The $15 Vacation
I had planned to leave home around 2:00 a.m., but I decided to change my plans and leave around 4:00 a.m. Why? First, I wanted to see the sunrise somewhere out in the desert. No place in particular, but not in Orange County. Second, in case I forgot anything, I could stop in Lone Pine and purchase what I had forgotten just when the stores were opening.
I put all my gear in my truck and checked to make sure I didn't leave anything behind before closing and locking the front door behind me.
I stopped by the gas station to top off my tank. My clock in my truck showed 4:00. On target, on time.
I proceeded up I-405 to the I-5 and then to Highway 14 to Palmdale and Lancaster. No accidents, no events. Good!
I got north of Lancaster and I got my desert sunrise just when the local radio station played REO Speedwagon's "Roll with the Changes." I cranked the volume up to the max!
I stopped at Red Rock Canyon State Park to strectch and take a photo. Amazing what plate tectonics can do.
I stopped at the rest area at Coso Junction to get a cup of coffee at the store adjacent to it.
I called Eusebio, nickname Jun, the trip leader, three times. Couldn't get through. So I added a "1" in front of the area code and number and presto! Voice mail left on his cell phone.
About 5 miles south of the holy city of Lone Pine, Jun calls to tell me to meet him at the Lone Pine Ranger Station.
I pop in the AC/DC's "Back In Black" disc and played "Hell's Bells" which is the anthem of my Whitney hikes this year.
I arrived at Lone Pine around 8:00 a.m. and stopped in front of the ranger station. I walked in and there were about 10 people at the counter. I yelled, “Is there anyone here named Eusebio?” He was right beside me. I bet his eardrums hurt from the resonance of my voice. Sorry, Eusebio.
After picking up the permits, Eusebio and Brian, Jun's friend, wanted to have breakfast. I recommended the High Sierra Cafe which was just down the street. I got in my truck and drove the the cafe's parking lot and waited for them to show up.
They went right on by and they didn't see me frantically waving my arms. I watched as they proceeded past Lone Pine's only traffic signal. I went back to my truck and grabbed my cellphone to make the call. I reached Eusebio just when he started coming back.
I dined on sirloin steak, two eggs over easy, hash browns, biscuits, and another side order of hash browns.
After eating, Brian wanted to get some fishing tackle so we walked down to one of the local sporting goods stores and he got what he wanted.
I was going over my checklist in my head. Got everything. I never had to purchase anything. Good to go!
We proceeded up to Whitney Portal Campgrounds. We stop at Lone Pine campground for photos with Mt. Whitney in the background. Clear skies.
We arrive at Whitney Portal. I set up my tent and tried to make my new home as comfy cozy as possible. Nice spot. Next to a stream with golden trout and a waterfall just upstream about a quarter of a mile away.
Around noon, I walked around the Whitney Portal area to kill time and to collect my thoughts about my upcoming hike. Trancendental. This is God's Country.
I walked to the Whitney Portal Store to shop around and see what type of souvenirs were in stock. I decided that my olfactory senses were craving the taste of Portal Fries. Piggy me be. Their fries are fresh and deep fat fried. Reminds me of home.
I ate outside. There was a Steller's Jay perched on a limb in the pine trees. Staring. Ruffling its feathers. Looking for that errant drop or that split second opportunity. Free food. Sorry, fella. Ain't gonna happen on my watch!
I went back to my tent to just relax and took a couple of photos of me and the campsite. I broke out my Marine Corps flag and affixed it to my hiking staff. Ah, that's more like it! Blowing in the breeze.
Around 4:00 p.m., Eusebio and Brian decided to head back into town to get a few things. They offered to get me something. I declined the offer.
Around 5:00 p.m., I started collecting firewood for the campfire. So much energy.
Around 6:00 p.m., Eusebio and Brian return and I went back to the WPS to order my dinner of hamburger and fries. At the WPS, they do not hold back on the proportions. The hamburger was your typical-size burger with all the fixings and the fries were of the same proportion I had for lunch. I ate outside in front of the store while admiring the scenery and watching the people as they walk by.
Around nightfall, we got neighbors. Chip and Suzie from Lake Forest, CA, and their dog, Chili. Chip was going to scuba dive in Lone Pine Lake the next day. This was Suzie's first camping experience.
I went to bed around 10:00 p.m. Very untypical of me. Usually I hit the rack around 8:00 p.m. or so. Just being here at 8,360 feet brings me joy.
A $15 vacation. Can't beat that price!
