I walked out of camp this morning with the group of five others that I have kind of been hiking with the last couple days. The first mile was not counted as PCT miles but is a side trail back to the real PCT.
Walking out I took more pictures of the surrounding mountains
We came to this beautiful open area where we can see the surrounding mountains it is a good place for a snack and a short break.
Forrester pass this just to the left side of the sharply domed peek in the distance. That is what we will be going over tomorrow. It is the highest point on the PCT.
I came across the set of bear footprints left in the snow yesterday afternoon. I guess the 2 pound bear can really is necessary even in the snow.
We continued down the backside of the mountain and came to a river we need to cross, went upstream for a while and found a good snow bridge about 1/4 mile up, and then went cross country back up over another mountain.
Once again, another meadow for spectacular views.
We continued on to another river, came right to a Snow Bridge and continued back up another mountain to this wide-open meadow with continuing spectacular views.
Sun cups form in the snow. They vary in size from just a couple of inches in circular patterns to a foot or more. Again they are any where from inches deep to two foot deep. Sometimes they also form in long, oval shapes. They are challenging to navigate as you try to step on the edges of them. In the mornings, when the snow is frozen, it’s like walking on uneven rocks.
We continue to climb higher and higher over semi barren, snow covered mountains. Stopping to look behind me I take in the rugged mountain tops.
The trail takes us along the upper edge of this valley.
We reached where we are camping today alongside Tyndall Creek.
I was exhausted and famished. I ate about 1200 calories for lunch and did not feel it make a dent. A couple of the people I am hiking with (Roo and Tough) later brought me two Roman‘s and a packet of tuna to eat. (I’m sure they have seen me struggling and know it is because I am not eating enough.) I also had 2 tortillas, trail butter and trail mix another about 1600 cal. I just started to feel full and I’m going to go to bed early as we are going to go over Forrester pass tomorrow. It will be the highest point of the actual PCT trail.
Today I was humbled. In most situations I am at the front of the pack. I am the person who stands back, observes the group, and looks for anybody struggling or in need of help, making sure all are safe. Today I was the weakest link. One of the other team members did what I feel I normally do. in the past, on other trips and group settings I’ve had people comment to me that they noticed me in that role of protector. I have realized I normally just dismiss their comments, as it is just natural for me. Today I know what they meant! A special thanks to Roo (David is also his real name.) he is the one who has assumed the role I was describing above. Hopefully with a little more food in my belly tomorrow I will be a stronger member of the team. Letting go of control is a long hard lesson God has been work on me, today was a tough lesson in humility.
Today’s miles 8.7 (plus 1 non-PCT trail mile.
Total PCT trail miles 774.7
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