Day 87 – 17 Jun 19. Racing to Town – South Lake Tahoe

Today 22.0 km (13.7 mi), Total Distance 1754.2 km (1090.0 mi) 7 hours 25 minutes (0650-1415)

I was up earlier today with the motivation of this being a town day. It was a quick walk down the mixed snow and dirt trail to the road. There was one steep but short traverse but otherwise it was an easy walk.

At the road was a large building which was a ranger and information centre. They sometimes have goodies for PCT hikers but it was closed due to the early hour. There was also a toilet block.

The trail headed left down to the end of the parking area before crossing the road and continuing to the next picnic area which had a couple of toilet blocks.

Now it was back on trail which was mainly dirt with some longer snow patches. I had in my mind that today was mainly dirt trail. I am not sure why I thought this but it was confirmed when the trail started climbing up a hill and was all dirt.

There were nice views when I looked back of the snowy mountains. As I was on dirt there were flowers and several types of birds.

The trail crested the hill and I saw some snow fields in front of me. Still thinking this was just an exception I crossed them back to the dirt and then ahead of me the first view of Lake Tahoe appeared. I was pretty excited even though I knew there was still 12 miles to go.

I continued and started dropping and now I could see down below and it was solid white. This wasn’t right, where was my dirt trail!

There was a large flat area to cross, with a crossing of the Truckie stream which were less than knee deep. I passed a junction which had a post saying Shower and an arrow. I thought this was a joke for PCT hikers until I saw it had “LK” under shower and realised this was the name of a lake ahead. The trail was now joined with the Tahoe Rim Trail which was 160 odd miles around Lake Tahoe.

There was more open snow and small patches of trees to cover and another crossing of the Truckie Stream. The snow banks were high but I found where some had collapsed to get down to the stream. It was knee deep and easy to cross.

Now it was starting to get more trees and I could see the hill ahead that was my next climb. The climb was quite steep and the last bit was a traverse across an open snowfield.

From the saddle I dropped down to Shower Lake which was still frozen over. I followed the side of the lake to the far end where I met a man and lady with huge packs who were doing an overnight hike. They were very frustrated with the snow and surprised by how much of it there was.

I crossed a small but awkward stream at the head of the lake and then continued, now slightly uphill and then along the base of a big hill, traversing across to a saddle.

I was excited as I thought it was now all downhill. This thought was a bit like my thought that it was dirt trail today as there were plenty of hills to come.

I traversed across a hill a bit longer the did start dropping. The snow was in good condition and I sent a message to Daniel saying I was making good progress and would be arriving earlier than anticipated. Daniel and Georgina had offered to host me in South Lake Tahoe and were walking out onto the trail to meet me.

I dropped a little and then it was a series of ups and downs before another down to a junction and then a big climb up, around a saddle and a steep down.

The steep down took me to a valley and I followed this down to where there was a very steep, near cliff in front of me. I double checked the map and this was the trail, just the trail zig zagged down and this was completely covered in snow. I had to put my crampons on as the snow was hard packed and in places icy and gingerly made my way down. I was now way behind in my estimated time I had given Daniel.

Once down the steep bit there was a brief flattish section, crossing a stream and then a traverse on the side of a steep hill. It was starting to get rocky and there seemed to be some sections of trail. I was a little low so climbed up to the trail.

Now I was starting too drop again and the trail was a mix of trail, rocks and snow traverses. I was being very careful getting on and of the snow as it looked thin and I expected it to give way.

Finally I started getting more trail than snow and then into full dirt trail. It was like I was in another world. I sent a message telling Daniel I was 2 miles out.

The temperature rose and there seemed to be so much oxygen as I dropped steadily. The forest was so green and full of life. There were some patches of deadfall but otherwise it was a lovely track.

I received a message from Daniel saying they were behind me and to stop. Just after the steep section where I was on the flat by the stream they were up higher where the trail went and I had passed them.

I had started to hear traffic noise and I found a nice spot in the shade to stop.

Only 5 minutes later Daniel, Georgina and Bear (the dog) arrived. We walked another 5 minutes and found a lovely rock too sit on and have lunch that they had brought. A wrap, apple and brownie. It was really good. We started chatting getting to know each other. There were some mosquitos but they concentrated on Georgina who as the misfortune of being the mosquito magnet.

We then continued down the trail to the carpark and I tapped off trail at a plaque commemorating the USA Olympic Sprinters who trained in this area prior to one of the Olympics.

We drove down the very scenic road to South Lake Tahoe, did a quick shop at the supermarket and went to their house. They showed me the neat little unit I was going to stay in that they use for Air BnB guests. Then we sat and talked for a while and started eating. Pizza for entree and then a lovely pasta dish for dinner.

I was happy to have a shower and be able to relax for the evening, enjoying the good company and a full stomach

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