Before July 12th's Spot came in I received a phone call from Dave. What a nice surprise. They have hiked to within a mile and a half of Donohue Pass. This Pass is at PCT mile 929.5. They've stopped at PCT mile 928. See PCT Half Mile map California Section H page 25.
They had to stop early today because clouds were forming, it looked like a storm could be brewing, and they heard thunder. The guys were afraid of the weather turning worse and didn't want to be caught on top of the Pass with the storm, so they set up camp before the rain came. As it happened, the storm did not arrive, but they were safe and sound in their camp. They can use the rest because they had a day full of up hills and down hills (or is it up mountains and down mountains?).
Dave's Thermarest has gotten a hole it it. The hole is so small that he can't find it to repair it, but leaks so that he has to refill with air every two or three hours. That does not make for a good night sleep. They will be able to resupply tomorrow when they reach Tuolumne Meadows. That is about a 14 mile hike, but it's going to be an easier walk - no more big ups and downs. Dave is hoping that in Tuolumne Meadows they also carry sleeping pads. I'll send him mine, but he won't get that for four or five more days. Tomorrow he'll receive a package with fuel and new maps.
Besides his sleeping pad, Dave talked about the mosquitoes and his heavy pack. He's decided to send home a few more items that he feels is unnecessary. He's been waring a smaller pack around his waist to hold little items he touches throughout the day, like snacks, camera, suntan lotion, etc. That pack is coming home. He's working at dropping backpack weight! He's also mentioned the body weight he's lost. He said that sitting anywhere is hard because he is all bones! He is happy that his feet are still doing well.
A question was asked by one of his friends about fishing, has Dave had the chance to fish along the way. This area is wonderful for fishing, but there has been no fishing. I've asked Dave if I can bring him his rod, but he keeps talking about weight, weight, weight. He's decided he doesn't want the weight of the rod and the fishing gear. He is making plans to take me back there hopefully next year and fish as many of these lakes as he can. I'll meet him in Tahoe (Echo Lake) around his birthday (July 18th) and will just happen to have his rod and gear with me. Hopefully he'll be able to find the energy to enjoy some relaxing fishing.
I'll hear from him again tomorrow and will pass it on to all of you.
Trail Angel Jane.
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