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* Shelly’s fifth log of her hike …
Shelly Skye has sent more to the Fast Track To Work Office with a continuation of her experience on her hike this summer.
Day 18
1:01 pm
Shuttle bus between Independence and Bishop
Started hiking this am at 7:23. Amazingly enough I got to the top of the pass at 9:23 am. Only two hours to hike 4 miles uphill! Dang. Chatted friendly with some young men on top but didn’t stay long as I wanted to give myself time to manage the logistics of the latter part of the day. Off I went, down, down, down for the next five miles. One guy asked me if I had helium in my pack, I was coming down the mountain so fast.
I got down (it’s HOT) to the parking lot, washed my hair and cleaned up a bit at the pump by the bathroom. Then a guy came by who was checking out the trailhead for future hikes. We chatted for a while there. He gave me a ride down the hill. Once down he dropped me off at the food mart to ask about the shuttle to Bishop. The store guy said, “The shuttle stops at that pole right outside the store and it will be here in fifteen minutes.” I said, “Do you have an ATM?” and the guy pointed to the machine right to the right of when I was standing. I got money, snack food and went out to wait for the shuttle. In no time I’m sitting aboard an air-conditioned shuttle bus to Bishop. What did I say about things working out for me? Unbelievable.
5:35 pm
I’m at Jack’s Restaurant and Bakery in Bishop. I’ve showered, washed my clothes, talked to Dena, Alicia and Angela. I’ve done the initial work of repairing my feet and I’ve got a big, queen-size bed in an air-conditioned room to return to tonight. After dinner I’m going to return to my room, flip on the tube and watch the weather channel to see what may be happening in the next week or so. From here in Bishop it looks like huge storm clouds over the mountains. The Rae Lakes ranger told me there is a tropical storm that is bringing a different kind of storm to the mountains. I want to see for myself. It will be incredibly lucky if I am able to miss this storm pattern when I get back out there. But I’ve had nothing but luck yet. We’ll see.
Day 19
11:12 am
Well, I’ve been taking care of business today. Cleaning and repairing gear, re-supplying band-aids, duct tape and other essential stuff. I haven’t tackled my bear canister yet. It is gonna be a funky job …I’ll leave it for after my afternoon nap!?
I’m going to wander off downtown to window shop and keep my legs/feet from getting stiff.
Day 20
I’ve come to think of my little motel room here in Bishop as camp 112 (room #), a temporary base camp before I go back and tackle the final two passes and Whitney Summit. Of course, they are the toughest ones and I hope my R&R hasn’t taken the edge off of my strength. I know my feet feel better so that should make all the difference.
Saw Steve yesterday in downtown Bishop. He’s the retired CDF guy whose retirement gift to himself was the JMT. He and Allen, the guy I swapped bear canisters with, completed the trail 2 days ago. They said the Whitney Summit was a breeze for them, just walked right up. I guess with all the hiking at high altitude it would make the 14,000+ summit a breeze. I hope it will be the same for me.
Later today I get to see people from home. Dena, Becky, and Anne S. from school are all convening on Bishop/Onion Valley and we’ll hang together this afternoon and evening. Then, first light I’m off to Kearsarge Pass and the JMT. Five or six days and I’m done.
11:47 am
Talked with Marty regarding my car and he thinks the problem is likely the fuel filter. That was my guess but it’s always nice to talk to the experts. I hope that cures the problem.
I’m back at Jack’s eating that Grilled Chicken Salad I’ve fallen in love with here in Bishop. Last time for a salad till I get out…who knows? I might come back for this!
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