June 19 day 51 camped mile 790 walked 0.5 PCT and 8 off PCT miles today.
Had breakfast at the Mt Whitney restaurant. Pretty poor version of corned beef hash and eggs. Picked up new shoes at the PO and was ready to hit the road. Got a hitch to Independence and then a second up to the trailhead. Chit chatted with Cornfed, Ryan and New Orleans had a beer washed my feet and put on my new shoes. Had a gorgeous camp with a view of Charlotte lake and dome.
June 20 day 52 camped mile 805 walked 15 miles today
From the went over Glenn pass (11968ft) and descended through the ever popular Rae Lakes. Too overused for me. The foam on the lakeshore breaks my heart and reminds me to be careful for water sources even though I use a filter (Sawer squeeze). Long descent down S fork Woods creek and up the main fork. Found a little hollow at timberline for camp. Great views with lots of frost on my sleeping bag in the morning.
June 21 day 53 camped mile 815.8 hiked 10.8 miles today
Late start as I had to dry off stuff from the very frosty night. Climbed the last bit to Pinchot pass and then on to well above timberline below Mather Pass (12047ft) another cold clear night under the stars.
June 22 day 54 camped mile 836 hiked 20.8 miles today
After a brief defrosting I head up to Mather Pass (12047ft). I am there all alone. The views are tremendous. The N side descent has a surprising amount of snow. Descend Palisades creek as it slides down the glacier carved rock ramps. Lower down here are beautiful open meadows. The enormous Jeffry Pine dominate these mid altitude forests. Those and the ancient shaggy Cedar are the standout trees here. Camp a little latter than I would have preferred as I was very tired. Got a tiny sheltered spot overhung by trees to avoid the possibility of frost. It really slows the morning up.
June 23 day 55 camped mile 855.8 hiked 19.8 miles today
Was at Muir Pass with it’s hut at about 10:00. Saw two Pika’s today along with some good marmot close ups. Started clouding up today. Cowboy camped near Paiute Creek.