ET's Info-Stew

We left today from Livermore at about 4:00 PM. I started to miss Jenny already at work. For a second, I reasoned that I didn't want to go, but it passed. I figured I would have plenty to do and it would be fun.

16:20: We are driving down the other side of the Altamont when a terrible burning rubber smell comes. I look to my right and see a large semi's rear wheel smoking with some liquid dripping out. I asked Mr. Cleek what it might be and he said brake fluid. When we drove up to the window, we pointed and the chineese looking guy nodded and kept on going. The tire kept smoking more and more until we were out of sight.

18:30: We get into Placerville and the Wendy's we expected was changed into a Wimpy's and closed down. So we went to the Burger King next door and Mr. Cleek ordered a shake, burger and fries 'for here.' When he was getting his napkins, he accidentally hit his tray and knocked his fries all over the floor and said, despite my protests to ask for another carton of fries, we would take what we had left 'to go.'

19:30: We made it to Loon lake campground but the way to drive to the trailhead was gated off so we are going to have to add half mile or so to the hike. At the place where we can park, it costs $13 a day so I hope we don't get charged.

22:00: Now we have a good fire going. Of course I came out of the trees to look at Jenny's and my star. When we got up here, it was almost overcast and stayed that way till 10 PM. Good timing huh? Mr. Cleek and I invented two new words for the dry pine needles that come on the ground instead of duff: dorf and dorp. We used snow to dose the fire.