Near Treeline, surrounded by alpine lakes
Above 1,000 Islands Lake
Miles: 18
Trip: 256
This campsite reminds me of the Beartooths in Montana more than any other place we've been. Black, jagged granite peaks jutting out around boulder-filled lakes; scraggly pines bent and twisted from wind and deep snow. It has the magic I felt on my very first three-night trip in 2009. I was slack-jawed the entire time, speechless over how constant and surreal the beauty was. Today I felt the same wonder and reverence, even after everything we've seen. These mountains make me feel honored to be near them, afraid it might all disappear like a vivid daydream. I didn't want to go into the tent, just stand outside until the sun went completely out.
I'm definitely getting stronger, even with the rough days. We got a nice late start today and took a couple long breaks between speedy hiking through mosquitoes. Even got to soak my feet once - that makes a huge difference. So much that I was able to power past 1,000 Islands Lake (where Ansel Adams took famously fantastic photos) to this little cove on Island Pass. My feet only complained slightly, mostly about starting out too fast and not breaking soon enough. But by the last five miles I was keeping pace with Andrew (when I wasn't taking pictures) and even had the urge to swim once we finally made camp at 8pm.
Another badge on my thru-hiker sash: I have a voracious appetite. Tonight was the first night I finished my dinner and looked for more, whereas I sometimes have to force the last spoonfuls down.I ate an extra Snickers as we hiked into camped, and another when doing chores. And I'm still hungry! I hope I sent enough food to my resupply points...
Andrew and I are still getting along well. Today we played some alphabet games (candy bars starting with A,B,C...etc.) to speed the miles along. We even talked politics a little, which he gets fired up about and I try not to be drawn into. This trip is the ultimate test of a relationship, but also the best way to get to know someone on a deep level. And if you can love someone who hasn't showered in 12 days, lets their flatulence reign freely, and sings the same off-key songs repeatedly...well, you're just lucky.
Shaggy says:
Slept really well last night. Having the campground to ourselves was awesome, but even better a PCT hiker and 2 JMT hikers joined us as we sat around the first campfire we have had on this trip.
This morning we got a late start, slept in a bit and then enjoyed breakfast at the restaurant in Reds Meadow. It was super tasty, I got the largest breakfast they offered and it wasn't big enough. A little pricey too, but that was expected.
We enjoyed a leisurely morning. I made phone calls while Lauren wrote postcards and journaled. It was a great way to enjoy the morning. At 1030 we took off. Got lost right away in the maze of trails around Reds Meadow. Found our way though, and spent the rest of the day paying better attention.
It always feels great to be back on the trail. One highlight of the day was passing a group of 10 Asians. They had at least 4 generations on this hike, and must not have known we were behind them, because we followed them for a good quarter mile.
It was hot down low today. But now we are camped at Island Pass and enjoying a chilly sunset. I am exhausted and my stomach is feeling funky. Think its the town food. We did 19 miles today and have 17 to go to get to Tuolomne Meadows. Looking forward to it!
"Work is the refuge of those who have nothing better to do." -Oscar Wilde
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| Whew, Zero found the trail for us. Glad we keep him around. |
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| Happy spring in the Sierras! |
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| Tilting your camera at artistic angles automatically makes the photo avant garde and hip. |
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| Ansel Adams took famous photographs at Thousand Island Lake. I figured, if he can do it... |
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| Campsite on Island Pass. |
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| Yes, we have matching sleeping bags. Can we help it if Western Mountaineering makes the very best in down products? |
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