Today is exciting. I’ve figured out what I want to do. I’m going to flip to Truckee and start either at the freeway intersection or around there. I’ve heard the snow is much more manageable and I won’t need anything more than spikes and trekking poles.
It started storming here, though. Which makes getting around, not more difficult, but a little gross. Rain can be problematic. Especially when you leave your rain shell at your friend’s.
I walked to a business supply store to ship off my bear canister, ice axe, and micro spikes. It was surprisingly affordable considering the bulk of all three together. I did stick the crampons inside the bin, but still! And the shop was super progressive with rainbow flags and a trans man working the front counter. He was so freaking efficient at his job. I’m used to shipping places bumbling around and experimenting. He just took my items, found the perfect box, and had it taped up and labeled within minutes.
I then walked back to Lina’s to get my rain shell, just in time for it to stop raining for a bit. It’s good to have anyway, though. Actually, it’s critical. If I get caught in rain, my puffer jacket won’t insulate or warm, so that shell is imperative.
On my way from Lina’s, I stopped at the mountaineering store to get new microspikes. The post office lost my previous ones when I sent them back to Beth. I found a pair for a decent price. I hope they’re good.
As I was walking from the mountaineering store to camp, someone pulled up and shouted “Hey Minstrel!” It was Twist and Head Start! They rented a car to get around and gave me a ride back. It ended up they were getting a ride to Tahoe with Mini Chimi and her parents. We all finally exchanged info. They later invited me to dinner at a spot with Mini Chimi and her parents.
It ends up her parents live about 1/4 mile from my dad! It was a really enjoyable dinner even though my dish, a “deconstructed chicken pot pie” was so unpalatable I had to send it back. For something to be so bad that hiker hunger won’t claim it…yikes. The staff was gracious though and, aside from that one issue, it was a wonderful dinner.
Then it was a short walk to my campsite and I zonked out so hard.