Today was one of the hardest hikes I've done on the PCT, or anywhere for that matter. I stopped last night at mile 747, Poison Meadow Spring, two miles further than I anticipated. That made today's hike two miles shorter, 20 instead of 22 miles. There were several elevation changes totaling 4500 feet and topping out at just over 11,000 feet. Needless to say I'm exhausted! I left at 7:00 this morning and got into camp at 6:30 this evening. After filtering water, setting up the tent and sleeping arrangement, cooking dinner, and then eating I'm definitely ready for bed.
The camp area is at Upper Crabtree Meadows, just 7.5 miles from the top of Mt. Whitney. I'll join a large loose knit group on the way up tomorrow. In the morning there won't be much sun as I'm camped in the shadow of Whitney at 10,500 feet and I expect the night to be cold! If all goes well I'll get up and back before dark. I'm not planning on taking much, just lunch and water, so the trip should be easier on my body.
Today I met Dangerous Dave, Gilbert (who was on a train to LA with SnapChat), and Night Rider. Nice people.
Pictures: Chicken Spring Lake, the first one in the Sierra along the PCT.
Elevation, but not the highest today. I think that was over 11,600.
Looking towards Whitney.
The trail is all about the same with magnificent trees and lots of granite, decomposed and solid.
Hikingsolo
I'm exhausted just reading your posts. Love the pics. Hope Whitney goes well.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see your posts. We live the high Sierra.
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