I chose to camp at Lake Gilmore, two miles below Dick’s Pass. The camp was almost too perfect. A secluded and sheltered lake. Grassy spacious grounds. Abundant flat tent sites. There were 10 – 12 tents already set up when I arrived. I slept well with temperatures in the 40s.
This morning I am motivated. Yesterday’s hike put me within 12 miles of the Chalet at Echo Lake where I hope to get a ride into South Lake Tahoe. Before I get there, the parade of beautiful alpine lakes will continue from yesterday.
Early Trail
Why this area is called the Desolation Wilderness is a mystery to me. But shots like this one may provide a clue.
This land is hard-edged. It possesses a stark beauty. It may also look forsaken. Here is some of the beauty.
Another view of Lake Suzie
The higher you go, the more granite and the less green you see. This is Heather Lake. It empties into Lake Suzie. You think this photo looks good? You should see it person.
And then a friend shows up. Sorry for the shaky video, but I had to really zoom in on this guy. It’s a marmot. This one is about 18 inches long and in prime condition. I don’t know how they get so fat. The last one I encountered ( in Washington) was trying to ransack my unattended pack. Later it ran screaming through my campsite as I lay in bed blogging. He seemed to have a big smile on his face. This one her is more demure.
Aloha Lake
The signature Lake in this area is Aloha Lake. On the weekend hundreds of campers hike up from Echo Lake and camp near this stunning landmark. It’s Wednesday and I feel like I have the place to myself.
The photo at the to of this post is also of Aloha Lake. But I can’t hang out here any longer. I need to get to South Lake Tahoe.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is the starting point for a lot of adventures in the area. One person told me that Echo Lake is largely owned by old money from Sacramento. I dont know about that, but I do know it’s at the bottom this rocky five-mile descent.
Getting closer
There is no road around the lake. Residents get around or off the lake by water taxi. This is one of them.
Finally at the chalet, I order an ice cream float and immerse myself in it. A couple sitting nearby are having a disagreement about who should have their picture taken. I offer to take one of the two of them together. Ten minutes later they agree to give me a ride to the South Lake Tahoe post office.
They are here celebrating their four year anniversary. Lee tells me about how he used to finagle rides by striking up friendly conversations with people. “You mean like I just did?” I offer. “Yes,” he smiles.
South Lake Tahoe
I collect my boxes at the post office and take a shuttle bus back to my hotel. There is a man waiting for me in the parking lot. Some of you may remember him from my blog three years ago. It’s my hiking friend Bob.
I learned that Bob would be hiking the PCT several months ago. This year he started in Oregon and has been heading south. By coincidence, our paths have converged. We first spoke in person in Sierra City. He was heading out the next day, but I was staying a day. We have been hiking one day apart since then. He decided to wait for me here in South Lake Tahoe. We will head out together in two days.
I have enjoyed hiking alone this year, but hiking with others is a special joy. With luck, we will stay together until Mount Whitney. (Bob, is going to skip the summit. He has done it before.)
Anyway, that’s what’s going on. I will not post again until my first day back on the trail in two days. Gotta give my typing finger a rest.
Miles hiked today: 12
Total miles hikes from beginning: 220.5
Miles Bob has hiked so far this summer (from Ashland, OR): 636.8