View from Vermillion Valley Ranch |
I went to bed at 8pm and got up at 7am. 11 hours. Wow, I really must have needed the sleep... Zero miles today (that is why it is called a zero day!) Today was spent eating, doing laundry, eating, reading, trying unsuccessfully to call my wife, eating, sitting by the lake, visiting with other JMT hikers, and finally, eating.
VVR Store and Cafe
Welcome to VVR
Last year I had no issues calling home. This year, I called a dozen times, was able to get through on a few calls, but only for 2-3 seconds. Texts and emails sent OK so my wife and I just settled for that. I met Noah and Katie, a brother and sister team, and Kathy, a solo hiker about my age. It was nice to swap trail stories and plans with them. I sorted through my resupply, charged my batteries and phone, and rested. I have a lot of 12+ mile days planned for the next section so I want to be rested and ready for the challenge.
View from Big Red
VVR Motel rooms
Tomorrow I will have breakfast at VVR, take the ferry back to the Edison Lake Trail, and backtrack to the JMT. I know some folks skip this and take either the Bear Ridge or Bear Creek Trails back to the JMT, but I wanted to experience Bear Ridge on the JMT for at least this first time. After this year perhaps I may take the detour, depending on what happens tomorrow.