PCT Day 59: Ansel Adams Wilderness

Daily Miles: 16.6, Total Miles: 923.3

I hit the bakery across the street from Motel 6 with 5-Star, James and Claire. The biggest cherry bear claw I have ever seen and eaten. We took the free trolley and shuttle bus to the Mammoth ski lodge and then got a quick hitch to the TH at Red Meadows. Thanks Scott and Kayley from Biloxi, Mississippi!

I hiked along the edge of Devil’s Postpile and into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. I then followed pretty Minaret Creek and South Fork San Joaquin River, diverging from the JMT until reaching Thousand Island Lake.

The last part of today’s walk was spectacular with first the stream and then Thousand Island Lake, the largest alpine lake in the Sierras, against the backdrop of Banner Peak.

And then the sunset – photos couldn’t do it justice. I camped in almost the same spot on my 1975 JMT hike – I couldn’t help some reflection time.