DAY 4
Just after having to departing Alex we had the most difficult day in terms of mileage and elevation. With a huge push to camp, we opted for a route down to the creek to get water and to get the elevation out of the way. It was not until we arrived at camp that I had realized I forgot my fleece, my only warm layer, with the trail angels some 20+ miles away. If it was not for he generous offering from Prophet Sticks and the coordination with Noëlle and Daniel, Shivers would have froze his ass off the whole trip.
DAY 5
DAY 6
On our way around South Lake the route took us past the Kingsbury Grade, the highway that takes you into Nevada. We stopped at one of the weirdest BBQ/Casino spots I have ever been too. The waiters really wanted nothing to do with us stinky hikers and gave us so much sass, I figure we probably desereved it. We filled ourselves with the most glutenous BBQ Pork, Brisket, French Fries and plenty of Dr. Pepper. It was also our first chance to "shower" all week, we took over the bathroom and took sink showers. We felt like kings.
Even kings though, suffer from food comas. We ended up in the neighboring parking lot and become hysterical as we let our stomachs turn the BBQ into fuel. We stayed there for at least an hour, laughing and playing around, as well as getting ready for the next climb. The next hill would take us to Star Lake. When we started our hike we projected 5 miles but the extra weight the feast added to us made it feel like 10 miles. With storms threatening in the Desolation Wilderness on the horizon, we made it to the beautiful Star Lake at sunset.
DAY 7
What better way to start the day than a skinny dip into beautiful Star Lake. Freezing cold, infinitely refreshing.
Our trek for the day would take us over Freel pass where we had our next nature curveball. As runners started to pass us for a ongoing ultramarathon, it began to snow on us! The weather treated us to a new perspective on the rim. We bundled up and just let the snow fall. It was such an amazing morning.
It was not until our lunch when I told Gavin I couldnt wait to see Noëlle, that we decided to race down the hill to see who would be the first to meet her. Sprinting down the trail, passing mountain bikers and hikers alike, we were flying through the snow.
I was so happy to meet Noëlle on the trail and we got to hike the snowy path together. We took our time and descended down to our final rest at Big Meadows trailhead. It was there we decided to head in to town. Noëy and I took our new friends, Turtle Catcher and his family, to their hotel. We then picked up the crew and headed down to the Tahoe Pizza Company where we laughed our asses off as we filled ourselves with pizza. We decided that night that the next day we would take a zero and stay in town. We pitched our tents for the night just off the trail and awaited the arrival of my folks for a resupply.
DAY 8 AND 9
Our Zero Day started with a resupply from my parents, Stephanie and Laurence. We were also joined by Autumn and friends! When we decided to really kick off our zero day, we started out by getting our gear all set up and resupplied, then headed to get some brunch with the family.
After a sandwich and a beer we headed to the only motel that had openings,or that would take stinky hikers, the Motel 6. We set up in our motel, watched some cable movies and played cambio for the day. After some dinner and a great rest we were ready for Desolation Wilderness and the final stretch of the trail, refreshed and ready to kick some ass.
DAY 10
We took this day full of joy and thankfulness. With the support from our family and loved ones during our rest day and resupplies, I felt like I had a new perspective on the trip. I felt as I had been given an incredible privilege to exist on the trail and only had to focus on the path ahead. It was an afternoon I wont forget soon. This was by far the most impactful day for me while on the rim. Showers Lake and the beauty of the mountains that surrounded us, inspired me to later bring Noëlle and others to the beautiful place.
We made our way just shy of Desolation Wilderness and camped out next to the chalet of a closed snow sledding hill. We were ready for the next big push into the famous wilderness that lay ahead of us.
DAY 11
Today we entered the Desolation Wilderness, a rugged alpine terrain, an area of subalpine and alpine forests, jagged granitic peaks, and glacially formed valleys and lake basins. Hundreds of lakes dot the landscape and we passed more than I could count. We cruised through the heart of it along the PCT and took the opportunity to jump into Lake Aloha. Perfect day on the trail.
With dirt on my feet
and with my head turned skyward
Snow peaks I am here.
After the dip into the jewel that is Lake Aloha, our next task was to tackle Dicks Pass. At +9300 ft we had to slowly climb the mountain. We took in some of the best views of the entire trip on our way to to the top.
We did our best skiing down the backside of Dicks Pass. Icy snow allowed us to jump and slam our feet into the snow and then slide down the hill. A few spills on our asses and some good laughs and we made our way to camp right next to Dicks Lake. Our Desolation Wilderness day was perfect. The next day we would make our way into the edge of the Granite Chief Wilderness.
DAY 12
Passing through the last stretch of Desolation, we were greeted by more scenic views of the Rubicon trail and had a friendly rattlesnake join us just before lunch. We camped that night at Barker Pass. Barker Pass would mark our entrance into the Granite Chief Wilderness and the conclusion to our trip.
DAY 13
The Granite Chief Wilderness was striking and challenging. With Twin peaks being our final summit, switchbacks for hours and a threatening thunderstorm, sent us off into the final stretch of the trail by taking us down the watershed of Ward Creek. The meadow and valley gave us little trouble. We would clean ourselves in the creek one last time before returning to Tahoe City.
Finishing the trail where we started 175+ Miles later
Prophet Sticks, Mr. Lost, Space Ranger Shivers, The Navigator
The Tahoe Rim Trail was a challenging yet inspiring trip around the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada. Over 175 miles hiked, 27,903 ft climbed. Each of us were pushed to our limits and then had to surpassed those limits. I will never forget the moments and memories I made with my brothers. Each one of us returned to our lives to go on our own paths in life. Here one day soon we will be on the trail together again going for another beautiful through-hike.
