Journey Day 77 | PCT Day 77

Pausing near alpine lake, near Yosemite.

7/2/85

Down Seavey Pass we go. Mosquitoes still swarming. Down to the canyon floor via steep, rock switchbacks. This is becoming a routine, yet no less taxing. At creek, following another climb to a pass. Bugs push us on.

Find bug-free lunch spot, a welcome relief after megalong days. Following a long, restful break, up another hot pass. which includes a false pass before the real thing. Meet a wild hippy hiker with sole-torn boots who advises us to go past Wilmer Lake, our intended spot, to avoid another bug onslaught.

Hike on after Keith catches up. Bugs jump me as we’re passing Wilmer. I make it to a creek just past where the group is waiting. I cross a tough log, talk long with a hiking couple. Make camp, dropping pack against tree. Head up stream to wild falls. Swim naked. Nice break after bugs, heat. And clean.

Come back, pitch tent as mosquitoes swarm. Huddling inside writing this as daylight dwindles. Back outside we cook dinner, sit around fire. Relaxed, I crash after bear-bagging