Mule Ears

I slept by the path to Mule Ear Creek last night under a mixture of live trees and widow makers. I normally avoid sleeping under dead trees, but I was out of options so I chose what I thought was the least dangerous spot. As my eyes closed in sleep I prayed to the one true God to keep me safe. I also said a side prayer to any other gods that might be in the area. Now I understand how the Israelites were always falling into idolatry. It’s good to keep your options open.

Early Sun

Outside the forest, the early sun is spectacular. It has a shimmering quality not present until this place. Perhaps it is the altitude (over 8000 ft), I don’t know. But whatever it is, my camera keeps demanding to be used. Perhaps you can see why…

It’s been a tough year for mule ears so far. In years past they are still green in August at these altitudes. This year they are dead and brown below 7000 feet. Only above that do any appear to have life. In the areas I walk through this morning they are green and gold. Yes, that means they are damaged, but oh how beautiful in distress.

There are flowers up here too.

Altitude Counts

One feature of the mountains in the area I walk today are these secluded valleys a thousand feet below the surrounding mountains. The valleys are flat and grassy. Here is an examples of one

I am within 15 miles of Truckee so I get cell reception. I call Patti and talk as I eat. Of course, chickens are a main topic. Here is my lunch spot.

I want to show you how my PeakFinder app works. (No, I am not getting paid for this.) Here is a photo of the horizon.

Now here is what I see through the app.

I will be walking by several of these including Tinker Knob and Granite Chief Cool huh?

Crazy Time

I spot a rock so unique that it deserves a photo. It is on the trail and has not changed at all since I saw it 3 years ago. Dan, Fr. Rob, this one’s for you.

And this one is even stranger. This dead tree has a boulder caught between its legs. The rock is at least 2 feet off the ground.

Closers

As I head down the last slope toward camp I meet the coolest Belgian couple. Before I know it we are talking beer, politics and hiking in Europe.

I am staying near the Peter Grubb Hut. A shelter for skiers in the winter.

Notice how the main entrance is on the second story. In the winter the first story is completely buried in snow. The outhouse on the left is the same. There is a ramp up to it during the summer so hikers can use it. And here is my camp site behind the hut.

August 15, 2025

Miles walked today: 18.5

One of the Belgians told me that for a beer to be considered a Trappist beer, at least one person in the brewery must be a monk. Is it too late for me? Call me brother Dave!