some Fritos and maybe more peanut butter.

Tomorrow will be the big day us hikers all dream about but are most nervous about. There’s so many variables that can change how things go in the next few weeks. I’m trying to stay focused on the next days and not worry about things after that. It becomes to hard to plan at some point. Too many “what ifs…” What will be, will be. One day at a time.