Walking Trip In The High Sierra
June 25, 1966-July 10, 1966

GLORIOUS DAY! Up at dawn - had all prepared to be up before the mosquitos, and did so. We had a good breakfast (eggs, potatoes, milk, etc.) and were on the trail just as the sun and our friends came out (7:00). Walked down through Dougherty Meadow swatting - then full tilt up a 500' switchback on the other side. On top, a dry insect-free pine forest. Repaired Rich's pack strap. After about 1 mi started down a 7 mi switchback (descending 3,500') called "The Bitch". Tough on legs and feet. Still a hell of a lot better than walking up.

(Eating now. Marilyn in hysterics over a piece of maraschino cherry in her Jello - thought it was a piece of hard candy).

All along that steep trail ( no bugs) the scenery grew more impressive. Views of the King’s River Canyon from rest spots. Open pine forest, with several varieties of huge pines -.shrubs and Spring wild flowers underneath the trees looking as though planted for a park ( but much more beautiful than any park). Got tired coming down - all spread out. Marilyn in the lead, me at rear. A rattlesnake rattled at Marilyn once (or so she thought) and all closed ranks at Dad's heels for awhile.

Arrived at a large meadow on the Kings River (Simpson Meadow.5,900', 23 mi from road end) at noon. Tired, footsore, thirsty but all pleased with the trek.

We are using an abandoned rangers' digs for camp.. Cabin has fallen in but there is a good fireplace, log table, cooking tables. Carpeted with pine straw from a grove of monsters. Horseshoe Creek runs right through the camp. Even a privy with roof and door but no sides or back.

Saw the only people of the day. Two trail crewmen who are camped about a mile beyond us in a marshy meadow. They stopped to talk (with mounts yet) just before supper. Grubby but pleasant.

After lunch and a nap we hiked a couple miles upstream looking for a ford. (The entrance to Goddard Canyon, where we'll go tomorrow, is nearly opposite but across the swift river. I forded one quiet place for a trial and damn near went swimming. The trail guys say a bridge is just behind us - a stone’s throw.

Marilyn & Richard picked wild strawberries. Had them for supper in fruit Jello. Had Sunset Supper and milk. Now Marilyn washing dishes, Rich having trouble over wood gathering, me drinking tea. Just smoked the last of today's cigarette ration two hours too early.

We're grubbier than I'd figured we'd be by this time. Soap is going to be in short supply (all gone by now). All feel good. Sunburns blooming here and there, chapped lips and misc bites.

Tomorrow leisurely start. Will move 3½-4½ miles to the entrance of Enchanted Gorge. We’ll loaf, clean up, and eat some more (to reduce pack weight) so as to be ready for the Gorge ascent Thursday.