LaRue Life: JMT - Day 12 - Bear Creek to VVR

August 29, 2016
Day 12
13.4 miles / 164.6 total
Steps: 37,037
VVR
Days without shower 0!

I really wanted to get into VVR to catch up with everyone. It was my only motivation because there were many times I just didn't want to walk anymore. The climb out of bear creek was more than I expected and for some reason I was thinking I only had to do 10 miles today. Once I checked my map again and it said almost 8 on Bear Ridge Trail I felt really discouraged. I ended up putting headphones on and trying to tune out that way. My bag felt heavy and my body felt weaker today. Maybe just more tired from yesterday. It was not a great day. As soon as I got to the trail to head towards VVR I had phone service! I was able to call my mom which was awesome! I thought I'd have service all the way into VVR but it kept cutting out but I was so happy to hear my Mom’s voice. The trail cuts off and puts you on a hard packed dirt road and you have to walk a little over 2 miles to get to VVR. I had 3 cars pass me and no ride. I really wanted a ride and was sad I didn’t get one. I do not really care that it was only 2 miles.

When I walked in, I spotted the Alaska sisters (Lydia & Jaclyn) packs and hats! Then realized that the boys packs were there as well! I was super excited. I went in the store asked if she knew where they were and asked about the room. But I guess they decided just to camp for free. I was disappointed but at least we would all be together. Someone said they went swimming at the lake, so I headed that way and they were all coming up. It was so good to be back together. I gave Luke and hug and asked joked with him asking if he missed me! The guys chimed in saying every morning he would be asking/questioning where he thought I would be. I missed being around people. I got an apple and a Gatorade and sat for a while as I debated what to do! I really wanted a shower so I got a token for that and decided it would be better to be clean with dirty clothes since the 1 washer was full. The shower was AMAZING!!! But as I was washing my hair the water cut off. I guess they had scheduled for the water to be shut off for work they were doing but I wasn't told. I got my hair mostly washed but not really my body. I told the girl in the store and they gave me another token!! I'll use that tomorrow after I swim. I got a bottle of wine and was drinking out of my camp cup until dinner. For dinner they had a few options but I went with spaghetti. It was really good to have a home cooked meal. There was a nice fire we sat around and all talked. I think I finally went to sleep around 11.