Sierra's - 5 Years Later | Prt. 2

In this episode (171) – 5 Years Later - Part 2 . . .

In last week's episode, we explored the reality of Wilderness camping. This week allow me to share a story that spread like wildfire during our 2022 Sierra adventure. (Photos on YouTube)

First, as an intrepid explorer, you must come to terms with today's world, which you have no control over, that mandates your experience, like it or not. You must be flexible and able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, from freeway traffic patterns to accidents, road construction, and, frankly, drivers who cannot back a truck with a grotesque, oversized motor home attached. So, my friends, a positive frame of mind is essential as you begin your Wilderness adventure.

For Brendan and me, it began that first day. Of course, it was Labor Day weekend. And we did NOT have a reservation for our first night in a public campground at ~9,000 feet. As a last-ditch option, we were considering sleeping in the back of the truck, parked along the roadside. We live at sea level in Vista/Encinitas, and starting at the trailhead at such a high elevation is rather painful: headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

"Don't worry; let's see what comes up?"

In Little Lakes Valley, there are public campgrounds that are first-come, first-served. Our goal is to arrive early afternoon—the drive is estimated to take nearly six hours.

"You know what this means; we must be on the road by 6:30 a.m. at the latest."

Thankfully, the drive was without incident. We arrived at the first campground around 1:00 p.m.

"There are two public campgrounds; let's start with the East Fork Campground, 8,900-foot elevation."

As we pulled into the campground, we considered the available sites.

"Looks pretty crowded, lots of motorhomes. Let's try the one up the road."

We were only a few yards in when this guy, driving a RAM Tough Monster Truck with extended mirrors and an oversized camper, tried to back into his chosen (VW Van size) - Site #2 just beyond the entrance gate. If you've ever tried maneuvering a trailer into a space too small at an odd angle, you can imagine what happened next. He missed his parking spot and backed the camper off the road; his double-wide axle straddled a wooden fence constructed from railroad ties. He was stuck! Blocking the only entrance/exit to the campground.

Within minutes, the camp host pulled up in a converted golf cart.

"You guys looking for a campsite? Here's the list of available sites left. Take a photo of this list and let me know if you have any questions."

Well, that did it. We had turned our truck around, first in line to leave, to check out the next campsite. Not today! At least for another hour, possibly two.

"This guy is going to be stuck for a while. Let's camp here."

We picked a secluded site near the river and the entrance, then pitched our tents.

The Ranger called in the maintenance crew to take out the fence. That dude with his oversized rig blocked the entrance for over two hours, and lines of cars backed up in both directions for a quarter of a mile.

Hah, ha - this was our FIRST-afternoon fiasco. Oh, brother, what could possibly be next?

The good news was that our first night was glorious once we settled in. We fished Rock Creek and caught our evening dinner, fresh trout. As bedtime approached, we made our way to the clean, beautiful restroom with flush toilets, running water, and a portable space heater—all for $15.50 a night with the Senior discount. What more could you ask? Serendipity, one man's dilemma, turned into our good fortune that first night!

The adventure continues . . . 

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.