The Promised Land

Monday, July 21
Day 9
Sallie Keys Lakes to just passed Evolution Creek Crossing
13.3 miles
 

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” 

― Ernest Hemingway

 All that really matters about today is that I am now in the Evolution Valley area. After dreaming of this place for three years I am finally here! I am camped just a little over quarter mile from the crossing of Evolution Creek. Dreams do come true!
 

The first goal today was to get into Muir Trail Ranch for a resupply. I left camp around 6:20 AM. It was all easy downhill into MTR. My feet were in pain due to the blisters as I began this morning but it quickly subsided as I warmed by body up. I arrived at the ranch a little after 9 AM.  I found the staff to be very nice, especially the girl working in the “bucket building”. I heard rumblings from a few other hikers about this and that in regards to MTR. I think you need to know, before going into MTR, that the only thing that they do for backpackers is resupply, including a small store, everything else there is for the guest. The staff quickly got my bucket for me, and I began the task of sorting it all out.

 The first thing I did was to throw out my two Moroccan Delight dinners, and pick up a bag of Ramen and some instant rice and dehydrated veggies to replace them. I sorted through my food trying to pair it down as much as possible, so I could fit in as much as possible into my bear canister. The hiker hunger has not set in yet, I am hoping it will not. I dropped down to three snacks per day. I do think I ended up bringing one too many dinners. What I did not do was to actually re-plan on my remaining days which I really needed it to.  I also got a quick charge on two camera batteries. Not long enough to fully charge either one though, because the first one is already down to half charge this evening. I may have to start rationing taking photos and videos in order to make it to the end. If worse comes to worse I have a day and a half charge left on my iPhone.

 

Not everything fit in my bear canister so I have a small bag that I will have to hang tonight. I am hoping that it will all be able to fit into my bear canister by tomorrow night. I left a lot of extra food in the hiker barrels once again. I had to leave behind my Rubbermaid bowl and cozy, due to lack of space. Also left behind the hat that I started off with, as the one I got a Reds I seem to like much better. I left the Ranch a little after noon, my original plan had me camping another 2 miles down the trail. Since it was still relatively early when I left I decided to try to make it to the bridge at Goddard Canyon Trail for the night.

 I almost got lost leaving the Ranch, as I thought I was on the wrong trail. I thought I should be more down in the valley following the river, rather than climbing away from the Ranch. Luckily Jesse and Avery came along and assured me that I was going the correct way. As a walked behind them I watched as the gap between us grew larger and larger and soon they are out of sight. Both of them are in their early 20s and both are strong hikers.

 I was having a hard time getting back in the hiker mode after leaving MTR. I was feeling low as I had sent Cade a postcard from the ranch, which got me thinking of him. I also felt like I was hiking really slow!  Actually I didn't feel really slow, but the time came and went as to when I thought I should be rejoin the JMT from the cut off trail.  At 1:30 I ran into a group of people at Piute Pass Bridge, which leads into Kings Canyon National Park. This made me feel better because the bridge is 2 miles past the cut off to rejoin the JMT.  It turns out that I was not so slow after all. I took a dip into the creek. Once you sat on the wet rocks at the rivers edge you had no choice but to slide in and as it was so slippery. I floated on my back for a minute then pulled myself out using holds on the rock. I dried off in the sun and had a snack as I chatted without 8 other hikers gathered here. Not craving food yet, but know that body needs energy so I shoveled it in anyways.

 I pushed on to the San Joaquin River Bridge where I took another 15 minute break or so. Peter’s wife Carter came along and said they were going to take a break at the base of the next climb, then push up it tonight rather than in the morning. Sounded like a good idea to me, but I thought I'd wait until I got the base to make my decision. I found Jesse and Avery with their camp set up just over the Goddard Canyon Bridge, at the base of the climb. I chatted with them for a while as I tried to make up my mind about camping or pushing on. Peter and Carter were already there resting. Since it was only 4:30ish I decided to press on and upwards with those two.

 Carter set a strong pace up 800 foot climb. I was surprised to able to keep up with them. I actually was feeling strong. Before I knew it we had topped out and within 10 minutes where the Evolution Creek Crossing.  I had the biggest smile on my face. This was it! The start of the place that I dreamed about for years. I quickly exchanged my shoes for Crocs and easily made the calf high crossing crossing. My spirits were higher than they had been I'll trip.

Peter and Carter leading the way to The Promised Land

Evolution Creek Crossing

 The three of us, along with another hiker named Ruby, camped about a quarter-mile down the trail

from the crossing, in a small opening. Ruby, another bay area lady was nice enough to allow us to join her here. She was pleasant to talk to and the four of us had a nice evening before turning in just before dark. I had to hang my extra food bag tonight and hope it is still there when I wake in the morning.
 

I think my plan is an easy 10 mile hike to Wanda Lake tomorrow. I plan on taking my time to fully absorb Evolution Valley.  Camping at Wanda Lake will leave me a 3 mile climb up to Muir Pass and the Muir Hut sitting at almost 12,000 feet to start the next day.