Day 5 (38 miles) Plymoth to Camp Winton, CA
Our trek over the mountains began as we departed from our nice comfortable hotel in Plymouth, CA and ventured into the backwoods of California's Gold Country. I was joined today day by my uncle John and cousins Allison and Nick, and they definitely picked a great day to come along.
My uncle John ans cousins Allie and Nick ride with me for the day.
Fiddletown Road, Gold Country
 Logan wins best dressed |  |
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We soon left Plymouth and turned onto the rural Fiddletown road, where the climbing began. We climbed our way up Fiddleton, then turned onto Shake Ridge Road and continued climbing, then turned onto Highway 80 and climbed some more. By the end of the day we had climbed up 7000 feet over 40 miles. But I assure you, it felt like much, much more.
Besides the neverending hills they call mountains, we also encountered something else that was quite extraordinary. While we were taking a snack break along a wooded street, a lady came out from her house to inquire about what we were doing. We told her our story, and then she offered to buy us all lunch at a local burger joint. We graciously accepted. It was quite inspiring to see how kind complete strangers can be.
We ended our day with a one mile hike into Boy Scout Camp Winton. Although I have been to quite a few California scout camps, Winton definitely ranked high in the scenery scale. Sitting on the banks of a huge mountain reservoir, there was a very impressive view of the granite peaks surrounding the camp
Besides the neverending hills they call mountains, we also encountered something else that was quite extraordinary. While we were taking a snack break along a wooded street, a lady came out from her house to inquire about what we were doing. We told her our story, and then she offered to buy us all lunch at a local burger joint. We graciously accepted. It was quite inspiring to see how kind complete strangers can be.
We ended our day with a one mile hike into Boy Scout Camp Winton. Although I have been to quite a few California scout camps, Winton definitely ranked high in the scenery scale. Sitting on the banks of a huge mountain reservoir, there was a very impressive view of the granite peaks surrounding the camp
Day 6 (rest day)
Today was our very first rest day of the trip, although we weren't being too restful. We spent the day exploring the camp and interacting with the scouts. Bryce, George, and I went on a hike with a few tiny first year campers to a set of very cool caves in the granite, stopping along the way to take pictures of the beautiful reservoir.
Today was our very first rest day of the trip, although we weren't being too restful. We spent the day exploring the camp and interacting with the scouts. Bryce, George, and I went on a hike with a few tiny first year campers to a set of very cool caves in the granite, stopping along the way to take pictures of the beautiful reservoir.
An granite outcropping overlooking Camp Winton
Over the 2 nights we were there I got to meet many new scouts from around California. At each meal we sat with a different troop to meet new people and talk about what we were doing. I even ran into someone I knew. Tristan, who I went to junior high school with, worked at Winton on staff. What a small world.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset over the lake.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset over the lake.
Camp Winton Sunset
Day 7 (72 miles) Camp Winton, CA to Carson City, NV
Today began early, as we hiked out of camp at 6:30 to get on the road. We started the ride with a final push up the Sierras to Carson Pass. It was a beautiful ride and it felt great to be on the road again. When we reached Carson Pass we happened to run into a husband and wife hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. I have read a lot about the PCT trail and the people who hike it and it was great to meet some of them. Although we both were on very different trips, it was cool to meet others who shared the same passion for adventure and the outdoors.
Today began early, as we hiked out of camp at 6:30 to get on the road. We started the ride with a final push up the Sierras to Carson Pass. It was a beautiful ride and it felt great to be on the road again. When we reached Carson Pass we happened to run into a husband and wife hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. I have read a lot about the PCT trail and the people who hike it and it was great to meet some of them. Although we both were on very different trips, it was cool to meet others who shared the same passion for adventure and the outdoors.
Carson Pass in back of us.
I made it over my first mountain pass!
My mom and sister with PCT hikers "Almost Awesome" and "Possum"
Riding down from Carson Pass into Nevada
After two days climbing up the Sierras, we rocketed down them in about 45 minutes and entered the great state of Nevada. In the tiny town of Genoa we stopped at a cub scout day camp and talked with all of the little first-fourth grade scouts about our adventure. It was fun to spend time with some of the younger scouts for a change. One little tiger cub was touching my cast and was asking me where my arm was. It was the cutest thing.
We ended our day in Carson City with a warm welcome. We received a bunch of free cycling gadgets and gizmos from some Nevada cyclists and were fed a great BBQ from Troop 16. We even landed a front page article in a Local Carson City Newspaper!
The Nevada Appeal Article: http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/local/11902341-113/scouting-scouts-carson-nevada
All in all it was an exciting few days in the mountains and I cant wait to see what other states have to offer.
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Nevada State Capitol building
