|
When we scheduled Jamie's visit, we choose this week because of the Western States Endurance Race. This takes place in the Sierras on the last weekend of June every year. And this year I was going to be Aid Station Captain at Last Chance - mile 43.
However for the first time in the 35 year history of the event, it was cancelled. There are forest fires burning throughout California and there's a lot of smoke in the air. It was decided the smokey conditions represented an unreasonable risk for the runners. Additionally, there was a fire which would have prevented access to some parts of the course for Aid Station folks - including our station at Last Chance.
So with the race cancelled, our weekend plan lay in ruins. So we called Claudia and there was room in the Christmas Tree Lodge and we came up to the Western States Trail to do some walking. It's also really special to be able to let Jamie see this place - our other Californian home.
And of course nice to see Claudia, Liz, Joe and the dogs. And it's interesting to stay at the Lodge during 'normal' times when there are strangers. We've always been with our friends and completely occupied the Lodge on our previous 5 visits.
So this is our first walk. We walked from Michigan Bluff to Eldorado Creek and back. Just over 2.5 miles each way and 1800 foot descent to the river. The trail is mostly smooth in this area. The first mile when you leave the river is a 1000 foot ascent. So quite steep. Then it flattens considerably and climbs 800 foot over 1.5 miles into Michigan Bluff.
This is of course Jamie's first experience of the Western States Trail and he was very impressed. I'm also glad to say he was able to manage the trail without special difficulty. He broke his left leg twice playing soccer during the last 3 years and he's still recovering from his injury. Any he found the descent a little painful and climbed back easily.
Lightbox click here - 2.35mb download
| 
