Horseshoe Meadow Campground to Campsite at Mile 755.28
The more I sleep in the wilderness, the louder public campgrounds are. It is definitely nice to have picnic benches, toilets, and running water, but it all comes with the price of noisy people. I slept alright, but people started getting up around 4:30 AM and the noise progressed from there. Luckily we only have 12 miles to hike today, so I don't need much sleep...right?!!
After lying in the tent for a bit, I finally got up around 6:15 AM. I was able to sleep in a bit since Tim will take care of the tent after I leave.
We all are breakfast together at the picnic table which was nice. It was then time to pack the bags. In addition to all the regular stuff I have been carrying, I have added the following items for the high Sierra mountains: bear canister, ice axe, microspikes, base layer top & bottom, and rain pants. All this extra adds more weight and volume. Needless to say, I was having a heck of a time trying to get it all in my bag. After 3 attempts I was finally able to get it all in and close my bag. I then lifted it and was blown away by how much it weighs. All that extra stuff must have added at least 5.5 pounds plus, I am carrying 5 days worth of food meaning about 20 pounds making my bag weigh around 40 pounds...OY! After complaining a bit, we said good bye to Tim and Mary, we threw on the heavy packs, and were ready to hike into the high Sierra just after 8:30 AM.
After lying in the tent for a bit, I finally got up around 6:15 AM. I was able to sleep in a bit since Tim will take care of the tent after I leave.
We all are breakfast together at the picnic table which was nice. It was then time to pack the bags. In addition to all the regular stuff I have been carrying, I have added the following items for the high Sierra mountains: bear canister, ice axe, microspikes, base layer top & bottom, and rain pants. All this extra adds more weight and volume. Needless to say, I was having a heck of a time trying to get it all in my bag. After 3 attempts I was finally able to get it all in and close my bag. I then lifted it and was blown away by how much it weighs. All that extra stuff must have added at least 5.5 pounds plus, I am carrying 5 days worth of food meaning about 20 pounds making my bag weigh around 40 pounds...OY! After complaining a bit, we said good bye to Tim and Mary, we threw on the heavy packs, and were ready to hike into the high Sierra just after 8:30 AM.
Ready to hike.
We will see Tim again in Lone Pine in 5 days, on Wednesday. Between now and then we will climb Mount Whitney, reach the highest point on the PCT (Forester Ridge), and ford 5 raging mountain rivers. These next 5 days are going to be quite an adventure!
First adventurous event is crossing this log bridge on Trail Pass in Horseshoe Meadow.
First adventurous event is crossing this log bridge on Trail Pass in Horseshoe Meadow.
Share Bear crossing the log bridge.
After crossing the river we looked around and noticed cute little mammals all over the place. This was our first sighting of Marmots:
Marmot warming up on a rock.
The climb out of Horseshoe Meadow wouldn't have been too bad if it wasn't for all the weight in our bags. We better get used to this, our bags are going to be heavy for the entire Sierra crossing during the next 3 weeks. By 10:00 AM we were back on the PCT with the goal of getting to an alpine lake in time for lunch.
Share Bear & Brad trying to get to the lake.
The first landmark before the lake is Cottonwood Pass which we reached before 12:30 PM. The lake is just 0.63 miles from here.
Cottonwood Pass sign with mountain in background.
After the Cottonwood Pass intersection, there was a PCT sign nailed to a tree. I thought it would make a nice picture.
PCT sign of the day on a tree.
Finally, at 12:45 we arrived at Chicken Spring Lake...our first alpine lake of the hike. Seeing this lake really made us realize that we were finally hiking in the mountains. By the way, this lake is 11,213 feet high.
Share Bear loving the lake.
Self-portrait "Chicken Spring Lake"
There was this incredible rock on the lake that was shaped like a lounge chair, so I hopped on to check it out. Wow...it was so comfy.
Chilling on the rock.
Of course Share Bear and Brad has to join me:
Everyone chilling on the rock.
We hung out on the lake for over 3 hours and left just before 4:00 PM. At this point we still had 4.5 miles to hike and the terrain didn't look easy. From the lake we started climbing and was rewarded with a view is Chicken Spring Lake where we just left:
Beautiful view of Chicken Spring Lake.
During the climb, we reached Audible's 500th mile on the trail. I don't know if I mentioned it in an earlier blog entry, but Audible joined his sister and brother-in-law in Big Bear...500 miles ago. This is a huge accomplishment.
Audible celebrating mile 500.
Check out this amazing view we had today:
Wow.
At PCT mile 753.91 we entered Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Our first National Park on the trail.
Entering a National Park
Another great PCT sign on the trail today.
PCT sign of the day - part 2
Finally, around 6:30 PM, we decided we had enough for the day and made camp. The trail today was rough. We only hiked 12.5 miles, but in those miles we climbed over 2,000 feet and most of the day we were hiking above 11,000 feet. This would have been tough with day packs, no less 40 pound packs on our backs.
Tomorrow we hike same distance with a similar terrain. I guess it should be a little easier since our bags have less food, but not much.
I better get some sleep, so until tomorrow...
Tomorrow we hike same distance with a similar terrain. I guess it should be a little easier since our bags have less food, but not much.
I better get some sleep, so until tomorrow...
Our camp.
My home for the night at 11,000 feet
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