Sept 25: Muir Trail Ranch, storm's a-brewin'

It's early and the creek is beckoning us to awaken and face the day. The moon sliver still gleams through the pine boughs overhead, but the backdrop has lightened to a soft, baby blue. It is time, then, to initiate our arm flapping, misty breathed camp-breaking ceremony. Up and out, shoes on and shaky legs tested out, hands cupped together and blown hard into, tent down, bags packed, everything fast and efficient. We should be back on the trail within 25 minutes if we take an extra moment to eat some cold oatmeal before hoisting up.

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We're sitting out on a bench at the Muir Trail Ranch now, the sun finally warming the morning air around us. Pat, one of the hands here, directed us to the shed where she keeps her hiker buckets and we've been pawing through, sorting things out, figuring our meals for the next week.

This morning, the last guests of the season departed from the ranch and the employees are busy now cleaning out cabins, tending to horses, having a generally relaxed time of it.

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Back on the trail and the world seems like a different, changed place suddenly. The Aspens and ferns and all the low underbrush has all been splashed with autumn's colorful brush. Yet, at the same time, the air is mild and insects are buzzing around maddeningly again.

We entered Kings Canyon National Park as we crossed the South Fork San Joaquin River on a nice, sturdy bridge. Clouds have started gathering overhead, rushing across the canyon from the south and west.

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We crossed Evolution Creek and are maing our way up towards Evolution Canyon. Eliza is relieved as the crossing was easy and safe. We have been hearing about how dangerous this creek can be since the first northbounders came through. It's good to be past it now.

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Evening now and the clouds have solidified into one stormy, ominous mass. No rain yet, but we are preparing for it. The ground tarp is strung up over the tent and we are double bagging our dry goods. We have a nice crackling fire going and it is a wonderful evening, comfortable and thoughtful.