Daily Miles: 21.0, Total Miles: 787.3 I was told I was snoring my 8pm last night. The PCT for the most of the next 176 miles is also the John Muir Trail. Got another early start for the climb to Forester Pass at 13,180 ft, the highest point on the PCT. A few hours into the hike, I was having some chest pain – hoping not heart problems with the exertion and elevation. Fortunately a false alarm – with some…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 766.3 The Mt Whitney hike mileage (17 miles) is not part of the PCT so I can’t count it as official mileage. Having said that, it was just too good to pass up even though an over 4,000 ft elevation gain to the summit at 14,505 ft. Figured I may never be in this kind of shape again so better go for it! 5-Star and I were on the trail by 5:15am. We passed Timberline…
Daily Miles: 22.5, Total Miles: 766.3 I hiked to Mulkey Pass at 10,380 ft and then on to Cottonwood Pass at 11,160 ft. Found just one patch of snow at Cottonwood while trying to get a phone signal. Got water at Chicken Springs Lake – Jug and some brave souls were swimming. Drinking water will not be an issue for awhile – a bit of a weight trade-off for the bear vault. Very scenic mountains and overall stunning Sierra views….
Daily Miles: 23.2, Total Miles: 743.8 I started with the first of three climbs to above 10,500 ft. Great views of the Mt Whitney group and the Kern Plateau most of the day. On one of the climbs, I was entertained by some fighter jets on training flights. They would fly over, screaming over the mountains and roll, flying upside down over the passes, almost at eye level at times. The clouds built up in the afternoon and some thunder…
Daily Miles: 17.8, Total Miles: 720.6 I enjoyed a big breakfast burrito at the general store and mailed the ice axe home – hope I don’t regret it but saves a few ounces. On the trail by 10am and hiked along the South Fork Kern River and into the South Sierra Wilderness. I passed into Monache Meadows, Buck Meadows and crossed the river again in a pleasant spot with grassy banks. I could see trout swimming upstream and I know…
Daily Miles: 4.5, Total Miles: 702.8 Short distance this morning so had a rare two cups of coffee with my oatmeal. An easy hike into Kennedy Meadows and I was in time for a proper breakfast at the general store cafe. The owners let hikers camp nearby so we can spend more at the store and cafe and it worked today – breakfast, Gatorade, soda, cheeseburger for lunch, a few beers in the afternoon, ice cream (OK, it was hot),…
Daily Miles: 25.4, Total Miles: 698.3 The best night’s sleep yet on the trail – a quiet and still night helped. I headed around the canyon along the contour before dropping down to Canebrake Road and Chimney Creek. I found a cache of Orange Crush and Tecate with Elizabeth and 5-Star arriving just in time to join me for the refreshments. The trail then climbed about 2,500 ft to 8,000 ft elevation – stopped about midway for water and lunch…
Daily Miles: 21.5, Total Miles: 672.9 I got to the Walker Pass TH about 9am and trail angels were cooking breakfasts and early lunches for hikers. I had already eaten so headed up the trail into the Owens Peak Wilderness. Nice hike around the contours of a few peaks and then dropped down to get water at Joshua Tree Spring. Apparently the water is not recommended due to high uranium content but I figured OK for a few liters –…
Daily Miles: 0, Total Miles: 651.4 The usual trail town routine – clean gear, go to the post office, talk to family, wash clothes and eat. Took the long walk to Nelda’s Diner for dinner, 2-page menu for milkshakes alone. Had a Windjammer with my chili burger – a combination of cherry vanilla, Butterfinger, chocolate and crunch. Well worth the walk and highly recommended! On the way back to the motel, I dropped into the grocery store to get breakfast…
Daily Miles: 20.0, Total Miles: 651.4 Another much appreciated water cache (thanks Mary!) at Bird Spring Pass before entering Sequoia National Forest and climbing to 7,000 ft. The wind still blowing but trees gave some protection. One of the highlights of the day was catching a glimpse of the Sierras, Mt Whitney and Owens Peak in the distance. Sign of good things to come. I arrived at my destination of Walker Pass CG and proceeded to get myself presentable for…
