TRT Mile 89.5 to 107.5

I wake to pee in the night and find a crystal-clear star-filled sky. The threat of more rain seems over, but the damage is done. Everything is soaking wet. Inside the tent condensation and contact seepage has significantly moistened my 20 degree down quilt.

We are a tad slow getting around, hoping in vain that our gear will magically dry. Alas, we pack up wet, and head out by 7:30am. We hope to dry things later before the predicted rains return.

The rain has knocked down the Yosemite fire smoke, improving our vistas. The trail becomes more rocky, or technical as mountain bikers like to say. We have plenty of time to discuss it with them, as they pass us in both directions. Kevin knew there would be plenty of mountain bikers, but seems surprised at just how many is plenty. Most are polite and not nearly as annoying as the now threatening clouds.

We break for lunch near a trickle of water, and spread out our gear to dry. Daniel makes us salami and gouda on tortillas, as we squeeze water through our Sawyer filters. Just as our tents and bags approach relative dryness, it begins to rain. We scramble to pack up and begin walking. It rains off and on for the rest of the day.

We stop briefly at Big Meadows campground to enjoy a seated, if pitted, toilet before pressing on 3 more miles. Brian points out more than once that 18 miles is too much for our first full day. He also shares his frustration that we are camping at lakes, but arriving in the rain, and very late in the day.

Round Lake

We find a semi-flat still-kinda-wet site in the trees on the north side of Round Lake. We startle away a doe and her two spotted fawns. Brian, Daniel and I have Indian Curry and rice. Kevin keeps nibbling from his Keto filled bear cannister, but claims nausea, which has me worried.

The sky appears to be clearing, and for now our gear is dry. Tomorrow will be an even longer 21.5 mile day, with more significant elevation. If our gear stays dry, I am hoping for an earlier start.