Trail provides

The hype surrounding Tuolumne Meadows was huge. We were told it was "God's address" or it was the best place ever... Etc. 

It was beautiful, however, between the massive amount of people, expensive food, and lack of fixes for our Sawyers, I was a little bitter. But we found Aquamira, and we decided to share that until we could find something better. 

Yosemite overall was tough. We left Tuolumne and Yosemite showed us its true beauty. There were waterfalls and domes everywhere. 

After the first day, the trail took us away from the valley and towards the hills. It started going straight up, then straight down. Over and over again. We learned why it does that. The in house ranger can tell you why!

SMOKEY: hey folks! So here's a little history on the Yosemite trails. When the park was originally established, congress had a difficult time controlling activities within the park borders. In order to maintain the integrity of the area the Calvary was sent in to regain control. While the army was inhabiting the area they built much of the trail system that is used today. These trails, however, were not made for hikers. They went from water sources and grazing in the most direct route possible to keep the horses healthy. This is why the trails traverse canyons in the most brutal way possible for hikers. 

A couple days of up downs and we were all a little tired. We were getting ready to leave Yosemite. Just up one hill and we would be free. But then it rained. So much. It got to the point where we were no longer avoiding puddles. We were going straight through them. But the wildflowers were putting on a show for us. 

We left Yosemite and hit 1000 miles! Soaked and tired we set up camp. But only one more day till town! 

We woke up begrudgingly and headed out. Our goal was just to make it to Sonora but the PCT had a surprise for us. We went straight up this mountain and found an amazing day. 

We found ourselves on a ridge with mountains on both sides. We could see the high Sierras in the distance. It was a goodbye to the Sierras. 

We saw all the views. Rolling green hills and rocky mountains greeted us at every turn. It was insane.

We came down into Sonora to find some trail magic and a ride to Northern Kennedy Meadows. We got our packages and started to look for a campsite, and as always the trail provided. This family invited us into their camp, and a good old celebration commenced. We played corn hole, ate roasted veggies, and in general had a wonderful time. 

When we woke up they made us pancakes and fixed our Sawyer. In general gave us the love and generosity you can only get from families. 

They took us to the trail, and let me stay an extra night to recuperate and drove me to Bridgeport to catch a bus to Tahoe, where I would meet up with Emily and Nathan again. It was an 80 mile round trip. The generosity on the trail never ceases to surprise me. We remember this family as Camp Awesome because of all the awesomeness they gave us.