Dave’s PCT & Other Adventures: 09/05/23

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Day 173 Benson Pass

September 5

7 AM is the new 6. Even when I woke up and started packing up my stuff when it was still dark in anticipation of getting out early this morning I still am hitting the trail at 7 AM. Just on the edge of our camp, which is on the river is another beautiful waterfall. I was in such a hurry to get here last night and set up that I crossed the bridge and didn’t even look over at it. This morning I made sure to stop and admire it for a few moments before continuing down the Trail

After a fairly steady, uphill climb, I entered this high mountain meadow. The peaks surrounding it are impressive.

I crossed a number of streams with a fairly good water flow. I was able to rock hop across them all. I keep my feet dry.

I passed by another impressive granite wall.

I stopped at this small lake for second breakfast thinking it was Miller lake. It was a nice setting and was my second breakfast time so it worked out. .4 further up the Trail is the actual Miller Lake.

Miller Lake is beautiful with its granite mountains around it, and a large meadow at its north end.

I’m dropping down into the valley. When I get to the bottom and cross it, I will begin an ascent up Benson pass.

I am at the base of my ascent to the top of Benson Pass. I will be following this creek most of the way up. First I must go over the saddle at the top of the valley. I have large Granite Mountain cliffs on either side of me.

I cross Wilson Creek for the final time and headed up for the final mile to Benson Pass

I reached the top of Benson Pass, as normal, views are beautiful in all directions. If you’ve been keeping track, I’ve managed to do a minimum of one pass a day and hope to keep that up through Sonora.

As I drop down into the valley on the other side of Benson Pass, it is beautiful as I passed through multiple Meadows. I arrive at the shores of Smedberg lake. I had planned to eat my lunch here, but it is getting late. My campsite is 4 miles ahead. I decided to push on and I will just eat lunch as part of a double dinner.

I continue to drop steeply and quickly into the valley as I do I stop for a moment to take time to look around and take pictures of the scenery, it puts into perspective how small humans are, and how big God is to have created all of this.

I had planned to camp at the Benson lake trail junction. It is a dry campsite but a stream is just .2 miles away so the water carry would not have been an issue. Benson Lake is said to be one of the nicest lakes in the Sierra. To reach it, you take a side trail .4 miles. I decided I would do it and I’m glad I did. It is a beautiful lake that has a white sand beach, and is surrounded by towering mountains. I set up my tent on the sand. I used driftwood to hold the stakes more firmly. I ate dinner, set up the inside of my tent, and got ready for bed. The later mornings and bigger miles are making for long days. It’s 8:30, good night.