June 28 - Muir Pass and Evolution Basin

The day started with a wicked climb of five miles to the top of Muir Pass. The South Branch of the Kings River originates in Muir Pass and fills the narrow canyon with a roar. Several times I crossed the river and its tributaries on the way up. In some areas it wasn't possible to do anything but walk in the freezing snow melt because the trail was under the runoff. On the way up I met Liftoff, a teacher and ski instructor from Vail, Colorado. She left me in her snow spray as I wasn't feeling all that well after yesterday's falls. Two miles from the top I walked across snow in the tracks of those who had gone before. At one point I could hear the rushing water under the snow and hoped that I wouldn't fall through. The hard work going up had me sweating but it was worth it. Muir must have been a real badass in his day to go here without maps or a trail. At the top of the pass is the Muir Hut, which is an awesome shelter. 

The way down took me across more snow but in a more gentle slope with no raging water. As I reached the first ice covered lake clouds were gathering for a classic Sierra thunderstorm. One hiker who passed me said that we were in for the full experience. She was right. About a mile later the lightning started and the sky opened up with rain and hail. Fortunately I was prepared and had my pack covered and my rain suit on. As lightning continued to crash all about on the peaks I passed the hiker. She wanted to make sure I was well down the trail since "lightning is attracted to groups of hikers," a fact I did not know. 

Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the awesomeness of Evolution Basin as I stowed my phone in a waterproof bag and it continued to rain all the way into camp. I cooked dinner in the tent vestibule to get out of the elements. It's still raining into the night. 

Reflections in an ivy lake up

Muir Pass. 

Dirty hiker sweating on snow. 

The trail was on snow more than rock. 

Muir Hut

Muir Hit inside. 

My Korean friends Jim and San (mountain).

Tent. Raining outside. 

Hikingsolo