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.
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
Another post full of stunning photos!
Thanks Alison
Thank you again for posting your adventure for all to enjoy. I look forward to your continued updates.
Thanks Mike
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
Thanks Tinks Mom, I’m sure she is around here somewhere
Can’t find KC! Got Outland though.
Oh, she is there, keep looking!
A joyful post with stunning photos. Thanks for the vicarious journey. Sure am enjoying it… (Smile)
Thanks Jayne.
Does anyone hike north to south – obviously later in the year?
Yes some do, the numbers are much lower. Maybe 50-100 per year.