Journey Day 85 | PCT Day 85

Sunrise from Susie Lake.

7/10/85

Up before daybreak. Off around lake for climb. I get lost, head around Gilmour Lake. Finally right my course. Meet Matt near Dick’s Pass. He heads on. Then I continue to drop down past more lakes. Despite Mike’s arrows, I get lost again, get on the Velma Lakes Trail. Bushwhack my way back to the trail. Hike hard as mosquitoes harass me through the forest. Meet twins at Phipps Creek. They leave after we filter water.

The Desolation Wilderness is dry. Hike hard again, planning a swim at Richardson Lake. Pass logging. Mosquitoes continue. A rough day. Raining slightly. Come upon twins, who also think we have come far enough to be at the lake. Sure enough, it’s just past our spot. We hike on, me far behind this speed-hiking duo, Mike always out first, Matt closes the gap.

Do remote photos at the Tahoe National Forest Sign after noting damage done by logging. Beyond trees leveled, an entire ecosystem ravaged, water diverted, etc.

Very tired, I hike on to agreed-upon spot. Follow footprints, arrows to road near Bear Lake. Twins already getting settled. Megamunch dinner. I’m enjoying my extra food. Crash quickly outside despite bugs.