Re: [pct-l] Sierra Cooler

[reynolds@ilan.com]

"EverClear Martinie" is the indicated eastern posh drink, a typical AT thing.

In the Sierra you will find uncounted pristine lakes that fill the glacial
cirque created when the glacer couldn't quite climb the peak. When the glacier
receeded the moraine created a natural dam that is the outlet to the lake and
the best camping spots.

The standard Sierra view is, theirfore, across the pristine lake to the snowclad
peak that stopped the glacier. This experience calls for a lighter, more
delicate drink, more in touch with the grandeur and compatible with the
delicious pink-meat Trout in the lake.

Kool-Aid is passe today and is usually used only for sierra slushy's. Crystal
light is the indicated mix. One mixs this drink normally, perhapse a touch on
the strong side, then add a healthy splash to ones sierra cup. A thimbelfull of
151 and a slice of lemon from one own backyard tree [lemons grow year-round in
Ca]  completes the drink.

This experience is best enjoyed while lounging in your SlingLite Chair. One
really must stop before 2PM in order to get in the proper mood. Typical camp
setup takes 10 miniutes then one settles down with a SciFi or Adventure book for
an hour or so. Once relaxed, it is time for the fishing pole. You walk the
water's edge watching the changing shadows on the surface and casting towards
various rocky points on the opposite shore. Soon you have enough Trout for
dinner so you return to your Slinglite for another hour or so of reading,
possibly a short nap.

Rising about 6PM you clean the fish. Your first sip of Sierra Cooler is
traditional at this point. Serious sipping starts when the fish are sizzling. A
second drink is indicated during dinner. Be careful here. The smell of the hot
chocolate cake baking can be a bit overwhelming and may encourage a couple-three
extra thimbels in your next drink. Don't do it! Control oneself. Savor that last
drink watching the alpineglow cover the mountain.

As I have said before thruhikers. You really must come back some day and stay
awhile.

Remember your 18 cents


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