Day 18 on the PCT

love my poles

water hole

cuddle time

friends

trucking on

on the trail

Meiss Cabin

OMG, cold morning with a thin layer of ice on the sea to summit water dish! Seems too cold for just 8607 ft, must be the wind and damp air. Goal is a pleasant 10 miles ( mile 1074 to mile 1084) much of it through a beautiful meadow past the headwaters of the Upper Truckee River and the Meiss Cabin. The near proximity of south Tahoe enables many more hikers and equestrian types to share the trail with us. EVERYONE seems to have a dog  that they share their day with. They appeared to be "nice" dogs, no barking or growling. We have lunch at the Carson  Pass ranger station which is jammed packed with day hikers, horses, and dogs! Volunteer docents provide us cold water and we are able to unload our garbage and empty fuel canisters. YES, our packs feel lighter. We make our way to our final camp site at Showers Lake which is mile 1084 and at an elevation of 8559 ft. Campsites are large and level, remember we love those kind! Bill, El and I go for a delightful swim and bask on the sun warmed rocks hugging the lake shore. The "gang of 5" join us, a group of hikers we have shared the trail with since Sonora Pass. We close our day with anticipation and mixed emotions about the ending of a rewarding and breathtaking hike. The raw beauty and simple routine of walking daily down the trail brings me happiness and joy.

fresh water and garbage cans!!

Thanks to Kit Carson!