From the Pit to Store 88
The drive out there was good until I decided take a "shortcut". The shortcut turned out to be a sandy Forest Service road. We drove our vehicles all the way without issue until about a block away from where J.J. was supposed to park his truck. Right before the turn, J.J.'s truck got stuck in the sand. We started to try and dig him out when a truck came by and stopped. The driver, Gary, said he'll get his dad and if we were still out here in 20 minutes, they will pull us out.
After he left, another truck came by and managed to pull out J.J.'s truck. They left after and when J.J. tried to start up his truck again, it wouldn't start. Poor guy, he was stressing out. I tried to calm him, reassuring that we had all our gear and lots of food and water. Yet, keep in mind, this is a no bar zone. We're in the middle of the forest, so it's amazing that people are out here to begin with. There is no help unless you leave the forest.
We pushed his truck to the side of the road. We watched as 5 other trucks fought against the Pit, even one with a trailer. They all had 4 wheel drive so they got out. Everyone but my tiny car and one other sedan got stuck. Trick is to not slow down and hold on! I started my car again with the intent to park it when we needed to park. Turned out the road is paved RIGHT after the turn. I kinda wish I didn't choose the 'shortcut' but then we wouldn't have met the Garys.
Gary and his dad, Gary came back. Upon hearing that J.J.'s truck wouldn't start, they tied it and dragged it to the parking area. J.J. tried to start his truck again and it started. We didn't want to risk driving to Store 88 in my car and having J.J.'s truck not start, stranding us. The Garys offered to drive us to Store 88. We generously accepted their offer.
Gary also mentioned that Store 88 sometimes allows hikers to camp there. Seeing that we're two plus hours behind schedule and the sun was already setting, there was no way to get to Grassy Pond in time to set up camp.
We roll up to Store 88 and give many thanks to the Garys. This was our first trail magic experience. Climbing up to the place, I take in the surroundings. It was like a general store on the right with a bar to the left. The store owner's house was beside this building. I asked the bartender if the owner was around and she grabbed him. I told him of our predicament and he offered a space in the backyard for us. He also mentioned that there was another hiker out there. I got all excited! Another HIKER?! We thanked him for his generosity. We went outside to set up camp in the dark. J.J.'s nerves have started to settle down. If it was my car, I'm be upset too, don't get me wrong. First, I drag him out here right after he got home from work, then this whole deal with the truck and you know, the unknown of the upcoming hike. I mentioned that we should get some tasty beers to relax and settle down. That seemed to perk his interest.
We walked back into the bar and ordered some beers; Granted, they only had two kinds. I ordered a Coors Light and it was served to me in a frosty mug. Oh man, after being hot, sweaty and muggy, that beer was amazing. Frosty mugs should be a mandatory thing, everywhere.
We met up and chatted with the other hiker that was there. We talked gear and I signed the trail register. He mentioned he was doing our whole practice hike in one day. I thought that was amazing but I knew he was much more experienced. He had some left over Gatorade powder so he happily gave it to us to be rid of it.
We had a blast, drinking beer and chilling by the bar. The owner mentioned wanting to stock hiker specific items so we suggested tuna packets with oil and 4oz/8oz stove canisters. After a while, J.J. wanted to whip up dinner so we asked for the bill. It turned out the whole thing was super cheap! We paid the tab and then settled in our tent. It was going to be a super chilly night but we got through just fine. We had the fly down tight and we didn't go out and in needlessly to keep the warm air in. J.J. had to go once that night and he was surprised at the difference the outside temperature was to the inside tent temperature when he came back inside. I told him it was because of his gas, but all jokes aside, I'm glad that it turned out to be a great night, despite all the setbacks.
