- Daily mileage 21
- Total mileage 739
- Hiked from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Today was all about the 4 "H's":
- Heavenly views
- Hot weather
- Heavy packs
- High elevation
The entire "family" gathered around for a brief safety talk from Justin the Kiwi about ice axe use and other useful information regarding our upcoming travels through the heart of the Sierra. So far in two days up here, we have encountered virtually no snow and no stream crossings of any significance. But we all know they are waiting out there for us.
There is minor bits of snow around
High altitude stunted trees
Got going around 7:00 to finish the bit of hill leftover from yesterday. I should note that even though we camped above 10,000 feet last night, it never got all that cold. I did get woken up by the howls of coyotes fairly nearby at about 3 am. When we crested that hill, there were yet more incredible vistas waiting for us. The rest of the morning was spent on fairly easy trail with amazing views.
More minor bits of snow
In the afternoon, we had about a 2,000 foot climb that seemed to go on forever. The day had heated up considerably and we are all carrying very heavy packs. But I made it, mayhaps feeling a bit battered. Now everyone is back together (minus Cedar and Alex) and plans are being discussed and altered in rapid succession. Personally, I am going to skip climbing Mt Whitney (it is a side trip of 8 miles each way to summit the highest mountain in the lower 48). Instead I am going to split the long day tomorrow into two short days and meet up with the crew on Sunday night. The high tempo on the trail above 9,000 feet has taken a toll on me and I think my old body needs a bit of a break.
Open forest at high altitude
A strange stump
Home for the night
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