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

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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