Tag: PCT Northern California

  • Day 85 – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Day 85 – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Friday, July 17. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 80s.

    Up at 7:00. Breakfast with Maui at Donner Ski Ranch. I met Maui 2 days ago. He’s about 10 years older than me and hiked the AT in 2022. Good guy. We bunked together last night as well. He only does 10-13 miles a day. I should see him again in Sierra City.

    On trail at 9:30 and crossed over Donner Summit.

    Day 85 Donner Ski Ranch
    Day 85 Donner Pass

    Donner Lake and Truckee

    Day 85 Donner Lake

    Cal Trans mountain climbing and repelling training. Very cool.

    Day 85 Cal Trans Staff Training
    Day 85 Cal Trans Staff Training

    Abandoned railroad avalanche sheds now pedestrian trail. I think this is where the film crew was filming.

    Day 85 Old Avalanche Shed
    Day 85 Old Avalanche Shed

    Crossed under Interstate 80.

    Day 85 Crossing Under I-80
    Day 85 Crossing Under I-80

    Summited Castle Pass (7,929 feet) at 1:25.

    Day 85 Castle Pass

    Lunch at 1:20 and 7.7 miles at Peter Grubb Hut. Back on trail at 2:30.

    Reached camp at 6:45 and 16 miles. Very nice camp sites next to a dirt road. Another group of 6 arrived at 8:00. I met them a couple of times today and have run across a few of them in the past. They made a campfire since someone left us a stack of firewood.

    Day 85 Camp
    Day 85 Campfire

    If my left Achilles was not slowing me down, I could be doing 20-mile days. Tomorrow is all downhill, so I may put that to the test. I would like to get within 6-8 miles of Sierra City so that I can get into town early on Sunday.


    Day 85 Map – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Technical Notes:

    • Fried egg 90
    • Ham 120
    • Cheese potatoes 300
    • OJ 300
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Protein Mac and Cheese: 400 cal, 20g protein 
    • Tuna w Oil: 140 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 16
    • Time: 9:10
    • Up: 3186
    • Down: 2165
    • Calories consumed: 3600
    • Calories burned: 3073
    • iPhone battery used: 40%
  • Day 84 – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    Day 84 – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    Thursday, July 16. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 70s. 

    Up at 7:00. On trail at 8:00.

    Hiked through the Granite Chief Ski Area overlooking Lake Tahoe.

    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area
    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area
    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area

    Tinker Knob ascent is as tough but great views.

    Day 84 Tinker Knob
    Day 84 Tinker Knob

    Summited Tinker Knob at 11:50. 

    YouTube 360 View From Tinker Knob Plus

    The trail to Donner Pass leads that way.

    Day 84 Trail

    That last 5 miles was insanely rocky. My feet are mad!

    Day 84 Rocky Trail

    Hiked through the Donner Ski Area.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort
    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort
    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort

    Arrived at Donner Ski Ranch at 3:20. Free 40oz 8.5% beer for PCT hikers.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Ranch Free 40oz Beer

    Ran into the tramily that I have not seen since before Yosemite! Made my day. They are taking a triple zero in Truckee.

    Day 84 The Extended Tramily

    Me, Yelnats, Infinity, Jacob, Bonk, Niaal, Chinchilla.

    The road and parking lot were packed and there was a huge police presence. Apparently, they have been filming an episode of Mr. and Mrs. Smith for the last week here.

    The bunk room was clean and comfortable. Room, shower, and laundry for $40.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Ranch Bunk Room

    Ate a ton of food and had quite a few adult beverages. There are a lot of hikers here this evening. 

    I’ll grab breakfast here at 8:00 tomorrow morning before hitting the trail. Just 2.5 more days to Sierra City where I will ship this damn Bear can home!


    Day 84 Map – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Egg rolls
    • Pizza
    • Triple layer chocolate cake
    • Adult beverages 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 14.3
    • Time: 7:22
    • Up: 2661
    • Down: 3735
    • Calories consumed: lots 
    • Calories burned: 2425
    • iPhone battery used: 35%
  • Day 83 – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    Day 83 – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    Wednesday, July 15. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 70s. Humid.

    Up at 6:45. On trail at 7:55.

    Stopped at a trailhead parking lot at 2.7 miles for a picnic table and a pit toilet. Yey!

    Walking through lots of wildflower meadows all day.

    Day 83 walking In Wildflowers

    Lake Tahoe view at 11:00 and good cell service.

    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View
    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View
    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View

    Split from the Tahoe Rim Trail after 50 miles at 12:15. The PCT angles northwest from here.

    Lunch at 12:45 and 9.3 miles. Decent cell service overlooking Tahoe. As I was leaving, Bonk walked by. She told me that Bobbie, Chinchilla, Niaal, and a few others are behind her about 1/2 a day. I thought they were all well ahead of me. They took 3 days in Yosemite which explains things. They are getting off at Donner and doing quad-zero in Truckee.

    Hiked by and through a ski area in the mid afternoon.

    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area

    Reached camp at 6:00. The last 2 miles of ascent were steep and brutal. I camped right next to a babbling stream and wildflower meadow.

    Day 83 Camp by Stream and Meadow

    Better day today. My feet don’t hurt as much and I met new people and old friends. Plus I only have 13.5 miles to the Donner Ski Ranch tomorrow for free beer, good dinner and a bed!

    Day 83 Map – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Ben’s Rice Cold Soak: 250 kcal, 54g carb, 1g fat, 6g protein 
    • Tuna w Oil: 140 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g protein 
    • Fritos 200
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 18
    • Time: 10:06
    • Up: 3717
    • Down: 2598
    • Calories consumed: 3300
    • Calories burned: 3466
    • iPhone battery used: 25%
  • Day 82 – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Day 82 – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Tuesday, July 14. Mid-50s and clear going up to low 70s. Chance of rain in the afternoon.

    Up at 7:40. Dried my tent from the rain last night. Brad hiked by as I was finishing packing. We chatted a bit. He is pushing big miles and should be in Sierra City Saturday morning. One full day ahead of me. I may run into Margarita at Donner Ski Ranch. She gets back on trail today. On trail at 8:45.

    Nice view of Dick’s Lake at .33 miles into the day.

    Day 82 Dick’s Lake

    Summited Dick’s Pass (9,400 feet) at 9:10. It’s mostly downhill the rest of the day. 

    Stopped for water at Middle Velma Lake at 11:15. Possibly the last water for 10 miles, although I’ll be surprised if I don’t run into something after all the rain last night. I’m carrying 2 liters from here to be safe plus I’m cooking rice for lunch later on.

    Day 82 Middle Velma Lake

    Had lunch at 1:00 and finished drying my tent.

    Exited Desolation Wilderness at 3:25.

    Day 82 Exit Desolation Wilderness

    Made camp at 5:55 and 17.2 miles. No cell service. Two female hikers also camped here about the time I finished dinner and got into my tent at 7:30.

    I’m using my USB-powered fan. It’s been humid and stagnant the last 2 days. I love this fan. It’s a lifesaver in the humid mid-Atlantic and coming in handy here in NorCal.

    Day 82 Fan in Tent

    Feet are still hurting and I’m still struggling. Will see if this gets better by the weekend. I did not make my planned mileage yesterday (3 miles short) or today (1.5 miles short), but I should still get to Donner Ski Ranch on Thursday. I’ll get there for dinner instead of lunch.

    Day 82 Map – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Technical Notes:

    • Quest birthday cake bar: 190 cal, 20g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Ben’s Rice Cold Soak: 250 kcal, 54g carb, 1g fat, 6g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 200
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g protein 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 17.2
    • Time: 9:09
    • Up: 1775
    • Down: 3763
    • Calories consumed: 3420
    • Calories burned: 2848
    • iPhone battery used: 30%
  • Day 81 – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Day 81 – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Monday, July 13. Mid-50s and cloudy going up to low 70s. Chance of rain in the afternoon and evening.

    Up at 8:30. 

    Today is Andrea’s birthday. This is the second time I’ve been in the middle of a thru-hike on the anniversary of her birthday. They don’t get easier 

    Andrea

    I have a 5-day food carry with a break at Donner Ski Resort on the fourth day. 

    Down from size 38 to size 32 pants. Yay!

    On trail at 11:00.

    Ran into Big Dog and the pups. I haven’t seen them in several weeks.

    Drizzle and humid this morning.

    Desolation Wilderness at 12:25

    Day 81 Entering Desolation Wilderness

    Aloha Lake.

    Day 81 Aloha Lake
    Day 81
    Day 81
    Day 81
    Day 81

    The PCT overlaps the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) for 50 miles.

    Day 81 PCT Overlaps TRT

    Camp at 6:00 and 13.4 miles. Got my tent set up just before the thunderstorm let loose. Perfect timing.

    Feet hurt today and Achilles started hurting on the uphill climb starting at about 11 miles. Hopefully, things get better over the next week as my body gets used to being back on trail.

    Watched West Wing downloads while having dinner and avoiding rain in my tent.

    Day 81 Map – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Technical Notes:

    • Sausage McMuffin with egg 480
    • Hash brown 150
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Quest birthday cake bar: 190 cal, 29g protein 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 2
    • Miles: 13.4
    • Time: 7:30
    • Up: 2841
    • Down: 1365
    • Calories consumed: 3000
    • Calories burned: 2897
    • iPhone battery used: 20%