Episode 32: Day 56-58

Day 56:

I woke up feeling much better. I think I acclimated to the high altitude overnight. Great success!

I had a slow morning today, less because of the altitude/difficulty, and more because I often stopped to appreciate the magnificent scenery.

Stopped for lunch with Ed at a creek. I had a very frustrating time filtering water, my filter must be clogged, it takes way too long! I was sitting there for over 30 minutes to filter just two liters. In that time, I met Adam, a northbounder who hopped on the trail at Kennedy Meadows. He hung out with us for lunch, and we were soon joined by Scotty.

Then it started to rain… Finally a chance to use the rain gear that I’m always carrying. Pulled on my rain jacket and rain pants and started hiking. Soon I was soaked, but not with rain, with sweat. Although rain gear does a good job keeping the water out, it does an even better job keeping the heat in. I eventually took off the jacket/pants and embraced the now refreshing drizzle.

Camped at Diaz Creek with a whole bunch of folks.

19 miles on the day.

That’s some view:

–

Day 57:

This morning, I mentioned that I was going to get my next box at Muir Trail Ranch. “What?! You know they charge $75 to pick up a box, they have to pack them in on horseback” was the group’s response. Most of them were going into the towns that were farther from trail, preferring to spend time over money. However, the few who wanted to stay closer to trail were resupplying at Vermillion Valley Resort [VVR], located 20 something miles farther than MTR, with a $25 box fee. The peer pressure worked, and I asked a friend who was going into the town of Lone Pine the next day to email my mom with the new plan.

Took a midday siesta at Chicken Spring Lake with Adam. During lunch, the weather alternated between hail and rain. I also brainstormed with Adam on how I could make it to VVR with the food I had: I will have to do big miles for 6 days of the next 7 days… and it still will be tight.

I hiked the rest of the afternoon alone, I couldn’t keep up with Adam. On the way I met Ben aka Bax, a northbounder who just returned from a resupply in Lone Pine. We had a quick chat and I kept hiking.

Had a proper river crossing this evening. Set up camp after sunset.

20 miles.

All Hail:

Trailing:

–

Day 58:

I made a tough choice this morning. I decided to not climb Mt. Whitney, which peaks at 14,500 feet, making it the highest point in the continental 48 states. I simply didn’t have enough food for the side trip, which takes almost an entire day. It’s a bummer, but this just gives me an excuse to come back!

The views today were pristine. Snow capped mountains, alpine lakes, and pine tree forests. Throw in a few river crossings, and that pretty much sums up my day.

Climbed most of the way to Forester Pass, camping at just under 12,000 ft.

15 miles.

One day:

As far as the eye can see: