JMT - Day 20 - Tuolumne Backpackers campground to Sunrise Lakes

September 6, 2016
Day 20
13.7 miles / 247.2 total
Steps: 39,605
Sunrise Lake
Days without shower 4

It was cold last night and I didn't sleep well. Combination of the fire not being completely out and wanting to cuddle with Luke because we all say bye and go our own ways in the morning. We stink, we are dirty, and we still smile when we wake up. It's crazy how much time I've spent with him and still enjoy his company. It is an odd relationship where we are in the “friend zone” but cuddle at the same time.

The morning was slow and I didn't want to get up but I could hear Dylan already packing up and Luke was ready to get moving. Dylan got packed up pretty quick compared to normal – I think he was excited to see his sister! I've told him that I have enough room for him, his sister, and her friend in my cabin at Curry/Half Dome Village on Thursday and Friday night if they wanted, so we will see if they take me up on it. I really think through all of this I will keep in touch with all of these people. And I really hope I see all of them again.

We took one last selfie, hugged, and Dylan left. Luke told me I didn't have to wait on him, so I said I would be at the Café to get hot chocolate and say bye! He needed to mail a box home and the post office which was right there too.

I got my hot chocolate and sat in the sun to stay warm. Some older guys who were hiking the PCT south asked me where I was coming from/headed and we talked for a bit until Luke came up. He got a coffee and we waited for the post office to open. It was odd saying bye - we hugged for a long time. I put on my pack and my sunglasses to try to hide any emotion. He hugged me one more time, kissed my cheek, and I was off. He promised he would call when he got off trail and I asked him to text me what mile number he is on when/if he has service so I can stalk him.

We then walked opposite directions. I never thought I'd get so close to someone on this trip. We have had amazing times. We have laughed until we cried, shared many life stories, been there for each other when we were not sure about the next mile, and know when each other poop/pee/fart and anything else that may have once been considered a private thing. I'm thankful that he actually has been respectful, a gentleman, and has kept me warm a few nights. I am sure we will talk again and hopefully will be forever friends.

Now, I am on my own again. It doesn't take long to question the why again. Why am I doing this? I really never thought I would say this because I enjoy hiking by myself SO much but right now it seems much better with people, friends, and a support system. Not really to hike with daily or stay together all the time but to spend the nights with, celebrate accomplishments with, and someone who asks how you are really doing and gets what's going on with all the ups and downs.

Dylan and I talked about just going to Cathedral Lakes but it's only 5 miles in and if for some reason he doesn't come today or something with his sister happens I would be super bored with only 5 miles. So I decided to have a really long lunch there. And still no Dylan. Then I went to the other lake and still no Dylan. After that I decided to just keep going. All the way to Sunrise Lakes. I debated getting water and camping close to the top of clouds rest which I don't think you are really supposed to do but wasn't sure how that would work for wanting to do half dome and needing even more water so decided against it. I'm surprised at how dry all the creeks and streams are and makes me think I should carry more water with me. I did run out of water today and had about a mile and a half before I could get more. Definitely need to be more prepared. So I am camped at Sunrise Lake. It's beautiful and very cold. I'm thinking about Luke and hope he made the miles he wanted to and is staying warm in his shitty sleeping bag.

Tomorrow I plan to go to Clouds Rest for lunch and hopefully have will have cell service to see if Jess got her Half Dome permit. If she didn't get it for Thursday I may just go up after lunch of the weather looks good and head to Little Yosemite Camp for a short day on Thursday. I will hopefully be able to check in early on Thursday to our room or at least be able to take a shower before Jess makes it in. Then we can do whatever on Friday... Half Dome again if she gets the permit, and leave early on Saturday hopefully!! I'm ready to be home! Already dreaming of hugging Reecy!