Daily Miles: 13.1, Total Miles: 906.7 What’s different about today? No passes to climb! Almost all downhill to Reds Meadow and Mammoth Lakes. I had a burger and fries at Red Meadows and walked down to the Devil’s Postpile parking lot. Last time I was here was 39 years ago on my John Muir Trail hike. I met a nice couple from the UK on their first trip to the US and they took this dirty hiker straight to hiker…
Daily Miles: 14.9, Total Miles: 893.6 I reluctantly headed back on the boat from VVR at 9am and hiked back to the PCT. After all that feasting, it was tough for me to get motivated today. I hiked up Mono Creek Canyon and summited Silver Pass at 10,900 ft after a long climb. Long descent then climbed again to very picturesque Virginia Lake. Once I got to Purple Lake, I found a campsite overlooking the lake.
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 878.7 A 1.6-mile detour got us off the PCT and down to Edison Lake and the boat shuttle to VVR. The lake was very low and only a small boat could get into the landing. 5-Star, Cinco, Bambi and I piled in and off we went. Got to VVR before they stopped serving breakfast. I had the PCT special – three eggs, steak, hash browns and pancakes. Well done and a good start! I had…
Daily Miles: 25.4, Total Miles: 878.7 Last night in camp, a doe was showing a particular interest in me. She hung around the tent and following me down to the river when I got water. Really giving me the eye like she wanted to get to know me better. I found out what she really wanted this morning. My wet socks left on a rock to dry were all chewed up with several holes in each sock. The doe was…
Daily Miles: 20.3, Total Miles: 853.3 Got up this morning to three whitetail inspecting the campsite. We followed the Middle Fork Kings River all the way to the headwaters. And then on to Helen Lake named after John Muir’s daughter. After traversing and crossing several snowbanks, we made it to Muir Pass at 11,973 ft. A stone hut honoring John Muir sits right at the top. Shortly after arriving, another hiker summited, took off her backpack and stripped naked. She…
Daily Miles: 21.2, Total Miles: 833.0 Another new day, another new pass! We hiked five miles up the headwaters of the South Fork Kings River and started the ascent of the rock wall called Mathers Pass at 12,100 ft. The south side was relatively free of snow. Took a nice break on the summit taking pics and eating a snack. Now beautiful views north to the rugged 14,000 ft. Palisades group and lakes below. Coming down the north side was…
Daily Miles: 17.0, Total Miles: 811.8 Cold night and a bit breezy but the morning mostly clear. We passed by the remainder of very scenic Rae Lakes, Arrowhead Lake and Dollar Lake before reaching the suspension bridge at Woods Creek. It was a good stop for a snack and to dry everything from yesterday’s snow and last night’s condensation. Next up was the long 7.5-mile, 3,500 ft push to Pinchot Pass at 12,130 ft. On the way up, we ran…
Daily Miles: 4.6, Total Miles: 794.8 We couldn’t pass up another breakfast at Alabama Hills and then 5-Star and I caught a bus to Independence to pick up my re-supply box. Well worth the $3.50 charge. Tough hitching a ride back to the TH so we bribed a young man to take four of us back to the TH for $10 apiece. Finally back on the trail and chugged back up to Kersage Pass. Much cooler, strong winds and dark…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 790.2 I am staying in the Gene Autrie room in the “historic” section of the Dow Villa, I’m guessing 1930’s vintage but some remodeling. Alabama Hills is the place for a fine breakfast. Big portions and good food. I finished most of my chores so spent some relaxing time at the pool. Not quite as hot as yesterday but still pushing 100 degrees. Because most shops were closed yesterday, I had a stroll around town….
Daily Miles: 2.9, Total Miles: 790.2 I awoke to the smell of wild onions that are growing along the riverbanks. Only about three official PCT miles to the Kersage trail junction with nice views of Bullfrog Lake and then another three miles to Kersage Pass at 11,771 ft. And another five miles down to the Onion Valley TH. A day hiker from Las Vegas gave 5-Star and I a ride into Lone Pine. Thanks Brian! We checked into the Dow…
