Hikingsolo on the PCT: July 10

July 10 - Unexpected Fun

I can hear them from a mile away hooting and hollering and laughing. A guy just showed up in camp and says it's a family of four who lost most of their gear all over the snowy hillside. They wanted to send their packs down first and I guess it didn't work out so well as they tumbled open and disgorged their contents everywhere. Then they slid down - it's called glissading when one slides down a steep snowy incline on your butt - only to have to turn around and climb up to get their gear.

The guy went in search of a secluded camp spot even though I offered one here hoping he'd take one of the two remaining. I'm sure he's thinking what I'm thinking, that the family is going to show up and take over this area. It may not be a quiet night after all. I arrived an hour ago limping in on a sore left foot blister to set up camp and wash up. Until a few minutes ago it was just me and the mosquitoes. If I'm lucky it will stay that way.

Today was fairly uneventful. Seventeen miles of flat and, except for the blow downs, easy walking followed by four miles up hill and one exhilarating mile sliding on my butt or slipping in the snow. I have to say it was fun, even if there wasn't anyone watching. I too had to trudge uphill in the snow as I lost my hat on the way down. That just meant I could do it again! Yahoo!

I saw only one other person all day, not counting the sleeping figures along the trail late this afternoon. I didn't count them because I couldn't tell for sure if they weren't dead. Or which way they were going. PCT humor.

I also got to talk with Betsy, the highlight of my day. Since I was climbing a mountain I had cell service, if only for a while. Betsy was just entering Montana on her way to visit my sister Sherri's extended family. I also sent Granddaughter Emily a Happy Birthday wish. She just turned 11.

Now that I'm at higher elevation I don't see as many wildflowers, but the ones here are sure pretty.

Lavender bunches dot the hillside.

Indian paintbrush and the purple flowers together make a pretty picture.

The yellow ones I've never seen before.

My camp. One of the mountains in the background had the fun snow field.

The family just showed up. Maybe the mosquitoes will carry them away! I may be in luck!