Day 9
Clearing near Pinchot Pass, just before South Fork Kings River
Elevation: 10700 ft
Today's Miles: 18
Trip Miles: 127
More delicious pass views today. The mountains between Glen and Pinchot Pass are so different from what we've seen so far; dark red veined with cream, black streaked with white...some crumbling and some looking like they just rose from the Earth's crust. I couldn't help ogling them, sometimes tripping over rocks on the trail, themselves exotic-looking and colorfully patterned.
We started from Rae Lakes at 7:30, a little later than our usual time but still within my range of respectability. I think Shepard (a 17-year-old speedster who camped with us) would have hiked with us, but he got cold waiting for me to pack my bag. He's probably ten miles from us by now, over Mather Pass. His question yesterday, of why the girl of girl-boy hiking couples is usually hiking in front, amused my but also brought up some insecurities. I laughed because it seemed so obvious to me: the girl is usually (not always) slower. If the guy hiked in front, you wouldn't see them together! That's how it is with us anyway, and it can cause tension. I take more breaks, more pictures and more time to look around than Andrew. He focuses on making miles, getting to our destination, pushing himself. I know he still appreciated the scenery and being where he is, but his drive to always move forward tends to clash with my desire to soak it all in and capture every possible memory. But I know that the fact he's out here with me means that the compromises we make are worth making, to be out here together.
Walking along the Woods Creek might have been my favorite non-pass stretch so far, The solid rock chutes with churning pools, the wide cascades, the sapphire color of the water...it all did a great job of occupying my thoughts as we made a gradual climb. The day went by so fast, I was surprised to find out how many miles we'd gone. My feet knew the truth though; although the Hoka have removed my arch pain (miraculously!) the last five miles left my ankles and toes complaining. But I'll take that over aching arched any day.
Shaggy says:
Yesterday while Lauren enjoyed a polar plunge in Rae Lakes, I walked
around and saw thousands of fish rising. I really wished I had my fly
rod. I found a PBR on the side of the lake. Looked like it had been
there since last year, the colors were all faded. I drank it with
dinner. Amazing way to end a great day.
This morning came too soon. I did not sleep the best, and it was
chilly, about 35 degrees at 6 am. We were on the trail quickly though,
and enjoyed the amazing views on our descent.
A National Park service employee stopped us on the way down, asking
for our permit. We were trying to hurry past him so we would not have to
show the permit which was buried in my pack. After unpacking, he said
he wouldn't have asked if he knew it would be so much work. He looked at
the permit, and sent us on our way.
The downhill today to Woods Creek was so smooth. We made great time
and had a good time chatting with everyone out for the weekend.
The climb up to Pinchot wore us both out. 8 miles to the top. It was
very pretty though, the colors of the rocks are amazing up here.
We are both hiking about the same pace now. I am still carrying a
little bit of her weight, but really glad we are hiking about the same
speed.
Today we are camped about a half mile before South Fork of the Kings
River. We were both exhausted and need a good night's sleep.
I am excited to climb Mather Pass tomorrow. Its one of my favorite passes and tomorrow will be the third time I will climb it.
Dinner consisted of dehydrated spaghetti, sauce, dried venison, fresh
sierra onions, tabasco sauce, cheddar cheese, and a cheese roll. Who
said we were roughin it? That's good eatin'.
17 miles today and I am sleepy.
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