June 18th, 2016
Miles Hiked: 19
Start Location: Mile 864
End Location: Vermillion Valley Resort
End Location GPS: 37.37646, -119.01302
We were up again before sunrise to get an early start on our way to Vermillion Valley Resort. We opted to take the longer alternate instead of the ferry because we were afraid we wouldn’t make it on time to catch the boat.
The day started well cresting Seldan pass, the easiest one so far, even though there was still quite a bit of snow, especially on the north side. We were treated to early dawn light over the lake we were camped at with an overlook of snowy peaks hovering above it.
We did our toughest ford yet of Bear Creek River. It was deep (up to my crotch) and flowing fast. We stupidly opted to do it bear foot and keep our shoes dry, which was a huge mistake. Near the end of the ford Carolyn lost her footing and slipped halfway into the river. I grabbed her arm and pulled her as hard as I could upright, my adrenaline pumping and heart racing, and dragged her to the shore.
She got banged up a bit on her legs, a few scrapes and some bruises from the rocks, but she was okay. It could have been a lot worse. Shoes on from here on out. They dry quickly.
We are at the “resort” now, camped in our tent. There are a lot of hikers here. It was fantastic getting a cooked meal and cold beers. Only a day and a half to Reds Meadow to hitch into Mammoth Lakes for a proper town stop. It’s been a crazy six days and I’m really ready for a hot shower and soft bed.
