Why do the bugs wake up just when I want to get up and going? I think they all have a personal hatred of Replay and myself. Due to this little problem we both opted for a cold quick breakfast. Since we were off an running early this morning we agreed to meet at Sparkling Pond and assess the bug zone.
Sparkling Pond was incredible. Just like Goldielocks would say it was "just right." It wasn't too cold or too deep. The rocks provided a perfect slide into the water and it was crystal clear. I decided that this was my one pond to skinny dip in so I jumped in sans clothing. I laid on my back for a good 2 minutes before jumping out. It was so relaxing to just sit there and think about the joy of my current lifestyle. This adventure has given me a totally different view of life than any of my other travels. Life really can be simple and finding joy in the simple things brings a huge smile to my face.
We warmed our cold bodies with tea and apple ginger cakes. Newly fueled we started off again up to Stubbyfield Canyone Creek. Lunch came quicker than any of the previous days. Perhaps it was because we had second breakfast but all of the sudden we were cleaning up and heading towards the big climb of the day. Macomb Ridge led us up and around giant white boulders which had been sandblasted by the surrounding mountains.
While were were admiring the view a group of hikers stopped us. They were issuing a "bug alert." Up ahead the bugs got much worse. The couple suggested we camp by a sliding waterfall where the bugs were in short supply. They also mentioned that we should avoid Wilmer Lake.
Wilmer Lake was a hothouse for bugs. I attempted to fill up my water bottle so that we could have water for cooking but as soon as I put my pack down it was a full asault. I was covered in bugs and Replay couldn't hang around to help out. She told me she'd wait for me up ahead.
The sliding waterfall wasn't much farther up the trail. While we were indulging in our buy free zone with foot and drink we were approached by Ranger Rachel. She asked to see our permit and checked to see that we had our bear vaults. She also told us that the reason the bugs were so bad. This year the snow was a bit late so the bugs were hanging around. She promised that by August Yosemite would be the perfect camping/hiking park. I told her I would be back this way at that time to make sure she was correct!
The map showed a little campsite 3.2 miles up the trail. The walk there was nice. Replay and I chatted most of the way except when the bugs swarmed us around a small creek. We both got really silent at that moment and concentrated only on walking.
When we did arrive at our destination we immediately set up camp. Replay was still under fire from the bugs. She crawled into the tent early- I think it was 7:00! and I decided to make a new friend. There was a gentleman camping below. After I finish my journal entry I plan to go meet him.
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