Mile: 888.5 to 902.5
up/down: 2500/2750 feet
We didn't really have to dig out but it seemed like it. By morning the copious wet had frozen solid. Our tent was a sheet of ice and putting it away was fun. I'm glad Susan has to carry the tent as the bad boy weighed an extra pound from the ice! Our shoes, socks, and insoles were still wet from two days before so you can imagine the fun it was putting those on. Finally we were going and climbed out of our campsite to the meadow called Tulley Hole. Then it was a big climb to Virginia Lake. The trail was either wet or covered in 4 inches of fresh snow. By the time we reached Virginia it was 100% winter snow cover with an added few inches on top. It was slow going for miles.
Pushing on we made the climb the steep descent to the outlet of Purple Lake. With the fresh snow it was very pretty. Next up was another up and down steep ridge to the outlet stream for Duck Lake. You can tell we are getting really close to a tourist center ( Mammoth Lakes) as now all the stream crossings have bridges. Wouldn't want them flatlanders to get their feet wet!
We continued on around a ridge then started the drop to Reds Meadow. This tourist trap would be a wonderful source of calories for us if only they were open for the season (next weekend). Oh well... We stopped short of the Meadow as we were tired from a long day of snow slogging. That and we have cell for the first time in 2 weeks and I can upload the blog posts! Ain't civilization grand!
And we passed mile 900 today!!
Pat B & I thought of you both the other day as we took a short stroll on the PCT. Missed my Butte Co GRJA & BBWO maybe you two will encounter them around Cold Springs Sunmit. Great birds for Susan 😎
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 900!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to get your blogs again (what incredible adventures). Terrific to be able to follow you on the map. Cotinued safe journry.
ReplyDeletePamela
Man, I thought I had it rough yesterday doing Willow Flycatcher surveys in a wet meadow. Got wet up to my knees in cold water! Probably not as tough as hiking on snow and ice all day, for days at a time. Obviously, you guys will make it. Nothing seems to stop you.
ReplyDeleteMan, I thought I had it rough yesterday doing Willow Flycatcher surveys in a wet meadow. Got wet up to my knees in cold water! Probably not as tough as hiking on snow and ice all day, for days at a time. Obviously, you guys will make it. Nothing seems to stop you.
ReplyDelete