Monday June 15
A "town day" for hikers means "town food". Today, Willy and I were headed to South Lake Tahoe. We needed to get supplies for the next 105 miles of hiking. Plus, we were going to take an extra day for rest.
Although we were going to "sleep in" an extra hour before hitting the trail, we ended up sleeping only a half hour longer before getting onto the trail. It was just 9 miles to the highway. By 8:30 we could see the lake in the distance.
At highway 50, Willy didn't have phone service; I had marginal service. We were unable to call for a ride. However, when Willy was walking by the highway, a trail angel (Mel) was driving by, saw Willy, and offered us a ride to town! In addition, our friend, "Thermometer", the fellow from Korea, was also in the car!
We stopped at the local outfitters for some supplies and then got a room at the Apex Inn, which was just up the street.
We then had a big breakfast at Bert's Cafe. Nothing tastes better than town food after four days on the trail!
Willy offered to do our laundry while I showered. I then mailed my bear canister home, since it is no longer required. Also, it weighs almost two pounds, so it is weight I won't have to carry any more.
At 4, two of Willy's sisters arrived, Carmen and Alice, along with Larry, Carmen's husband.
We went for dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe at Harvey's Casino. We had a great meal and amazing dessert! Everyone was interested in our adventure and lots of stories were shared.
I really like everyone in Willy's family. We plan to have breakfast together tomorrow and they offered to take me to a shoe store as well. I thought my shoes would last 800 miles, but the Sierra granite and volcanic rock have already worn holes in my shoes.
I just love town days like this!
