Winds of Relief

• Day:  5
• Start:  50
• End:  70
• Miles:  20
• Running total: 90
• Hours:  8
• High temp:  84
• Low temp:  45
• People met:  9

---

A crisp, clear morning

Higher winds came up in the evening last night causing me to decide to use my rain fly. I was protected but a little warm.  The temperature is not as cold at night as I expect it to be. The best news about the wind is the smoke has dissipated. The sky is a clear beautiful Tahoe blue and the air is fresh. I'm excited to hike as I've only 14 miles to hike until my next replenishment location, Spooner Summit.  All the big boulders are gone now and I'm back into a nice forest. I expected the Eastern side to be bare of trees, yet the forests over here are beautiful. I love these forests as the understory foliage is almost nonexistent, allowing one deep views into the forest. 

 

A lush carpet 

 

Marlett Lake in the foreground 

My first view of Tahoe as I come out of the forest into sagebrush. I am delighted that the smoke has cleared. 

 

Sweet sage

The gentle sweet scent of sage greets me as I walk in the high mountain meadow. 

 

Marveling at the clear day

The views of Tahoe have all been great but I'm enjoying the East side the most. 

More exposed hiking

I'm happy this exposed section is still in the cool of the morning, the hiking is easy. Soon I descend towards Spooner Summit and enter a forest of suger pines. The warmth of the day is bringing out the lovely scents of pine needles, manzanita and if you get close the the suger pines the pitch smells like butterscotch. I'm finding about half the time the trail is shaded, there is a huge difference when I step back into the shade. Once I'm at Spooner I'll have 6 miles to finish 20 for the day.  I arrive at 1340 hrs. And promptly give Jeff and Diane a call. They respond instantly and are on there way. I use the time to let my socks and boots dry from the hiking sweat. So far I'm happy with the boots I've chosen.  They are cool and are keeping my feet clean from all the trail dust. 

Jeff and Diane arrive with fresh fruit and beer. I am so thankful for their thoughtfulness. We have an enjoyable time discussing the trail as they enjoy remembering their experiences. Jeff allows me to charge my electronics via his vehicle. I get my water and food packages and am ready to hike as it's now 1600 hrs. and cooling down. I say goodby to these wonderful friends and head up a 5 mile climb. 

My pace is strong even though the trail is work but not as steep as others I've hiked.  Jeff tells me the TRT was planned to have grades no more than 10%. Thankful for that. I finally make my goal selecting a campsite with a sweeping view of the lake. The wind brought in some high clouds. I managed to capture the sunset. 

 

I thought "stunning"

 

Just so you could see it all like I am

Relay Peak

• Day:  4
• Start:  26
• End:  50
• Miles:  24
• Running total: 70
• Hours:  14
• High temp:  86
• Low temp:  40
• People met:  too many to count

---

Sunset last night

As the sun went down the positive side to all the smoke made for a bright orange streak. 

On the way to Relay Peak this morning, as usual the sky is cloudless and the air is cool. The climb is 1700' over an 8 mile distance, so it shouldn't be too steep. The forest quickly gives way to Nevada Eastern Sierra terrain, thin forest, lots of mule ears and rocks. Right now I'm enjoying the trail to myself, I fear I may meet day hikers as Relay Peak and Mt Rose are popular spots. 

 

Eastern Sierras

The good news is no bikes or horses. 

 

This marks Nevada

It seems in no time I reach Nevada as the climb is going well. Just a hint of the forest scents start to awaken and lift my spirits.  The trail rapidly becomes exposed but with huge views of Tahoe.

An unobstructed view

 

 

A much dryer terrain 

 

Lots of volcanic formations 

Sun screen goes in early as I'm walking right towards the Sun. A little bit more and I'm at the top of Relay Peak, 10,300'. I am alone for now, so I get my photos and select a shady place under some low lying trees. 

A 360 view from the top of Relay Peak

There are ancient trees up here that have seen a lot of harsh winters, yet still cling to life. These trees offer a special majesty to the trail. 

 

Ancient Cedar

 

Even up here flowers find enough to grow

I wind down the trail to Galena Falls where there is plenty of water. I get a full 4.75 liters to help me through to Spooner Summit. 

 

Galena Falls

The trail is an easy hike out to Mt Rose highway trail head.  I find trash receptacles so I can unload my garbage, plus a privy. How civilized!  

On through Tahoe Meadows, beautiful verdant green and I'm hiking flat or downhill. 

 

Tahoe Meadows

I'm planning on camping at Twin Lakes about another 8 miles away.  This section is very nice, mostly downhill and great views of the Washoe Valley. 

The trail is decomposed granite and the landscape is a bit deeper forest than this morning with a compliment of huge boulders. As the trail swings to the East I'm in the shadow of the mountain, this offers relief from the relentless afternoon sun. 

 

Washoe Valley

The landscape is littered with them

 

Tonight's sunset

The wind is up as I arrive at a good campsite about .5 mile before Twin Lakes. The light is fading so l busy myself with setting up camp. Another splendid day. 

Lake Views

• Day:  3
• Start:  5
• End:  26
• Miles:  21
• Running total: 47
• Hours:  12
• High temp:  85
• Low temp:  40
• People met:  23 bikes, 15 hikers

---

The enterance to Alpine Meadows and the Truckee River 

The morning sunrise is filtered through trees and provides a wonderful start to the day.  I did the grade last night so this morning is easy going. As the trail turns East I catch a view of the Truckee River and the entrance to Alpine Meadows.  

So quiet in the forest

I'm enjoying the vibrant colors of the forest as I make my way.  

 

A lovely forest

I discover tracks of a sow and 1 cub, they look fresh. Immediately I'm in alert, I look and listen, they seem to be gone. I see where they left the trail. I've been watching for them as I hike, this us the closest I've come. 

 

I figure about 8"

Suddenly a view of Tahoe appears, the basin seems to be holding smoke from a forest fire somewhere in California. 

Looking towards Tahoe City

I continue to Watson Lake where I filter some water for the rest of this section. The lake is clear and a little warm, the water filters nicely. 

 

Watson Lake

Watson lake is accessible via vehicles and I find a couple of vehicles there. So interestingly the yellow jacket hatch seems to be in full swing. Everyone is talking about how intense it is. I find I am able to rest for about 10 minutes before there are so many around me I have to leave. In most of the forest there is a background drone of bees. They sound like a distance highway. Fortunately this afternoon for the first time I rested with only a few rogue bees investigating me. I am so thankful for the peace my shelter brings me in the evening. 

The warmth of the day brings out the scents of the forest, the pungent mule ears as they dry, the soapy fresh scent of manzanita. 

 

Mule ears saying goodby to summer

I make my supply stop at Brockway Summit on highway 267. I maintained this road when we lived up here. Diane and Jeff, wonderful neighbors in Tahoma, kindly brought me water and 2 days food, 14lbs worth. I am so thankful for such wonderful friends. 

Another 6 miles to my desired campsite. I hike a little and find a bee free area to work on my update and let the hot part of the day go by. 

 

Thought this was a nice specimen. 

After some more climbing I come upon this sweeping vista of Tahoe. 

 

Close to the North end Nevada Stateline. 

Two more miles and I'm done for the day. I find my campsite and it is very nice. Just a small Tahoe view but in the North side I can see Martis Valley and on to Truckee. 

 

Thank Goodness for Tahoe City

• Day:  2
• Start:  161 and 0
• End:  173 and 5
• Miles:  17
• Running total: 26
• Hours:  7
• High temp:  85
• Low temp:  44
• People met:  14

---

 

This mornings sunrise

Stars everywhere in this crystal clear sky. The occasional airplane and 1 falling star too add that little bit of flair. The still night air is punctuated with the soft call of an owl. Such a pleasant evening. The air is dry with virtually no morning dew so I slept without a rain fly on my tent. 

Morning comes gently as the sun breaks the eastern mountains. As I begin my day I follow the trail back into the forest, heading North towards Ward Canyon.  I stop to view the water tower and Alpine Meadows ski lift at end of Ward Canyon. I can almost see the home Carolyn and I built.  

 

Looking North into Ward Canyon

Not sure if the water tower will show up

The soft trail and cool morning allow me to make good time. 

 

Nicely maintained trail

The beginnings of Ward Creek

The trail crosses Courchevl Road, we lived a mile or two up the road. I climb out of the Canyon heading for Page Meadows. So far the morning has been quiet without another soul to be seen. The grade out of Ward Canyon is gradual and so I'm in the meadows in no time. 

 

Page Mwadows

Now the trail descends 3 miles to Tahoe City. I make the Truckee River walking on the opposite bank across from the lumber yard and the Caltrans Yard, where I used to work. 

I hike over the Rod and Kris's house to do a variety of chores. 

Throughout the night I had to refill my air mattress about 5 times. The best campsite was rocky so I was easily persuaded to refill the mattress. After about 2000 miles on this mattress it finally gave out in a most unique way. I got some new pants with zippers in the rear pockets, great for not losing gear, not so good for sitting on the mattress. The little zipper pull punctured the mattress, unbelievable. So I patch it but the mend won't hold with my weight on it.  So I need a new one. Rod, a true friend, drives me to the local outfitters in town. They don't have the mattress but Mountain Hardware in Truckee might. Rod is ready to drive to Truckee but I persuade him to just get me to my pickup because I may have to go to Reno. Nothing in Truckee, so I get everything I need at REI in Reno and head back to Rod and Kris's. Enjoy my short visit with a them as my blog goes up and my iPhone completes it charge.  Then I park my truck back in Tahoma and catch the bus to town. 

So it's 1730 hrs as I pickup the trail. I pass the end point at 174 miles and cross over to the begin point just up from the new firehouse. It's all uphill from here as I follow the trail up following the Truckee River Canyon. 

The last bit of Tahoe as I hike down the Truckee River Canyou

 

 Night is setting in

The Truckee River is in the bottom 

I reach the top of my climb discovering another view of the lake. To late for a picture, I got to setup camp. Another wonderful site.  

Walking to the Trail

• Day:  1   (Sept 1, 2016)
• Start:  151
• End:  162
• Miles:  11+8=19
• Hours:  10
• High temp:  80
• Low temp:  42
• People met:  18

Finally a good nights sleep, I wake to the sound of my alarm, 0615 hrs. Today starts my long awaited Tahoe Rim Trail hike. My plan is to walk out the front door of my folks cabin in Tahoma covering the 8 miles of paved and dirt road joining the TRT. 

The cool morning air greats me as I step onto my journey. Walking through Tahoma is over quickly as I start a trail winding over to Miller Lake road. Surprisingly this section is nicely paved for the first 3 miles. The grade is gradual as I ease into the dirt section. I recall a wonderful memory thinking back to a day when Carolyn was carrying our first, Joshua. We drove this road in our Toyota 4x4 pickup for a little day trip outing. 

 

The first "lake" of the day, McKinney Lake

McKinney Lake is well on it's way in becoming a meadow, heavily choked with lily pads. 

Lily Lake is named correctly

The road ascends gently revealing another lake desiring to become a meadow. The forest is quiet, providing nice shade making these first 8 miles go by quickly. I reach Miller Lake, enjoying a splendid calm reflective view. 

 

Miller Lake

Three hours into my hike I make the TRT, turning right to make my trek clockwise around the lake. This section is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail, I recognize features as I crossed this section in 2012 while hiking the PCT. 

Dual trail identification PCT and TRT 

Flowers bloom along water sources providing a touch of color in this landscape that is showing dry signs of the end of summer. 

Lush section at a water source. 

About 1130 hrs I arrive at Barker Pass. An easily accessed trail head via a well maintained dirt road. I count 7 vehicles, one is a Tesla, but no people. As I continue on, the trail is still well worn and soft with broken duff, shade is frequent providing a comfortable walk. My first view of Tahoe is McKinney Bay 

McKenney Bay

 

 In a few days I'll be on those mountains 

Water is something I need to replenish, most water sources are meager. I select a adequate little stream and gather 2 liters of water. The intense afternoon mountain sun is now showing itself. Hiking is slightly more difficult with the afternoon heat. The trail ascends close to Twin Peaks and leaves the PCT. I'm now on an un-experienced trail so the excitement begins. 

 

Twin Peaks 

I must confess hiking at this altitude is noticeable as more breath catching stops are required on steeper climbs. I know this will pass quickly as my body adjusts. I can certainly feel the new aches as my body adjusts to hiking and carrying a pack. While seasoned I could do a higher mileage day, I think giving my body a rest after 19 miles is in my best interest. An inviting camp catches my eye, quiet off the trail, and a splendid view of Tahoe. 

 

My first camp north of Twin Peaks

Getting Ready for the Tahoe Rim Trail

After the exciting births of two new grandchildren, Caleb Joshua, (son to Joshua and Toni) and Alistair John, (son to Joyelle and Alex), I find I have some free time on my hands.  I've been planning to tackle the Tahoe Rim Trail, (TRT) for a while so I think now is a good time.  For those that do not realize, the TRT is a high mountain trail that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe.  The trail is 165 miles in length and encompasses part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

My plan is to start this little trek next week, so I'll update the blog when I start

Here is a link to the TRT website.

Overview of the TRT
Link to TRT Website map

An elevation profile I borrowed from Lithic Goods.

I've included a copy of my selected gear for this hike.  Keep in mind this does not include food, (1.25 lbs per day) or water, (2.2 lbs per liter). I'll carry approximately 2 liters on the west side and up to 6 liters on the east, (dry side).  

 

Gear Group	Description	Amt	Wt	WT
PACK	Pack - Osprey EXOS 58 size small			37.0
	Sea to Summit Rain Cover			3.8
	Values in oz                 Sub Total			40.8
SLEEPING	Bag - Big Agnes Pomer Holt - 0º			40.0
	Thern-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad			12.0
	Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry compression sack			3.2
	Sub Total			55.2
SHELTER	Tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur U1 and WP stuff sacks			39.5
	Footprint - BA Copper Spur U3 modified for vestibule + WP sack			8.2
	Sub Total			47.7
CLOTHES WORN	Shirt - Mountain Hardwear Chiller size medium w/permethin			8.7
	Pants - Propper Summer Wt Tactical			12.1
	Underwear - Jockey Polyester			1.3
	Socks - Ininji Toe Outdoor mid weight crew size xlarge			3.3
	Boots - Salewa MS ALP Flow Mid GTX size 10			32.8
	Nike wrist sweat band			0.5
	Hat - REI desert cap			1.5
	Trek Poles - BlackDiamond Contour Elliptic			21.0
	Watch/Compass/Altimiter Casio Pathfinder			2.5
	iPhone 6+ and case			7.7
	Knife - Benchmade 530			1.9
	ID, Credit Cards , Cash			0.5
	Sub Total			93.7
CLOTHES PACKED
	Buff - treated for insects			1.4
	Jacket - Mountain Hardware 850 fill Ghost Whisperer			7.0
	Rain Jacket - Mountain Hardwear  Super Plasmic WP breathable			7.4
	Arcteryx Alpha SL Pants shell			9.0
	Base Layer Shirt -Patagonia Capilene 1 LS size medium			6.0
	Base Layer Pants- Patagonia Capilene 1 size small			4.7
	Socks - Dry Max size large	1	2.6	2.6
	Socks - CoolMax size large	1	1.0	1.0
	Socks - Ininji Toe Outdoor mid weight crew size xlarge	1	3.3	3.3
	Ergodyne Gloves Thinsulate 40g			3.3
	Sub Total			45.7
KITCHEN	Water treatment - Aquamira tablets, as backup			1.0
	Water treatment - Sawyer Squeeze System			3.0
	Lighter - Zip Mini			0.4
	Spoon - Sea to Summit long handle folding			0.3
	Water - Platypus bag 1L	2	1.3	2.6
	Water - Platypus water bottle .5L w/screen for initial filtration			1.8
	Food Storage - Turkey Bag as liner	2	0.5	1.0
	Food Storage - Sea to Summit Ultra Sill Dry Sack 8L			1.1
	Food Storage - Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry Sack 13L			1.4
	Light line to hang food bag			2.0
	Sub Total			14.6
FIRST AID	Zyrtec pills			0.3
	Mole Skin, bandages			0.8
	Silver Hydrofoil - antibiotic			0.3
	Mercurochrome - antibiotic			0.3
	Metronidazole 250 mg - Giardia			0.2
	Tramadol  50mg - moderate pain relief			0.3
	Oxycodone w/APAP - severe pain relief			0.3
	Gold Bond Foot Powder - reduce stickiness of Leukotape			0.8
	Bug repellent			0.8
	Imodium (Loperamide HCL) 2mg - diarrhea			0.3
	Super Glue			0.1
	KT Tape			1.8
	Leukotape			4.3
	Sub Total			10.3
PERSONAL CARE	Soap - Dr. Bonners unscented			1.4
	Toothbrush - travel type			0.5
	Comb			0.3
	Ear Plugs			0.1
	Nail Clippers			0.5
	Pack Towel			0.8
	Sewing kit, safety pins, needles			0.2
	Chapstick unscented doubles as zipper lube			0.1
	Sun Block - stick applied			1.1
	Wet Ones unscented antibacterial for sensitive skin			3.5
	Antibacterial hand cleanser 1 oz			0.8
	ZipLoc Bags, trash and gear storage			1.5
	Toilet Paper			3.0
	Sub Total			13.7
MISCELLANEOUS	Black Diamond Spot Head Lamp			3.3
	Tenacious Tape			0.5
	Bug Head Net - treated w/Permethin			0.8
	Sun Glasses and keepers			0.5
	Reading Glasses			1.2
	Spare Contacts			0.1
	Knife/Multi Plier tool Leatherman CS			1.4
	Paper & pencil			0.2
	Ear buds			0.7
	IPhone Charger 1.0 amp			0.7
	IPhone Charger 2.4 amp			2.4
	IPhone Backup Battery			11.0
	iPhone cables			2.3
	Plug adaptor			1.0
	Therm-A-Rest Zlite seat			2.0
	Ultra Sil Stuff sacks size S	2	0.6	1.2
	Ultra Sil Stuff sack size XS	1	0.5	0.5
	Ultra Sil Stuff sack size XXS		0.4	0.0
	Ultra Sil Mesh Stuff sack size XXS	5	0.3	1.5
	Spare Lithium Batteries AAA	3	0.2	0.7
	Sub Total			32.0
TOTALS	Total weight in LBS of the Essential Three			9.0
	Total base weight in LBS (does not include clothes worn)			16.2
	Total weight for all gear in LBS  (includes clothes worn)			22.10

Gear Group

Description

Amt

Wt

WT

PACK

Pack - Osprey EXOS 58 size small

37.0

Sea to Summit Rain Cover

3.8

Values in oz                 Sub Total

40.8

SLEEPING

Bag - Big Agnes Pomer Holt - 0º

40.0

Thern-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad

12.0

Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry compression sack

3.2

Sub Total

55.2

SHELTER

Tent - Big Agnes Copper Spur U1 and WP stuff sacks

39.5

Footprint - BA Copper Spur U3 modified for vestibule + WP sack

8.2

Sub Total

47.7

CLOTHES WORN

Shirt - Mountain Hardwear Chiller size medium w/permethin

8.7

Pants - Propper Summer Wt Tactical 

12.1

Underwear - Jockey Polyester

1.3

Socks - Ininji Toe Outdoor mid weight crew size xlarge

3.3

Boots - Salewa MS ALP Flow Mid GTX size 10 

32.8

Nike wrist sweat band

0.5

Hat - REI desert cap

1.5

Trek Poles - BlackDiamond Contour Elliptic

21.0

Watch/Compass/Altimiter Casio Pathfinder

2.5

iPhone 6+ and case

7.7

Knife - Benchmade 530

1.9

ID, Credit Cards , Cash

0.5

Sub Total

93.7

CLOTHES PACKED

Buff - treated for insects

1.4

Jacket - Mountain Hardware 850 fill Ghost Whisperer

7.0

Rain Jacket - Mountain Hardwear  Super Plasmic WP breathable

7.4

Arcteryx Alpha SL Pants shell

9.0

Base Layer Shirt -Patagonia Capilene 1 LS size medium

6.0

Base Layer Pants- Patagonia Capilene 1 size small

4.7

Socks - Dry Max size large

1

2.6

2.6

Socks - CoolMax size large

1

1.0

1.0

Socks - Ininji Toe Outdoor mid weight crew size xlarge

1

3.3

3.3

Ergodyne Gloves Thinsulate 40g

3.3

Sub Total

45.7

KITCHEN

Water treatment - Aquamira tablets, as backup

1.0

Water treatment - Sawyer Squeeze System

3.0

Lighter - Zip Mini

0.4

Spoon - Sea to Summit long handle folding

0.3

Water - Platypus bag 1L 

2

1.3

2.6

Water - Platypus water bottle .5L w/screen for initial filtration

1.8

Food Storage - Turkey Bag as liner 

2

0.5

1.0

Food Storage - Sea to Summit Ultra Sill Dry Sack 8L

1.1

Food Storage - Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Dry Sack 13L

1.4

Light line to hang food bag

2.0

Sub Total

14.6

FIRST AID

Zyrtec pills 

0.3

Mole Skin, bandages

0.8

Silver Hydrofoil - antibiotic

0.3

Mercurochrome - antibiotic 

0.3

Metronidazole 250 mg - Giardia

0.2

Tramadol  50mg - moderate pain relief

0.3

Oxycodone w/APAP - severe pain relief

0.3

Gold Bond Foot Powder - reduce stickiness of Leukotape

0.8

Bug repellent

0.8

Imodium (Loperamide HCL) 2mg - diarrhea

0.3

Super Glue

0.1

KT Tape

1.8

Leukotape

4.3

Sub Total

10.3

PERSONAL CARE

Soap - Dr. Bonners unscented

1.4

Toothbrush - travel type

0.5

Comb

0.3

Ear Plugs

0.1

Nail Clippers

0.5

Pack Towel

0.8

Sewing kit, safety pins, needles

0.2

Chapstick unscented doubles as zipper lube

0.1

Sun Block - stick applied

1.1

Wet Ones unscented antibacterial for sensitive skin

3.5

Antibacterial hand cleanser 1 oz

0.8

ZipLoc Bags, trash and gear storage

1.5

Toilet Paper

3.0

Sub Total

13.7

MISCELLANEOUS 

Black Diamond Spot Head Lamp

3.3

Tenacious Tape

0.5

Bug Head Net - treated w/Permethin

0.8

Sun Glasses and keepers

0.5

Reading Glasses

1.2

Spare Contacts

0.1

Knife/Multi Plier tool Leatherman CS

1.4

Paper & pencil

0.2

Ear buds

0.7

IPhone Charger 1.0 amp

0.7

IPhone Charger 2.4 amp

2.4

IPhone Backup Battery

11.0

iPhone cables

2.3

Plug adaptor

1.0

Therm-A-Rest Zlite seat

2.0

Ultra Sil Stuff sacks size S 

2

0.6

1.2

Ultra Sil Stuff sack size XS 

1

0.5

0.5

Ultra Sil Stuff sack size XXS 

0.4

0.0

Ultra Sil Mesh Stuff sack size XXS 

5

0.3

1.5

Spare Lithium Batteries AAA 

3

0.2

0.7

Sub Total

32.0

TOTALS 

 Total weight in LBS of the Essential Three

9.0

 Total base weight in LBS (does not include clothes worn)

16.2

Total weight for all gear in LBS  (includes clothes worn)

22.10