Thursday, June 16, 2016

The Coldest Day Yet

Day 72 - June 16
Mile: 927 to 942.5
up/down: 1250/2700 feet

It was the coldest morning we've had so far on the trail. The wind didn't let up overnight and the temperature dropped into the high 20s. It was hard to get going. We were both wearing just about all the clothes we had. Up we went to Donohue Pass, our last time at 11000 feet on the trail. The last couple miles were continuous snow cover so we donned our foot spikes for the last time. We will give up these and our whippet ice axes from here forward. Overall it was an easy pass and the views were nice. 

 
 
Down the other side there were some steep spots but nothing like some of the earlier passes. Down the glacial head wall and we were in Lyell Canyon. It's a pretty canyon but goes on forever (especially when you can smell the cheeseburger at the end...)

 
 
 
 
 
With real food at the end of the rainbow we pounded out the miles and met our friends Terri and Brenda at the Tuolumne Meadows store. An hour later we were eating dinner at the Whoa Nellie Deli at the Mobile station in Lee Vining. If you are in the area we highly recommend a stop. You won't be disappointed. 

We're off for a couple days of well earned rest. I'm uncertain of cell coverage as we move through northern Yosemite. I'll get new blogs posted as soon as I can!

4 comments:

  1. I always wonder how you cross these streams and still have dry feet. Or do you? I hate hiking in wet foot gear.

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    1. We do not. We wear trail runners and walk right through the water. This type of footwear dries much faster than boots. You actually get used to walking with damp feet all day. There were times when I thought I was growing webs between my toes!

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  2. Hi guys, you did Donohue pass the same day as me and josh, we also ended up at the Mobile gas station on the same day, we must have just missed each other!! We stayed for the band and ended up sleeping up at the flag pole. Tom & Josh

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    1. Wow! Sorry we missed you! We're starting again Sunday, hope to see you in the next section.

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