PCT Day 60: Donahue Pass & Yosemite Wilderness

Daily Miles: 25.1, Total Miles: 948.4

I woke up just after 5am and it was cold, then heard this crackling noise and it was ice on top of my sleeping bag breaking up. Water bottles were also frozen up.

But what a drop dead, gorgeous day! The sunrise over Thousand Island Lake and Banner Peak took my mind off the cold. Continuously changing colors, lighting and reflections.

I was brought back to reality while heating water for my coffee. I set my pants leg on fire – warmed me up a little. The pants are definitely due for replacement with burn holes, stains, nearly ripped out crotch and now their saggy baggy.

I climbed up through granite rocks and some snow to Donahue Pass at 11,056 ft and entered Yosemite Wilderness. A long descent through forested and then meadowed Lyell Canyon and creek all the way to Tuolumne Meadows.

I headed over to the Tuolumne Meadows General Store and soon saw 5-Star and Cinco. 5-Star is hitching down to Lee Vining to watch the NBA final. Cinco’s taking a week off for a wedding. I had a cheeseburger and headed back out on the trail, getting some great Yosemite views.

Got another five miles in to Glen Aulin Camp, a designated camping area in a cool setting.