July 11 - Sonora Pass Resupply

I woke up about 3:30 am freezing. A cold front had moved in yesterday and the temperature overnight had plunged to near freezing. The small wood in the valley held little protection from the cold air. By five thirty I was ready to get up and put on some warmer clothes, pack up, have breakfast, and go. My partners were a little slower today so I had an opportunity to have two breakfasts,  something I thought I needed since it wasn't just the cold that had woken me up. 

By 7:30 we set off on a marathon climb up to the ridges above Sonora Pass. I must be getting my trail legs because after three hours of nonstop climbing I wasn't particularly tired. We rested briefly to allow Rocky to catch up and then went another couple of hours before taking a short break in the notch above Sonora Pass. Another hour and we were down at the road. 

Along the way we met up with Laura and Mike from Texas who had heard of Sonora Pass's beauty while touring the west. They hiked up about a mile just to hang out and perform a little trail magic in the form of cookies, string cheese, fresh peaches, a few sodas, and stories from the road. Awesome couple. 

Once on the road Rocky, Liftoff, and Prince had a ride to Kennedy Meadows within a few minutes. My ride to 395 took about five minutes to come by. Mark, from Reno, just happened to take the pass since he'd never been that way. He dropped me off at Highway 395 where it took me about 20 minutes to get a ride into Bridgeport. From there it was off to the post office to pick up my box and then to the laundry to wash clothes. While washing I called Betsy and Bob. Betsy was driving through Southern California so didn't answer, but I left a message and texted so we could talk later. Bob picked up and agreed to meet me for dinner at Rhino's Pub. I'd been dreaming of an Ortega Chili Burger for a few days and Rhino's didn't disappoint. After dinner we drove out to the lake and hung out at their cabin. Betsy and I had a nice conversation as she was driving to her hotel in Carpenteria. She'll be visiting with friends and relatives as she heads for my next resupply location early next week. 

As the day came to a close Annette graciously supplied me with a toothbrush and Bob showed me how to use the shower. I slept in our family cabin just down the hill sans water and other amenities. 

Sonora Pass

Laura and Mike dispensing trail magic. 

Mark, my first ride of the day. 

Hikingsolo