Episode 34: Day 62-63

Day 62:

Beautiful morning!

Climbed up to Mather Pass and was rewarded with a spectacular view. It was a tricky descent, as there was a lot of snow, and I often had to improvise my own trail. 

Later in the day I met Derek, who spends his summers hiking and fishing in the Sierra (he works in education, high school athletics). During our conversations, I confessed that I was desperately low on food, and he was kind enough to gift me a peanut butter packet and a candy bar. So thankful! 

Soon after splitting up with Derek, I stared hiking with Ben. Several miles and a couple river crossings layer, we set up camp at 9pm with Grill Man and Yard Sale. Hung out around the campfire before calling it a night. (I went to sleep early… I figured that the best food conservation strategy was to not be awake.)

18 miles.

Mather Pass:

Alpine Lake View:

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Day 63:

No joke, I’m out of food. A single instant oatmeal packet for breakfast, and nothing until my mini lunch at 1:30pm. 

When I’m hungry I either try to nap or chug water… neither really help.

It’s a shame to feel this way in one of the most beautiful areas of the trail. But it’s hard to appreciate the beauty around me when my brain is overwhelmed by the hunger. I’m pretty much hiking blindly at this point, head down, just focused on one foot in front of the other.

Took a break on the way up to Muir Pass, and up comes Nelson. Told him about my situation, and he said that he may be able to spare some food, but he needed to make it to Muir Shleter before sunset, so he couldn’t unpack at the moment. If I could make it to the shelter tonight, the food was mine. 

Mentally the hardest hiking I ever experienced. A very snowy and rocky and wet climb. I gave it everything I had, and by the end of the day, I made it to Muir Shelter.

Nelson gave me some rice and tuna, while his friend Cool Hands gave me some breakfast bars. Seriously, I have no idea how I could have gone on without them.

Honey Bee and Hidalgo were also camping in the shelter. It was nice and warm with all of us in their. 

12 miles…

The trail:

Muir Shelter in sight!

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No video.