Mile 1153 to 1144

Tinker Knob

Because Sherrie and Chuck took such great care of us yesterday, our chores are complete. We can actually enjoy a leisurely morning. I sleep in until 6am, then make my first of several runs at the breakfast buffet. It is open from 6 to 10, so I have to pace myself. Between feeding frenzies, I sort and pack my gear and food. We check snow depth reports, weather forecasts and recent Facebook posts. Based on current conditions we clear ourselves for lift off. Once the buffet closes for good, we saddle up and walk to town.

We have eaten so much we cannot even think about lunch, but the distinct sound of milkshakes can be heard calling our names. We find the poor things at Burger Me, and warm them in our bellies. At the burger joint we meet a guy from Reno who offers to take us to the trailhead, if we are still there when he finishes eating. We are and he does.

Sugar Bowl

We arrive at the trailhead 5 minutes after BLT and DC. We hike from the Sugar Bowl ski resort parking lot at about 7,000 feet, up and over Tinker Knob, which is about 8,700 feet. There are quite a few day hikers enjoying a Sunday stroll under the chair lifts. They eventually thin out, and we have the trail to ourselves. There are a few snow traverses on the north side, but nothing we can’t handle.

We descend and find a campsite by a stream. It feels good to be back on the trail.

Snowy Ridge