For my first solo backpacking trip and my first motorcycle backpacking trip, I took a trip to Emigrant Wilderness in Stanislaus National Forest.

I loaded my gear into my TraX hard side cases and Givi top case, donned my backpack, and took off Saturday morning around 0800. Navigation was pretty easy, taking 80, 580, 205, 120, and 108. However, I did get tired and needed to take a couple breaks. My helmet was tight at times, my hands grew a little numb from the constant handlebar vibrations, and my ass got tired from the not too comfortable seat. Once I passed Sonora and entered the forest, the 108 became very fun; I made some nice tight turns. Reached the Summit Ranger Station in Pinecrest with no problem, then followed directions to Gianelli TH. I got on Crab Tree Rd, which turns into a gravel road densely pocketed with ditches. I stood on my footpegs to get a higher vantage point and swerved around the holes. At one point, I must have grown too comfortable. I missed a large loose gravel patch and my front wheel slid out to the right from under me. I was thrown over my bike, and my bike ended up on her left side, inches away from falling off the side of the road. I cursed at myself, then picked up my bike and continued carefully. Reached the trailhead, parked, changed, loaded my gear into my backpack, checked the TH map, and set off at noon.

The TH was at a higher elevation than expected, mid-8000s. I breezed through the first couple miles, which had decent gains. I ventured upon a lake early on in the trail. I passed a large group of boyscouts, whom I would meet once again. Descnding some long switchbacks in dense foreset, I encountered three horsemen. The elderly man in the rear, upon hearing I was headed to Toejam Lake, recommened I go to Upper Relief instead, stating that the two are the same distance. I kept that in mind. I continued onwards and quickly passed two signposts for lakes. Toejam, I knew, would be a right at the third signpost. I crossed over open hillside, dense forest, rocky outcroppings, and a wide open meadow before reaching the third sign. However, the crossing pointed to Salt Lake Meadow. I did not realize Toejam was down that way. Furthrmore, I erroneously assumed Toejam would be in the same direction as Upper Relief, which the sign explicitly pointed to. Thus, I headed for Upper Relief.

By now, it was mid afternoon. This part of the hike was far more difficult. The altitude had caught up with me. Altitude sickenss was fully upon me. Soon, my breathing grew shallow and quick, my head grew light, I became nauseous, I began personifying wood objects. I took very frequent breaks, some every five minutes, some every couple steps. It didn’t help that I hadn’t yet refilled my water. I eventually reached Upper Relief and came upon water. In my stubborness, though, I continued on, determined to find Toejam Lake. I continued on down Lower Relief Valley until 5PM, when I decided I must head back for camp at the second lake I had encountered. I was dreading heading back up Lower Relief Valley, but before I knew it, the ascent levelled out and I was getting water from Upper Relief. I must have acclimatized enough. Energized, I marched back the way I came, seeing not a single soul. I made great time, enjoying how the last few sparse sunrays hit the empty landscape. I reached the signpost for Whitesides Meadow Lake and followed the trail down almost a mile to the lake. There were several large, loud groups there. The sound of human voice and the sight of fire was very comforting. I picked a spot on the opposite side of the lake, which I would have all to myself. I quickly setup my hammock as darkness fell. I failed to make a fire, so I enjoyed a nice warm dinner, before heading to sleep.

I woke up to the bright day around 8. The hammock’s nestling walls had slightly shielded me from the brightness of the surrounding world. I leisurely had some oatmeal and tea, wrote a bit in my journal, and headed out. Again, I made great time, determined to get back to SF early. I passed many groups of people, including a Ranger. I eventually figured out I had indeed missed the turn for Toejam Lake, towards Salt Lake Meadow. The hike back was easy. Back at the TH, I packed up my bike and went on my way. Until trouble hit that is. I was being quite careful on the gravel road, averaging 15mph. I eventually passed the two leading cars. Just as I was about to reach pavement, I let my guard down. From gravel to asphalt, there was a large ditch and bump. I hit it too fast. I went down once again, my bike ending up on the side of the road. The cars behind me stopped and asked if I needed help. I cursed myself and stood up my bike. This time, there was actual damage to it. The clutch lever was snapped. Defeated, I accepted a ride with the kind Boy Scout troup down to the Summit Ranger Station. There, I found a tow truck, motorcycle shop, and called Shreerag and Shin. Chatted with the tow truck driver, who was friendly. Dropped off the bike with Adam at Adam’s Power Sports (who was also friendly), then hiked one last mile to a shopping center to eat Jack in the Box. Not quite how I expected to end my trip.