Aug 7 Armstrong Pass 8,700’

6:49pm I’m a day behind here as yesterday was a blur. A quick recap. I walked the 7.1 miles to Kingsbury S. trail head and arrived a bit after 11am. Char and Blue were waiting so we lost no time and hopped into the car, drove to South Lake Tahoe and stopped at a locals place “Freshies” for lunch. My turkey burger was less than exciting, but Char pronounced her fish tacos “excellent.” Off to the motel where I showered, yes, changed into the town clothes Char had brought. Chores of laundry, picking up needed items and repacking my pack took up time ‘till dinner, which was excellent. As was the beer! An excellent night of sleep, breakfast at IHOP and I was on the trail and walking by 8:30am.

Today was a big up day. In fact of the 13.7 miles I walked by 4:30, 11 of them were up. As in climbing. As in elevation gain. As in up. You get the idea. I’d say I did pretty good with it all, though I did get two small blisters on my left heel. I didn’t get to them in time so the hot spots actually did blister, but not deeply-the first layer of skin only. I hope the climbing I do tomorrow doesn’t aggravate things.

At 8 miles today I passed a very pretty lake, Star Lake. Had I not just taken a second shower this morning I’d of been tempted to take a dip…it wasn’t that cold! Jobs Sister (a peak) was reflected on the water, which made for a nice postcard picture.

What a difference the water situation has been today. There was a creek two miles from the trail head, Star Lake three springs coming here to Armstrong Pass. The pass itself is dry, but tomorrow I’d have another water source in five miles. So I think the worst of the water carrying is over. Oh yea.

Well, it’s getting on to dark so I’d better finish a home for my food so a passing hungry critter doesn’t steal it from me. So far so good! Today’s miles 13.7. Total miles 89.