Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Part 11

 09/04/09

California Part 11

Day 13 – Today my backpacking trip through the Yosemite area came to an end.  I would venture to say that it was a trip of epic proportions.  In terms of the length, the scenic views, the relationships that were cultivated, and the experiences that were had, epic seems like an accurate way to describe The Sunrise Special Backpacking Trip I took part in.  

Saying goodbye was difficult, but getting to that point was a little easier.  We awoke very early and were eating breakfast by 6:30am.  The hike out was a little over 8 miles to Mammoth Lakes, and we were on the trail by 7:30.  The first mile was a nice stroll to the end of Thousand Island Lake.  From there it was a mix of ups and downs to a nice overlook of the Sierra Nevadas.  The next few miles traversed a fairly level trail that maintained the mountain vistas.  We stopped for a light lunch around 12:30 in a shaded area that looked out over a gorgeous lake, Shadow Lake, nestled back in the mountains across the valley in front of us.  Lunch was cheese and crackers followed by pieces of a Toblerone bar.  With our final meal together behind us, we began the steep descent out.  Whether it was due to the slope of the trail or a desire to complete our trek, our group moved at the most rapid pace of the entire trip.  We emerged into Agnew Meadows at about 2.  Awaiting us were the first cars we had seen in a week and a half.  From there it was a short walk down a wide dirt road to a bus stop for the Mammoth Lakes Shuttle.  

Though I don’t think any of us were too concerned with our level of cleanliness, I cannot say that the people on the shuttle felt the same way.  You couldn’t help but laugh and at the same time feel bad for the unsuspecting bus patrons as 14 exhausted, dirty, and smelly backpackers loaded on to their shuttle for the 15-minute ride back to Mammoth Lakes Ski Resort.  Some of the passengers were kind and either asked to hold our gear or even offer us their seats.  Others cringed at our presence.  We piled out of the bus at the ski resort to a waiting cooler containing soda and beer.  A friend of Cathy’s, Alice, had been waiting for us with these first treats of civilization.  For the next half hour we sorted out our gear and took countless group photos.  

At about 3:00 we began to figure out who needed what transportation as the group had cars scattered all over the area.  Once that was settled, it was time to say our goodbyes and go our separate directions.  As difficult as it was to say goodbye to what had been my family for the last week and a half, the thought of the trip in front of me pushed me to go.  I had a 5-hour drive to LA to complete and knew I needed to hit the road.  I said my goodbyes to everyone, made my way to my rental car, and tried to take in all that had occurred in the last 10 days as my trip came to a close.