Journey Day 62 | PCT Day 62

High glacial lake, High Sierras

6/17/85

Up and around, we hike toward Pinchot Pass. Feeling rundown, it takes forever to climb back to the crest. First thing in the morning, trying to cross Woody Creek. Bridge out, so we have to cross on foot. Jeff and I try to do it together. I slip, go in. Having trouble regaining my feet, water rushing into my face, while I’m on my knees. Jeff pulls me out. I make it to shore shaken. Upset I bitch as Keith took pictures while I was nearly drowning. We have words, hike on up to the pass.

Lunch break nice at Pinchot Creek, we hike all the way up to where we climb to the pass. Same creek that threw me. Wash in the creek. Then up. We meet a Civilian Conservation Corps crew of bad boys. One barely making it. Soon we lose the trail in snow, as my sickness returns. Diarrhea, stumbling through snow, over rocks, we eventually find the trail and climb to the pass.

Again the downside presents a snow field, search for the trail. Down we go, jumping at times, but carefully across snow-covered boulders, finally find trail. Hike to campsite near the trail to Bench Lake. Beautiful views from the site. Eat quickly and crash. More deer, this time in the field next to our sites.