Our journey begins at Kennedy Meadows off highway 108. After driving over Sonora Pass we've parked the car at about 6300ft elevation and plan to hike in past Relief Reservoir before stopping for the night. We are carrying fairly heavy packs and the first day is always tough. I purchased a new backpacking stove last year, and I wanted to see how fast it used fuel for future reference. Normally we don't carry a stove unless we must, and lugging that fuel tank made me dream of simpler times.

We've finally got past all the campgrounds, horse trailers, and reached the main trail to Relief Reservoir. We plan to take the grandkids caving at some point, and what better caves to take them to than the ones detailed in Arne Saknussemm's secret texts! We set out to scour the back country in search of the legendary caves that lead to the center of the Earth!