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Matt came up with the idea and got the cabin reservation, but got confused and ended up not going at the same time as the rest of us. Rick was Matt's accomplice in setting everything up, and always ready to accept Matt's explanations. He also had a map, and a local knowledge - he has done the trip before. Bruce was the reliable sound of reason, and a driver in the snow. Pavla tried to get everyone organized and at the same place in the same time, preferably with the right food and the right gear, but forgot about any planning attemps once we hit the road, enjoying every minute of the trip . Patricia had her eyes wide open as she has never been in mountains like this before. She brought some almond milk and did not complain when we got us all lost, even though she could have. Larry was at the remote command center, finding road conditions and alternate directions as we were en route.
First we worried there would be no snow, than we couldn't take the shortest road because it was closed for snow. We drove late into the night through the Sequoia National Park. Fresh snow covering everthing around, including blooming redbuds on the site of the road. Full moon was shining at all of that, and the the big sequoia trees started showing up. Quite magic. Oh yes, it was icy, too, and the road was sort of narrow, and it was getting pretty late... We stayed at the Wuksachi lodge, which turned out to be a great choice, because we started aclimating to the altitude, and we could use every bit of that the next day.
The next day we hiked through the snow covered forest, at first with ease, but after the first mile the trail turns streight up and keeps going up and up and up all the way to The Hump. How we regreted all those hours and years spent sitting in front of the computer screen or drawing board. But we made it and it was worth every gasp for air on the way up.
The Pear Lake cabin is a historical ski hut, and in summers serves as a ranger station. It is little and rustic, but just perfect for what it is. There is no light polution, and the night sky looks nothing like what we see in the Bay Area.
We hiked to the 11 000 feet level the next day, getting great views of the Sierras, and sliding back down on our shoes, what a thrill. We ate really well, and a lot. We didnt' sleep all that well, since one of our cabinmates from UC Riverside was an infamous snorer.
The last day we cleaned up the cabin and hiked back down to the car, this time having no trouble with breathing, it was an easy descend. We stopped to say hi to General Sherman, than managed not to get killed by the crazy person who decided to change lanes right into us on 580.
Larry and the neighbors were all waiting for the jeep to turn into the driveway so that I can drop my backpack in the hall and go straight to Celias for some mexican food and some Margaritas. It is nice to go for adventure, the nicest of all is returning home :-)
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