Bafrazier - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2009

Mammoth Lakes

Talked a retired gentleman last night before bed. He is very familiar with the whole Sierras area and camps yearly at Grant Lake (I made a mistake in yesterday's report). He said this year it is so dry that there are no berries for the bears and they are starving. Same with the deer. Up at June Lake, four miles away, a few nights ago there were three bears demolishing the trash bins. These are not bear bins. Just those huge containers that you lift the lid and throw your garbage in. The bears also ripped open and trashed two cars. In another incident up the road from here, one bear attacked and killed another bear and ate almost everything except the innards. Apparently there is very little water to be had, especially the last part of the hike, which is the hardest part. He recommended that I keep every water vessel I had completely topped off. Off course by now I was getting pretty concerned. I asked him if I should cancel my trip and he said no, just be very aware of the bears and the water situation. He also said that Mammoth Lakes is having a terrible problem with bears in town so don't keep a scrap of food in the car. The bears are being forced out of the mountain/woods in search of food.

Arrived at Mammoth Lakes and stopped into the visitors center. Had a nice discussion with a ranger about bears and water. Made my way up to the Mammoth Mountain ski area where the Inn is. The place was a zoo, but very well organized. Tons of mountain bikers and road riders everywhere. Bought a ticket for the Red's Meadows shuttle - the shuttles run every 20 minutes. Nice bus ride, saw a does and two babies. She stopped off the side of the road and the babies immediately started nursing. The bus driver stopped so we could snap some shots. Couldn't get off the bus so we had to take the pics through the dirty windows. Hope they turn out. Got my food can delivered to the proper place and had lunch at the cafe. I was surprised to see I had full cell service.

Back at the ski resort I checked in early at the Inn. I glad I could as I was pretty stinky. Sorted out my backpacking stuff - somehow it has gotten heavier! Will finish the final packing in the morning. Taking the opportunity to watch some Olympics - synchronized diving and beach volleyball. I do have a slight headache from being at the 9,000 ft level. Been drinking a lot of water - I hope I acclimate soon!

Entry 32 of 32
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