Mammoth Lakes

Day 62, Mile 903

This last section was a tough one but the views were worth it! It seemed just about every day we had a pass to climb up to. Most of the passes were around 10,000 to 12,000 ft and of course you would drop between 3,000 to 4,000 ft after each one so tons of up and down. There was one day where we were going down a ton of rocky steep switchbacks for most the day which takes a tole on the knees and feet. I think at one point Gator was questioning what he was doing and whether he wanted to continue beating himself up. But after taking it easy and icing the feet and knees in the cold streams he was feeling a lot better. Since then the trail has gotten better with less steep rocky steps which makes things more enjoyable.

For the last 150 miles or so the PCT and JMT (John Muir Trail) have intersected. I believe we will be on the JMT for about another 50 miles. This has been my favorite part of the trail so far. As I heard someone say to a guy who was just hiking the JMT they referred to it as "Cherry Picking" the best parts of the hike. So if you were to have limited time this would definitely be a section to do! Hard due to elevation gains and losses and altitude but well worth it!

Now I am in Mammoth Lakes and enjoying the local coffee shops and some time of feeling like a real person. Last night I even went to the movies. It is funny though when you are in town how people just automatically look at you and know you are a thru hiker or "hiker trash" (as most thru hikers refer to each other). Maybe it is the way you have dirt all over your clothes or smell or are just out looking for a deal so you can save money. Well time to head back out to the trail. Miss you all and thanks for keeping tabs on me!

Independence

Day 52, Mile 790

Can I just say WOW! This last section I just hiked through has been quite spectacular! No words can really do justice. I was just surrounded by breath taking panoramic view after panoramic view. First hiking up Mt. Whitney the highest mountain in the lower 48 at 14,505 ft in elevation and then going through Forester Pass the highest point on the PCT at 13,000 plus. The elevation defiantly got to me and slowed me down but I didn't mind cause the views kept me going. I'd say going through Forester Pass was the best though! Just continual towering mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and tons of granite rock!

I am getting ready to head back out on the trail but I ended up taking a bit of time in town to resupply and buy a couple items at the outdoor store in Bishop. I am now on my third pair of shoes, I have already worn out two pairs (which seems pretty typical). Also sending some weight back home, the ice axe seems to be a bit of unneeded weight, not much snow in the Sierras I guess. So it has just been hanging off my pack making me look hard core.

Gator is doing pretty well in the higher elevations and it seems tables have turn. Whenever we are over 11,000 he starts cruising and I start dragging.