Day 1 - The Long Walk Begins...

On Monday, July 17th, 2006, Janet, Nana and Sheryl set out from the Reno/Tahoe area and headed to Twin Lakes, outside of Bridgeport, California to start the adventure that has come to be known as "The Long Walk".

At the trailhead, the warm sunshine beckons and puffy white clouds offer a change from the boring, basic blue sky. To the west, Matterhorn Peak offers it's rocky crag as a beacon to the high country which they are about to explore.


Janet, Sheryl and Nana at the trailhead...

The first day's hike takes them uphill into the Hoover Wilderness on the northern edge of Yosemite National Park. One of their first stops is at Barney Lake - a perfect jewell in the rocks. Unfortunately, as is so common in the summertime here in the Sierra, thunderstorms are building. Those puffy white clouds from earlier are now getting dark and covering the sky. Before too long, the ladies are hiking in a downpour with lightning, hail, wind and rain. Seeking shelter among some rocks, they wait out the storm, delaying their progress to the first night's stop, Peeler Lake.


Nana changes shoes after a water crossing in the rain and hail...

Finally, shortly before nightfall, they reach Peeler Lake, some 8+ miles from the trailhead and several thousand feet higher in elevation. They set up camp in the rain and mist, settling in for the evening.