We left at about 10 am.
Yesterday I forgot to mention the hot toffee aroma of ponderosa pines in the heat that we rode into as we got to the bottom of the pass and neared Winthrop. Today, leaving that area and starting the climb again, I was struck by the smell of cold damp alpine Spruce. It had rained overnight and had cooled down. Today was gorgeously sunny, but a bit cooler.
I hope I remember to reread this year's blog because we did notice 2 campgrounds on Winthrop side of the pass, at bottom of the pass, that would be good pitstops for 'rehydrating' about 20-30 min before Winthrop.
In addition, Diablo Lk launch has Colonial Crk campground for pit stop. It's only 30 min past Marblemount - on the Winthrop side.
On the way home, we tried to stop for lunch at a pulled pork caravan in Marblemount. We ate there last year and it was delicious! Even though we'd had to eat outside hiding from the cold rain under a giant leafed maple tree. But that was last year. This year THEY WERE OUT OF FOOD! Shocking! And such a disappointment since we were soooo looking forward to it!
Sooooooo, we ate at Marblemount diner again, instead. Always good. Blue cheese coleslaw, garlic covered fries, & taquitos.
We were home by 5 pm.
Here r a few pix