Journey Day 55 | PCT Day 55

High Sierras, California

6/10/85

Up and about, but slow getting all tasks handled. Late start, but feel well rested. Across nearby creek, we hike up again to ridge near canyon. 30 switchbacks take their toll.  We break at a nice spot in the saddle overlooking the Owens Valley and some peaks. 

Up again, we hike to today’s high point. Then down where we break again in a nice forest. Sleepiness at both breaks. Fatigue after a fast start. Miles seem to be coming slowly. Probably the altitude, plus still heavy packs. 

A bit ragged from tiredness, but the scenery holds up as we drop down near Ash Meadow, then across the agua at Dutch Meadow. After search for the spring source, we decide to filter again. Keith finds a new staff, but holds onto to old, cracked bough he’s used since Campo, a string holding the base together.

Up again, to campsite shy of Mulkey Pass. Still much daylight as we get 13 miles for the third straight day. We budgeted 12 miles a day in the Sierras.

Drink lemonade, make dinner. Fight with hard ground, finally rig tent up after nearly giving up. 

Then Bear-bagging #3: Huge success, no hassles. Bags should be retrievable but “bear-proof.” Back to more filtering, then into tents to update this journal. Then to bed…

Awakened, when barely asleep, by heel injury. Turns out to be biggest blister to date on right heel beneath mole foam worn since Kennedy Meadows.