June 24th
Leaving camp we climbed higher on the ridge, reminded that we were near civilization (the nearby town of Mammoth Mtn) by the several trail runners out with their dogs. We had ever expanding views of Shadow Lake, Banner and Ritter peaks and the rest of the Minarets.
Our breakfast break at Thousand Island Lake was brief as the mossies were in attack mode once again, not leaving me enough time to count all the islands, but I think the claim of 1,000 is overstated.
Something left over from one of the recent town stops was requiring John to make frequent pit stops, slowing him down a bit. On our way to Donahue pass we caught up to Steady, who was joined in this section by Spirit and was allowing a couple extra days to savor the scenery.
Donahue was mostly clear of snow and was a fairly easy walk up. This pass marks the entrance to Yosemite and is considered by many to be the exit of the “high Sierra.” We looked back at the mountains feeling a mixture or accomplishment, awe and relief. The roller coaster ride we had just come through was exciting and tiring. Knowing that there is little ahead to match it makes me feel a little sad to be leaving this country. Still, I am anxious to be moving on. And at 2pm, with 13 miles to go I am anxious to get to Tuolumne before the store closes.
But the scenery was something to savor.
We moved fast through Lyle Canyon, stopping only once for a very brief break. The scene is very “pastoral” with a delightful stream meandering through green meadows, deer grazing and snow capped granite peaks receding in the distance. Its a place to linger, but not the time to linger so we press on intent on beer and ice cream, breezing past many weekend hikers out with their oversized packs puffing up the pass.
We arrive just before 7pm to find that the store is open till 8. Plenty of time; wishing that we had taken some of it on the trail. The non- stop hike took its toll on the feet. They are sore and tired and looking forward to a day’s rest tomorrow. We find campsite A8, reserved by Gordon and Sue and where too many hikers to name are camped out. We add our tent to the “tent city” that has sprung up.
