Back at Donner - Glacier Trail and Bear Proof Trash Cans

Arising before dawn, the Trucker and his Passenger headed out.  From Yuba, on Route 80, through the Sierras.  A more gradual ascent than when approaching from the east, but still a challenge for the Penske, toiling upward.

Forests of firs and pines line the roadways, punctuated randomly by clusters of aspens, already in bright yellow dress to celebrate fall's arrival.

At the top of Donner Pass, the Trucker entered and parked in the rest area, an empty parking space available this time.  The morning was chill and still.  

While the Trucker attended to paperwork and phone calls, his Passenger donned a jacket to supplement her California appropriate outfit of the previous day, and set out for a walk.  

Behind the building, the Glacier Loop Trail, a half mile easy walk with "interpretive markers."  She began walking, quickly learning that the "interpretive markers" were not adding much to her experience.  Two markers in, she left the trail and began clambering over the massive, scattered rocks - glacier leftovers - in the loop's center.  Much more fun, this, and more challenging.

Some rocks looked like they were placed purposely, cut intentionally.  

Patches of fuzzy, yellowed and dead grasses interspersed the rocks.  Where bare ground showed, small hoof prints could be seen.  The Passenger kept an eye open for slither marks as well, though morning's chill would hopefully keep the source of such marks under cover.

Collections of dried leaves, sticks, and cones on the ground between rock outcroppings.

Intersecting with the end of the loop behind the buildings, a view toward the lineup of resting trucks in the lot.

And a look back, across the mountain and into the rising sun.

Split logs behind the building appear to provide a creative table and chair, maybe for the rest area staff lunch breaks?

Back on the sidewalk, the "bear proof" trash cans.  Cemented into the ground.

When the lid is opened, a shelf is created, preventing hands, paws, or claws from reaching the trash inside.  

Rejoining the Trucker in the cab, the Passenger shivers, realizing for the first how chilled she has become.  "Had enough?" the Trucker inquired.  Nope.  Not even close.  But warmer clothes are needed first.  However, a shower is two hours away.  Makes no sense to change now, and use up an extra set of clothing that will be needed later to finish out the week.  Sigh.

This is life with the Trucker.  Time to move on.