Journey Day 86 | PCT Day 86

With Matt Eades in the Desolation Wilderness.

  7/11/85

Slow getting going, although up early. Break camp. As usual hike out first, Matt last. He catches me after Barker Pass, but I pass him again as he takes a sitdown.  He passes me again with a Walkman . As I round the ridge, I hear a howl and see him ahead, discoing at the saddle. We sit, talk, I shoot his picture.

We head on. He’s lazy today too. Up and down, we walk through the Desolation’s high peaks. Nice views that would be better without overcast skies. Smoke or weather?

I break before Twin Peaks. Nice spot.  Onward to next saddle, I find Matt and we enjoy our lunch. Eating big!

At sign-viewpoint, get remotes, then hike on. Realize Mike far ahead by “11:00” written in path. But we’re taking it easy. Hike along Ward Peak’s ridge, down switchbacks. Alpine Meadow, where ski resort obvious. Again find Matt, this time barefoot by a stream. Another long break, we talk of women, relationships. Getting ready to leave, we’re running behind, when Keith comes up. We talk, Jeff comes up, Five Lakes Creek.

Keith goes ahead. Jeff, Matt and I hike up a climb we’re not looking forward to. Jeff drops back, Matt, Keith ahead. I hike long ascent through trees, granite formations, over ridges, across fork of the North American River.

Spot Matt, Keith above on the ridge. Push on. Find Keith stopped at the top. I push on, day hikers lost on the trail as I head to the creek and Matt. Get water, then down, stomach empty, to Mountain Meadow Lake, where we make camp. Find Mike who was hours ahead.

Crash. Awaken talking in my sleep again.