Here comes the Pancake
Express! (Scott got so excited
that he got his finger in the
picture.)
"Let's quit our jobs
and just stay out
here!" says Amy.
We had gone 8 days without a shower and we were in a bad state. I think I smell spicy, a bit like spaghetti sauce. Scott says Schilling will never bottle it.
We hiked the remaining miles to Lake Edison. A ferry from Vermillion Valley Resort comes twice a day to pick up passengers. We were early for the morning shuttle, but took advantage of the warm flat rocks and basked in the sun. Time passed quickly, and soon the ferry arrived. It was a beautiful ride across the lake.
Upon arriving at the resort, we were ushered into the dining room where we were faced with the difficult choice of eggs and toast or pancakes. [All of the above worked for me--Scott] There were even bagels and cream cheese. The orange juice, I was informed by our waiter, Bob, was not freshly squeezed, but freshly poured. It sounded like heaven to me and it was.
After sating ourselves, we checked into our accommodations, took showers, did laundry and visited with other hikers. This place is a hub for PCT and JMT hikers as well as fishermen, campers and assorted locals. What fun!
We assessed our progress and figured we would hopefully arrive in Tuolumne Meadows on Sunday afternoon, still 60 miles to the north. As I was scheduled to be back at work on Monday morning, this was cutting it pretty close...too close as we finally decided. We decided to hang around at Vermillion Valley Resort, relax, eat pie (which is outstanding, especially the peach) and let these kind people pamper us.
The evening chef tries to offer one vegetarian entree and this night it was marinated portabella mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes. The chef and waitress, Aaron and Erin, (imagine that) a couple from Michigan, were spending their second summer in the Sierras working and hiking on their days off. Aaron is a fabulous cook and Erin a great waitress. All the staff and the owners of this remote resort, Butch and Peggy, made our stay fun.
Everyone gathers at the campfire at night where many a tall tale is told, complete with guitar playing and lots of laughter. The place reminded me of summer camp for adults. This was a great ending to our hike.
Julie came and picked us up on Saturday. The drive was 6 hours from Sacramento and we were grateful for her never-ending spirit of generosity not just that day, but throughout the entire two months. No request was too much. She went out of her way again and again to replace broken equipment or to buy different food usually at a moment's notice. What a great friend! We couldn't have done this trip without her and we will be forever grateful.
Just as she arrived, who showed up but David and Sam! (the Jesus Freaks) They had taken another break and had met up with us again. It was great to see them again and we had a good time chatting.
Well, folks, here were at the end of our journey. Thanks for all of your emails and questions for the hikers, funny stories, and jokes. We loved hearing from each of you (EVEN from the person who thinks I'm a wimp.) It kept us going during the tough times.
Watch for our book of these experiences soon to be published under the title: "Hiking with Your Spouse in the Community Property State."