There is a lake very deep within the core of the Earth called Lake Thomas Edison. On this lake is a mysterious place called Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) which can only be reached by a never ending descent of thousands of switchbacks followed by a boat ride. Once VVR is achieved, exit seems improbable. VVR is a place of steaks, burritos, seafood, and pie, as well as laundry, showers, and bonfires. For those who survive the journey, it is a happy land.
Our legs are hammered, but Tourist, Smiles, Wash Out and I are here!
I had a good day today. I walked with Smiles and Wash Out, and we finally caught up to Tourist at the ferry dock. We left camp around 7 and quickly knocked out the climb up to Selden Pass at 10,900 ft. From Selden Pass, we had a lovely descent past a huge lake and Bear Creek. We stopped for lunch along Bear Creek where I cooked my last Pasta Roni dinner, banking on making the 4:45 ferry to VVR. After lunch, we cranked out a steep climb before beginning the tortuous descent to the VVR turnoff. It was another beautiful day, and scenery reminded me of the eastern slopes of the Cascades. We're not in the alpine anymore, but it's still gorgeous. unfortunately, my camera is still acting up, so I wasn't able to get many pics.
VVR seems great. The ferry ride was fun. Wash Out and I were waiting in the wrong place and would have missed the boat if it weren't for Smiles who came running for us. Thank you, Smiles! it would have been a long hike around the lake or a brutal night without food. We're currently camped outside the resort and tentatively planning to zero tomorrow. My parents sent a box with four days worth of food to the resort. The original plan was to make it to Tuolumne (Yosemite!) with this food, but I think I'm going to split it with Wash Out, and then we'll both resupply at a small store right off the trail in Reds Meadow in two days. It's hard to turn down a chance to leave town with only two days of food!
Sitting in front of a fire now....life is good! Have a great evening!
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