[pct-l] Horseshoe Meadows Road Opening date 2017

[Paint YW]

That's good news Ned!

For those unfamiliar with the road Ned is talking about- HM in my ex
military mind, stands for Horseshoe Meadow (Rd.), and is accessed by Mulkey
Pass, Trail Pass, and Cottonwood Pass. The distance to Lone Pine, and all
creature comforts found in a town like LP, is 22 miles in length.

Without checking, I think Mulkey Pass is mile #744, Trail Pass is mile
#745, and Cottonwood Pass is mile #750, NOBO- roughly.

I walked about 11 miles down the road in 2012, and got picked up by the
third vehicle of the day, in mid October.

The De La Cour Ranch is 12 miles down from HM, and on a good day, someone
from the ranch may be going to town, which might materialize into a ride.
Otherwise- it's a 22 road walk.

The walk is a lot like descending Fuller Ridge in that seeing the Marongo
Casino for most of the day, is comparable to seeing Lone Pine down below
for most of the day.

Coincidentally- a friend just came off the mountain on this very day,
having camped just below DLC Ranch last night, giving him about a 9 mile
walk into town.

Water is available from Carroll Creek, as it comes off the mountain,
literally supplying the De La Cour Ranch, and goes under Horseshoe Meadow
Rd., transiting this space via a culvert (if my memory serves me correctly).

FWIW- I stayed at the DLC Ranch in 2012, from mid October, until Dec. 23rd,
trading work for room and board. One of the best times of my life. It was
great to learn about the people and history of the Owens Valley, especially
with regards to the Los Angeles aqueduct, and the Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power.

By the way, there is a very hiker friendly and tech savvy gear store in
town- Sierra Elevation, that will give PCT thru hikers a decent discount if
they mention their status.

Regards,

Paint.

Be the master of your fate, be the captain of your soul, but do not hesitate,
should the chance befall you, to be the slave of your heart.

~Robert Brault