I woke up this morning next to a beautifully calm lake with reflections of trees on the other side. I would expect mosquitoes to be less first thing in the morning, but nope, I actually think they were worse. I hiked from my campsite along the lake back up to the actual trail about eight minutes, just under half a mile, and continued my trek.
Mosquitoes have gotten no better as I walked. Even at a fast pace they settle over my arms and the top of my hood; and yes , they can get through the fabric. If you’re moving, it’s not as bad as the moment you stop your immediately swarmed.
I stopped at a small Trailside pond to get some water for my next break. Water along the trail is very limited in this section with all of the mosquitoes you would think there would be tons of water everywhere!
I reached my break spot for second breakfast. I got my 10 miles x 10 o’clock again today. I picked this spot because it was a campsite. I actually set up my tent for protection from the mosquitoes.
As the trail works its way up, there are some good views of far off valleys
I’m looking down in the valley at a lake below; and by the way, no mosquitoes at this elevation of the climb, that is nice, but I do have to contend with the very occasional snow drift on the trail
I have some good views of mountains behind me. It’s a good reminder to turn around every so often.
I’m on one of the portions of trail that I especially like. It goes right along the top of a ridge line.
This entire mountain side is just broken pieces of slate stone just resting on itself. Not a part of trail I would want to be on during an earthquake!
The trail passes directly below this cliff face; although it is all Rock and barren, the white Pasquell flower is growing all over the hillside.
Our patchy snow finally turned into a large snow field going right down the back face of a mountain I’m on. I had an opportunity to do a great glissade followed by some fun, cross country route finding. These are the times I miss hiking with a partner it would’ve been fun to have a video of a glissade.
I stopped at this creek for much needed water and my long overdue lunch. 3.8 more miles to my campsite.
I am passing by another gorgeous stream with its own little waterfall above the trail
I passed by a beautiful meadow sitting right next to the trail shortly before I arrived at my campsite.
Today’s PCT miles hiked 20.6
Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1261.0
PCT mile marker 1802.1
(Flipped over 542.8 miles)
