PCT Map Miles 737.6
Miles Hiked 677.4
Elevation 10,374 feet
Miles Hiked Today 15.7
I was up at 4:00 AM and on the trail hiking at 5:15. This morning, the trail goes up 1,300 feet to 10,500 feet. I haven’t been this high in elevation since I hiked the Colorado Trail.
The morning was cold, which is a change from the hot weather that I’ve been experiencing. I actually put on my down jacket and wore it for about an hour while hiking. Even when the sun came out, it remained cool. That’s the advantage or disadvantaged, depending on how you look at it, of hiking at a high elevation.
The terrain now is definitely different than the desert terrain. There are meadows and stands of trees in which I am hiking. Still, I saw a small cactus this morning. It was definitely out of place.
I met another couple of hikers in the morning while taking a break and eating breakfast. It was an older man and I presume his wife. My first thought was that these old people shouldn’t be out here, but then I realized, they probably were not as old as I am. I told them they had a big climb ahead of them, and the wife with an exasperated look on her face says, “I know, I know.” I kind of felt sorry for her.
Late morning, I came upon the last water source available before my intended campsite. I debated whether I should get water or not, and since I was facing another 1,500 foot plus climb, I decided not to get water. Water is heavy, and if I don’t need it, I don’t want to carry it. Later in the afternoon I started to regret that decision about not carrying more water. I met yet another hiker on the trail and enquired about any potential water source ahead. There were none close by, but he did offer me some of his water. Water is life out here, so I couldn’t accept. I wouldn’t want to create a problem for another hiker. We both moved on in opposite directions.
I was on the verge of running out when I came upon a late afternoon water source. I filled up. My risky decision paid off. I next found a tent site where I would spend the night.
It was a tough day with multiple ascents and descents. I’ll sleep good tonight.
By the way today is my 74th birthday. What did you do on your last birthday?
