It is time to leave for this big trip! I think it's safe to say that Aaron and I are both a special blend of nervous and excited. Before the driving even begins, we both agree that we will be OK with whatever happens on this trip - making it all the way to Whitney, or not.
The driving is uneventful, until we get almost to where the 15 merges with the 215. Traffic grinds to a halt due to the Cajon Pass wildfire, which delays our drive to Lone Pine by about 2 hours.
We finally make it to the paradise (kidding) that is the Lone Pine Comfort Inn, where Aaron's Dad and Sarge have already checked in. He has graciously offered to drive us from Lone Pine to Yosemite Valley tomorrow. So far, I have a good feeling about this trip.
Day 0
Today, we wake up early and finally begin our drive to Yosemite Valley. Along the way we stop by Manzanar National Historic Site and take a driving tour. Aaron and I took this driving tour the last time we were visiting the High Sierras, and figured it would be something fun to do along the way.
It is basically a tour of old concrete slabs, except for the cemetery that is located just outside the borders so the people didn't have to live and also be buried within the confines of Manzanar.
A few hours later, we arrive in Yosemite Valley and drive past Tuolumne Meadows grill/store/post office. It is hard to believe that in a few days we will have hiked the 23.4 miles to be here again and have earned a big cheeseburger and a spot outside on the patio tables with all the other thru-hikers.
First things first, we drive to the Wilderness Office and pick up our backcountry permits where the ranger plays 20 questions with us about our wilderness preparedness... Do you have a bear canister? Does all your food fit inside? Do you know how to poop in the woods? Are you prepared for mosquitoes? Are you prepared for storms? Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear, or mountain lion (already happened)? How will you treat your water? How will you pick your campsites? Are you planning on climbing Half Dome? Do you know that someone died up there yesterday?
After grabbing a bite to eat, we take a little driving tour of Yosemite and get out to lay in the grass for a bit and watch the climbers ascend El Cap.
As the sun is going down it is time for Aaron's Dad to leave us, and I can honestly tell you that I have never been so sad to see him go. I really just wanted one more day of normal-ness, one more regular dinner, one more hour to sit in a car, one more conversation with a person connected with the real world.
After we switch from our civilian clothes to our backpacking clothes, and double and triple checked our packs to make sure we had everything, we say our goodbyes and walk ourselves to Yosemite's backpackers' campground. Once there, we set up camp and I call my parents one last time. Oh my goodness, what I would have given to have a real hug from them instead of just a talk on the phone - I've never done a backpacking trip this long before! Anything could happen!
Our first night's campsite
Off the phone with my parents, I set about making small talk with our neighbor (an Australian who heard the backpacking was good here, and was off to Burning Man next), and then built my first wood fire with the camp stove. See, I should be good in the wilderness for 3 weeks - I've got this fire thing down pat!
You can enlarge any of these pictures by clicking on them.
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