John Muir Wilderness - Mott Lake - August 18, 2005 - Member Trip Report

Hike Name: John Muir Wilderness - Mott Lake
Country: United States
State: California
Trip Rating: 4 stars
Trip Date: August 18, 2005
Duration: 1 day
Trail Conditions: Good
Trail Traffic: None
Trip Weather: Sunny
Trip Winds: Light
Trip Precipitation: None
Trip Temperature: High: 91-100, Low: 51-60 degrees Fahrenheit
Trip Report: Thursday (8/18/05) – The Camel, Waterdog and I woke early this morning, checked out of the Westin, and hit the road for the Vermillion Valley Resort. Traffic was heavy for the first hour, so we decided to head east on 92 and get out of it. After an hour, Waterdog's stomach was rumbling and we stopped for breakfast at a WalMart McDonalds east of San Mateo which was the only breakfast we could find off the exit. We also made a failed attempt at buying groceries and supplies here, but ended up getting fishing licenses, stove fuel, grocieries, and the US Forest Service permit in Prather, three hours down the road. An interesting diversion came into view on the way to Prather. There was a mega Indian Casino on the route, and the idea of shooting some craps for an hour was quite appealing. Our master plan was stymied, however, when we hit the floor and discovered 500 senior citizens and 400 slot machines. So, we jumped back in the Chevy 4x4 and moved on to Prather. The Vermillion Valley Resort recommended a Mexican restaurant in town and we had an excellent lunch before loading up on groceries. The remaining drive from Prather to the Vermillion Valley Resort started off well, but quickly became a long and windy 1 1/2 hour rollercoaster ride (with outstanding views). The resort even sells a T-Shirt celebrating the road, among other various hiking supplies.

We finally reached the resort around 4pm this afternoon and checked into a small musty room with a surprisingly good shower. The Camel sliced up some chicken and vegatables and we spent a few hours packing and pounding some brews. Around 8pm, we headed to the small resort restaurant and enjoyed a decent meal and some more beers around the campfire. Some of the staff and some guys from Ohio hung out with us until around 11pm. It was cool tonight and down into the 50's - a nice change from the Fresno heat this afternoon.
<b>The Camel Cuts Up Our Trail Dinner</b><br> The Camel likes his fresh chicken and vegetables and was happy to let us carry them (and the bear can too) Man, did that suck, especially around 9600 feet!
<b>Edison Lake Looking East</b><br> The "V" shaped valley in the distance is the Mono Creek Trail which leads to the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails. The boat shuttle will take us there in the morning.
<b>Campfire Conversation</b><br> After dinner, we hung out next to the bar and caught up with some other hikers and staff around the campfire.
<b>The Camel Has Some Packing To Do</b><br> Here's The Camel at the Vermillion Valley Resort before he stuffs his yard sale into his pack for the trip.
<b>The High Sierra From The Road</b><br> It's a rollercoaster ride into the Vermillion Valley Ranch from Prather, but the views are excellent. Here's a look at one of them.

Hiker:

WaterDog


1,250 points

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