WEEK 10 ON THE TRAIL

This week I have been cold - so cold I have had to hike in my trousers - and that's unnatural for me! I've moved further into the Sierra Nevada and climbed across several more passes, most at around 11 or 12 thousand feet.

The weather has definitely turned, with cloud cover and much lower temperatures, around 7 or 8 degrees C by day, below freezing overnight - not what I'm used to experiencing in June.

I have also started to come across rivers and streams, swollen with often raging snow melt water, that I have to wade across. These can be treacherous and, in the last two years, have taken the lives of at least two PCT hikers. The water is also icy cold so, even if it is only knee-high, it's a real shock to the system!

I have also had to get used to crossing and climbing large snow fields. ​This is a slow and laborious task and, at times I have to admit, it's scared me. When you're climbing across snow, on a 45 degree slope, with a 500 foot drop onto rocks below you, it really focuses the attention. That's all for now.

Never happier than when in shorts.

The approach to Muir Pass

No need to filter this water,
straight from the mountain top!

On the way down from
Kearsage Pass.

When's the sun coming out again - I want to get my shorts on!

It really is cold now! What am I doin' here. 

Back of Forrester Pass - Micro Spikes - Out!

Micro spikes for traction on snow and ice. 

On the back of one mountain or another - a tricky snowy bit. 

Not every day is a sunny day in California!

Is the blue sky returning???

Bishop, CA - 9,000 Feet - A little more wrapping up will be needed. 

Yeah - this is what it's all about!

One mountain after another - beautiful!

Careful Now!!!

Half a mile to the top of Muir Pass. 

Frozen Lake - hopefully we'll warm up as the sun comes up.

Top of Muir Pass - Muir Hut!

Rushing Water - Spectacular.

Just over Sheldon Pass - What a view - Worthwhile!