June 21 - Forrester and Kings Canyon

Fish Nugget wanted to sleep in but was up early due to the cold. Although it didn't freeze it must have come close, and the high altitude probably didn't help her either. So we packed up and started up the pass just as the sun hit our campsite. Most of the pass stayed in shadow as we crossed the largest snow field and approached the first switchback. As we walked ahead in our microspikes we noticed many of the places the last hiker of the previous evening had slid and postholed. I really though he might have turned around with the snow so soft but he must have made it because we didn't see his body anywhere. This morning the snow below the pass was hard and easy to walk across due to the spikes on our shoes. We had no trouble on any of the snow on our way up, but the way down was different. 

Forrester is named after the group of forest rangers who first traversed it. Later came a trail crew who lost one of their own during construction. We passed his memorial on the way up and could see how dangerous it must have been to build this magnificent trail. I was certainly in awe. The trail traverses a slot in the mountain that is covered in snow and ice much of the year. Today was no exception and it proved to be the most thrilling and potentially dangerous part of the climb. 

Once at the top we thought we would have an easy walk down but the snow on the east facing slope was already soft and slushy. Our first snow crossing found us sliding and postholing most of the way. There was so much snow between rocky outcroppings that we had to take it very slow. At one point I slipped and slid down a short slope on my derrière. When I tried to get up I slipped again and from that point to the bottom I just used my hiking sticks to push me along. It was kinda fun!

The rest of the hike took us down into Kings Canyon, a most spectacular place. Water was crashing down the many streams and we got wet all along the way. The canyon is surrounded by high rugged granite peaks. 

Toward the end of the day Fish Nugget and I said our goodbyes as I headed toward Kearsarge Pass and Independence to resupply and she headed toward Mammoth and a meetup with her mom. We hope to meet again on the trail. 

Tonight I'm camped on a granite ledge above some beautiful lakes just west of Independence. Tomorrow I'll make the descent into the valley and collect my box. Other hikers are encouraging me to hitch to Bishop as the amenities there are better. I'll see how the day goes. 

Fish Nugget ready to put her microspikes to use. 

Forrester's snow chute in the background. 

Selfie

Near the top. 

Crossing

We made it up!

The path down. Where?

Looking back into Kings Canyon. 

Sunset 

Hikingsolo