The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American Poet
Finishing the Loop – Highway 89 to Kingsbury South (Heavenly Valley) – 22.3 miles
Beautiful liquid sunshine pelted the tent most the the night. This morning I peaked out my tent and a new day began with mist and fog. Our group readied to tackle the last 22 miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail. I prepared for some serious elevation ups and downs with an extra packet of Via coffee.
As we ascended up, rain began to fall and continued throughout the day. Umbrellas seriously rock. It is the difference between walking in comfort and walking soaking wet.
A juniper tree of enormous size sheltered us during a downpour during our lunch break. How great is that? I even heated water for tea and Thai Noodles.
Fog and rain continued throughout the day. What a blessing for California, as moisture is desperately needed.
We celebrated the ending of our hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail with high fives and smiles. It has been an honor hiking with such experienced, kind, and fun women. It is a rare thing and I am very thankful.
Wired and I are heading next to hike the Lost Coast Trail in northern California with Drop n’ Roll, Dan, and Lovenote meeting us there. This hiker group is a sure to be very entertaining.
Stay tuned and thanks for following along.
Simple technical question: how do you attach the umbrella to your pack? It is a hassle to hold an umbrella while hiking…
Great question! I wrote a how to post just last month. Here is the link: https://ladyonarock.com/2015/04/19/hands-free-hiking-with-umbrella/
Hiking in the rain is pleasant experience , mainly for me because of the tropical climate we have here in India. We once did a Rain trek to dudhsagar falls, your post reminded me of that fantastic day. Except we didn’t have the umbrellas :). I was just lucky to spot your blog, great narration of your trekking experience, felt myself there – Thanks. Subscribed instantly, cannot wait for your next Hiking story.
Rain Trekker,
INDIA!!!!! Wow. Welcome to my site and thank you for commenting. Umbrellas are definitely a multi-use piece of gear.
As always, your photos throughout the hike were stupendous. Thanks for sharing your adventure. I’m looking forward to your next trail because it’s one that my son wants to do.
Janet, I just love taking the photos and posting them from my tent. Thank you for appreciating the small things.
Are you guys doing the whole thing from mattole to sinkyone wilderness? Thats on my list as is trt
We did the whole thing northern and southern. The 2 sections are very different. This year the southern section is filled with thistle and poison oak, which I am told is unheard of. Most likely, because of the drought.
I love the difference between hiking with umbrellas and without! Brilliant! What a beautiful finish to the TRT hike.
Denise,
For a day that has a constant straight down rain, it is simply an amazing piece of gear.
The only juniper I had previously seen was in Norway and it was just a small bush. These are simply awesome. I have loved following the 3 of you on this beautiful hike. I have suggested to my walking buddies that we should put it on our to do list. The closest we will get is making our umbrellas hands free, which we are doing at this present time. Thanks for letting us share the hike through your wonderful photography and blog.
Helen,
The junipers were a complete surprise and a real rare find. I wish the weather had been a bit less threatening and I would have been able to take more photos. I was lucky they appeared through the fog. Thank you for following along.
I am so excited for you! I’ve long wanted to do the TRT, and it’s been so neat to watch your journey!
You will love the Lost Coast – I did it with my sisters and a friend two summers ago and it was amazing! Nothing quite like seeing bear tracks right on the beach.
Elise, Be sure and put the TRT on your list. It is beautiful, challenging, and well-marked.
thanks for sharing your adventure. Wonderful pictures. What’s next?
Hiking the PCT starting at Cascade Locks, Oregon and going north to the Canadian border!
I loved the shot of you three under your Chrome Domes! Priceless.
I agree, pretty funny selfie photo. It was my favorite from the trip!
Way to go! I continue to enjoy your narrative and photos–always cheerful and stunning, no matter what the weather. Have fun on the Lost Coast Trail!
Lynda, We are heading to the Lost Coast tomorrow. It will be quite the contrast from forest to beach. I am excited to experience something new.
Congrats to the three of you and Thanks for your blog. Your Photo’s Rock almost as much as you do..
Just Bruce
Just Bruce, I love hearing feedback about the photos. Great hearing from you.
Looks like a great time was had by all. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome! We loved the route, views, and difficulty of the trail. Highly recommend it.
Congrats!
Hope you are doing well my friend. I was just thinking of you and wondering where you are and if you are on trail or some another adventure.
I’m looking for a new Plan A. Finished O-R last Saturday but decided I’d prefer epic to Oregon mosquitoes, snow and down trees so am off trail reevaluating options. Thinking about Colorado Trail. Loose goal is Wyoming and Montana August/September. Washington PCT is still on my list, as is TRT and PCT south to KM.
BTW have loved following your journey. So much fun with my 3 mentors!
They’re all great, but love that shot of the junipers! sehr stimmungs-voll! toll…!
A rare find and new for me. They were almost the size of redwoods and smelled incredible.
The aromas, I can well imagine!! (memories of backpacking above the tree line in Jasper Alberta.) Lots of juniper but krumholtz mostly.