PCT Day 63: Sonora Pass

Daily Miles: 19.2, Total Miles: 1016.5

I wanted an early start for today’s destination of Sonora Pass so up at 4:30am and instantly attacked my mozzies. So much for that theory.

A good cruise today through relatively flat terrain with plentiful lakes and ponds. That all changed at Kennedy Canyon where the climb started up an 11,000 ft high ridge above Sonora Pass. The trail bounced on both sides of the ridge crest with long traverses across snowbanks and chutes.

I think more snow on the trail here than all the previous trails put together.

This stretch required some focus and attention because the 50 mph winds were knocking me off balance.

The saving grace was the snow was ideal – not icy and little postholing.

It snowed a bit on the way down to Sonoran Pass and Highway 108.

I was making myself presentable for what is supposed to be a difficult 30-mile hitch to Bridgeport. A car immediately stopped and the driver asks me if I want a ride. iPod hiked the PCT last year and is quite the trail angel!

I checked into the motel, washed clothes, and headed to Rhino’s for a big salad and ribeye.