We woke up at 2 o’clock for a 3 AM start towards Forrester pass. Again we hiked in the dark with our headlamps on.
While still in the dark, we came across this snowman some clever hikers had built, most likely while camping here at the base of the approach.
As we approached Forrester, the sun was starting to shed some light. We could see other hikers headlamps in front of us up on the slope.
Looking back at the sun, beginning to light the surrounding mountains was surreal.
Forrester pass is directly in the center of the picture with the rock in the middle of the two ice chutes. We will cross just underneath the rock.
We started up, crampons on, ice, axes in hand, traversing our own switchbacks, as there was nothing but a face of snow.
As we made our way up, the sun became brighter, illuminating more and more of the mountain sides.
We made it off of the snow slope, and on to some rock switchbacks.
Amazingly, there are some plants like the Bigelow’s spike moss growing in the cracks of the mountains rock.
Finally, we reach the upper traverse. This is what most people consider the sketchiest part of the trail.
We made it across and up to the top of the pass. It is an amazing feeling with amazing views in all directions.
Drill bit, Mario, and The Long One were all at the top with us along with chopper, who joined us midway in our hike. We took the obligatory group pictures and individual shots with the Forester Pass sign. An interesting side story about Chopper. Prior to my hike I watched a video of a hiker who had hurt their leg last year in the San Jacinto mountains. She was hoisted out by helicopter. When I met Chopper and asked how she got her name, she began to tell the story I had seen on video. Yes, it was her, and that was her humbling moment. Props to her for returning this year.
After leaving the pass, we traversed side slope and continued hiking downhill with amazing views on all sides. We took a few opportunities to glasaide down some of the slopes, no video unfortunately. We soon reached a spot with some shade that was a good spot for a lunch break.
Soon we found access to the river to refill our water and continue our trek.
The power of nature is amazing. I came across this avalanche field, where many mature trees had been snapped from their stumps, and deposited at the bottom of the slope.
Bubbs creek is a river we have been following for a good portion of our decent.
We stopped for another short break with more amazing mountain views
While the destruction in this avalanche field is significant. The smell of pine is Pleasant. We have passed three or four smaller ones and this is another large one.
We set a course cross country, and stopped with a view of this very pointed peak for a short break before continuing up to our intended campsite for tonight crossing a couple small rivers on snow bridges.
Today’s miles 13.8 PCT trail miles. (Plus .2 off trail miles)
Total PCT trail miles 788.5
