PCT Day 57 Thunderstorms and Mountain Passes

Updated:
thundertorms and mountain passes

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.


Download the Ultralight Hiking Gear List

Add your name and email to download the Ultralight Hiking Gear List

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sharing is caring!

12th June 2015

Mileage 21.6

Mono Creek (879.4) to Deer Creek (901)

Woke to a clear morning for our 3000 feet of climbing to make it to Silver Pass. I guess a combination of less food weight in my pack and increased altitude fitness had me at the top without a rest break. At one point the trail passed a large waterfall that has a reputation of soaking hikers as they pass. This year it just made for a stunning vista next to the trail.

The views got better the higher I went. Lakes, distant snow capped mountains, ground squirrels, marmots and clouds filled with drama. A false summit on the climb near the top only served to increase my resolve to make it to the top in one push.

Outland, KC and myself messed around at the top for about an hour till the whole clan reunited. We played Snowball, a version of Baseball using snowballs and hiking poles. The hiking poles were also used for fencing and as a lightsaber.

As all this occurred we were being stalked. A rogue ground squirrel was on the loose. With half its fur missing it stalked our backpacks and hiking poles hoping to procure a meal. I hope this unhealthy creature is not being fed by sympathetic hikers. It showed little fear. If I was hungry enough I could have…

From the top of Silver Pass I was curious about the distant cloud formations. To me it looked like we might have another day of dodging thunderstorms. The small cumulus clouds were starting to form into cumulonimbus. Looked like we might have some multi cell thunderstorms.

We descended, had lunch then embarked on yet another monster climb. Once at the top of the second climb thunder cracked in the distance. I was coming from the direction we were heading but we couldn’t get a clear view of the storm just yet. Another 20 minutes and we were at a viewpoint and determined that the storm was moving away from us. I’m enjoying experiencing nature in all its moods.

On we went, past several alpine lakes. Up down up down. The trail was tiring us out. We must have done about 6000 feet of climbing by the time we reached the 900 milestone marker. Hard to imagine walking 900 miles in 8 weeks! Oh and earlier in the day we passed the 1/3 mark of the trail! I’m getting to Canada!

We camped at Deer Creek, only a couple of miles from a place called Red Meadows. From there we can catch a bus into the resort town of Mammoth where we plan to resupply. This leg in the sierras have been so much better, I think my weight loss has steadied and I’m feeling stronger everyday. Also, my ankle is better and I’m able to walk without having to consume ibuprofen. Life is grand.

waterfall on the trail
1/3 of the way to Canada
on route to silver pass looking back from where i have come
can you see Outland and KC?
false summit
snowball, a version of baseball at silver pass
10am, paying hommage to star wars
cheeky ground squirrel
storm cells forming
looking very scruffy after 900 miles

Next : Day 58 Run to Town

The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List

PCT Gear Review

Sharing is caring!

Photo of author
About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

Download the Ultralight Hiking Gear List

Add your name and email to download the Ultralight Hiking Gear List

Invalid email address
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

12 thoughts on “PCT Day 57 Thunderstorms and Mountain Passes”

  1. I can hardly wait ’til I hear about “pixie dust” sprinkled around here and there in your delightful stories. Wonderful photos, too.
    Tink’s Mom

    Reply

Leave a Comment