July 2 - Almost Mammoth

I must have worn Patrick out yesterday on our 3000 foot climb out of Lake Edison and VVR because he still hadn't stirred by 8:00, our planned departure. So I left on my way towards Red's Meadow and Mammoth. The walk was easy enough with some uphill and more downhill, but it was hot! After dropping out of the higher elevations I started seeing lakes. I was hoping to come close to one on the trail so I could take a dip. The first one of any size I came to was Virginia Lake where I re-met Holly. 

I noticed from a distance a hiker rolling up her pants and removing her shoes for a water crossing. The shoe removal was interesting only because most PCTers don't bother. As I approached the crossing I noticed she had moved to the shoreline of the lake; exactly what I was planning to do so I could cool off. About the time I made the water crossing she had removed her clothes and was jumping in the water. Of course I was observing this from a distance and she knew I was there. As I got out of the water crossing she was wrapping herself in a scarf-like thing that seemed familiar to me. I then called out to ask her name and low and behold it was Holly whom I had last seen wrapping her wet hair in the same scarf-like thing at Golden Oak Spring near Tehachapi. As we talked about that experience I prepared to take the plunge too. By the time I was out she was mostly dressed and we continued our conversation as I thanked her for paving the way into the refreshing lake water. We crossed paths again several times on the trail. She was headed into Red's Meadow while I stopped to camp a few miles away. It was good to see her again. 

The rest of the day was spent passing a stream of people coming from Yosemite Valley or Mammoth on their trek south toward Mt. Whitney. 

At the end of the day as I was finishing dinner Patrick limped into camp with a sore ankle. We are both hoping it's just muscle fatigue.  We also spent some time with other hikers talking about where we'll stay in Mammoth given the holiday crowd and the expected full occupancy of hotels, hostels, and campgrounds. Hmmmm?

Update on my falls: Ankles are doing great. Chest is still

Very painful. I'm sure I damaged some ribs. Ibuprofen makes it tolerable to carry the pack and to sleep. I'm hoping a day off in Mammoth will help it heal. 

A guy sitting in an inflatable couch 15 miles from anywhere. Too funny!

Hikingsolo