Author: Charles Stump

  • Day 72 – Mile 976.7 to Mile 994.5

    Day 72 – Mile 976.7 to Mile 994.5

    Saturday, July 4. Mid-40s and clear going up to upper 60s.

    Up at 6:00. On trail at 7:15.

    Mosquitoes are terrible today!

    First steep hard climb of the day from 9:00 to 10:30. Only 1.75 miles but steep and buggy. One more hard climb to go this morning, then a gradual climb the rest of the day. These steep uphills aggravate my Achilles.

    Day 72 View

    Just got passed by two separate youngsters who were scampering uphill like it was nothing. Damn kids!

    Started second climb at 11:22. Not gonna be fun.

    Day 72 View

    Ugh. Only halfway into this climb and I’m beat. I feel like this mountain climbing stuff was easier a month or so ago. My body needs a day off from this fun and games. 

    Ran into lots of blowdowns this afternoon. Looked like some very strong wind storm came through here this past winter or spring.

    Day 72 Blowdowns

    Finished the climb at 1:00. Got passed by 3 more people. I’m moving very slow again today. 

    I wanted to call it quits around 14 miles today, but forced myself to make 18.4 miles. Body couldn’t go any farther. Made camp by a huge marshy meadow at 5:30. Millions of mosquitoes. Got tent set up fast and made dinner in the tent.

    I’m not making it to Sonora Pass and Kennedy Meadows North tomorrow evening. It’s almost 24 miles. I should be able to do that kind of mileage, but the best I can pull off these days is 18 or 19 max. I have to start doing more than that or I’m not going to make it to Canada before the snow flies. I’m hoping my 4 days off in Tahoe let my body rest and fix itself.

    Day 72 Map – Mile 976.7 to Mile 994.5

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Snickers 250
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 100
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Hard salami 90
    • Mountain House Rice and Chicken 540
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Milky Way 240
    • Fritos 400
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 18.4
    • Time: 10:24
    • Up: 3399
    • Down: 3832
    • Calories consumed: 3100
    • Calories burned: 3444
    • iPhone battery used: 20%

  • Day 71 – Mile 961 to Mile 976.7

    Day 71 – Mile 961 to Mile 976.7

    Friday, July 3. Upper 30s and clear going up to upper 60s.

    Up at 6:40. On trail at 7:40.

    Summited Benson Pass (10,107 feet) at 11:40. That was a hard, steep climb. Plus, my left Achilles is really acting up today. I have 13 more miles and one more pass to get through today. 

    Day 71 View

    Stopped for lunch in a meadow at noon at 7.3 hard miles in. 

    Day 71 View

    This afternoon was very difficult on multiple fronts. My goal was 19.7 miles today. However, the climbs today were very difficult. I almost gave up at 13 miles, but forced my body up nearly to the summit of the second pass. That way, I have an easier morning, and I at least got close to my plan by doing 16.4 miles. That said, those last 3.4 miles damn near broke me. 

    Day 71 View
    Day 71 View
    Day 71 View

    I had a couple of people who were SOBO ask if the climbs got any easier for them today, and I had to tell them that their climbs would get worse. 

    I did not see many people today and only 3 NOBO all day. I guess the big bubble is no more. I’m camping all alone. It’s a slightly disturbing feeling not having another person around and being two hard days’ hike in either direction from the nearest civilization. I try not to dwell on that. At least there is good scenery!

    Day 71 View
    Day 71 View
    Day 71 View
    Day 71 View

    YouTube Video of Day 71 Views

    Set up camp at 6:30. We did not get the afternoon thunderstorms that were predicted.

    Day 71 Map – Mile 961 to Mile 976.7

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 100
    • Snickers 250
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Hard salami 90
    • Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry 850
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Milky Way 240
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 16.4
    • Time: 10:42
    • Up: 4196
    • Down: 4573
    • Calories consumed:  3550
    • Calories burned: 3573
    • iPhone battery used: 25%
  • Day 70 – Tuolomne Meadows to Mile 961

    Day 70 – Tuolomne Meadows to Mile 961

    Thursday July 2. Upper-30s and clear going up to 60.

    Up at 6:30. Packed up and headed to the grill for breakfast and the store for electricity at 8:00. On trail at 9:00. Let the solo hiking begin!

    One of my first and last views in Tuolumne Meadows is Lembert Dome.

    Day 70 Lembert Dome

    Followed the PCT signs out of the meadows.

    Day 70 PCT Sign in Yosemite

    Sometimes it was hard to find the trail in the rocks.

    Day 70 Yosemite Views

    I am not going down into the Yosemite Valley where the spectacular views are. I can’t burn the day plus I plan to come back here with Pitcrew in a few years. Therefore I just got these mediocre views of Yosemite (heavy sarcasm).

    Day 70 Yosemite Views

    YouTube Video of Yosemite Views

    I stopped for lunch at 1:00 once I got outside the no camping area. The near to last mile today was as brutal steep. I had thought about going another 1.5 hours, but my Achilles was screaming at me after that last ascent. I made camp next to Miller Lake at 5:30. Really nice camp spot about 75 feet up in the rocks above the lake.

    Day 70 Miller Lake
    Day 70 Camp Overlooking Miller Lake

    I made dinner and chilled out watching the lake. It is nice to NOT be in a narrow valley for a change. That means the sun is actually shining on camp until near to sunset areas of disappearing over an hour before official sunset. That has bent happening a lot lately in these steep mountains.

    Day 70 Map – Tuolomne Meadows to Mile 961

    Technical Notes:

    • Breakfast burrito 750
    • Coffee x 2
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 100
    • Milky Way 240
    • Curry noodles 450
    • Dehydrated Chicken: 170 kcal, 0 carb, 7g fat, 25g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Milky Way 240
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 18
    • Time: 8:40
    • Up: 3163
    • Down: 2280
    • Calories consumed: 3080
    • Calories burned: 3063
    • iPhone battery used: 22%
  • Day 69 – Mile 934.6 to Tuolumne Meadows

    Day 69 – Mile 934.6 to Tuolumne Meadows

    Wednesday, July 1. Mid-30s and clear going up to 60.

    Up at 6:00. It was very cold again today with frost on our tents. My rain fly and ground sheet are very wet from condensation due to being so close to the river. We got moving at 7:00. My fingers were hurting from the damp cold.

    We power hiked to Tuolumne Meadow and arrived at 11:00. We checked in with the rangers around 11:30. I confirmed that the backpacker’s campground opened today and that I can stay here instead of hiking 10 more miles to get outside the no camping zone. Yes! The others made arrangements to get down into the valley in preparation for Half Dome tomorrow.

    Day 69 Backpacker’s Campground Permit

    I went and set up my tent and left things to dry from this morning. Met the others at the store/grill around 1:00. Had a double cheeseburger and fries and a few beers for lunch. Also charged all my electronics at the store. 

    Day 69 Tuolumne Meadows Store

    I said goodbye to Brad and Margarita as they caught the 2:15 bus down into Yosemite Valley. They scored Half Dome passes tomorrow. After that, Brad is taking 4 days off with friends and Margarita is taking one or two days off. We will catch up around Tahoe. 

    I picked up my resupply box at the post office and had a few beers while hanging out with hikers at the store. I worked on route planning. Since I’m solo the next 8 days, I planned shorter days but still aimed to get to the road crossing late on July 8 or early on July 9 where Pitcrew will pick me up.

    My Bear can is very full with enough food for the four days to Kennedy Meadows North plus  some hard-to-find snacks and breakfasts to get me to Tahoe. I picked up a six-pack and headed back to the campground around 2:30 and relaxed with some downloaded movies. Nice to have some downtime for a change. 

    Day 69 Beer, Snacks, and Movies in my Tent

    I have too much food, so I made dinner from some of the snacks and extras that I don’t want to carry for the next six days. I may grab breakfast at the grill in the morning. They open at 8:00. I need to do 17.6 miles tomorrow, but the terrain is mostly flat with only 3000 feet of elevation gain all day. I will see how I’m feeling in the morning on the breakfast vs hiking topic.

    Good news on the weather. This cold snap ends tomorrow with morning temps in the 40s as opposed to the 30s. The only downside is some late afternoon showers. 

    Overall a good day. Looking forward to hiking at my own pace and schedule for a few days. Really looking forward to seeing Pitcrew in 7 or 8 days.

    Day 69 Map – Mile 934.6 to Tuolomne Meadows

    Technical Notes:

    • Quest bar – 210
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g Milky Way 240
    • Milky Way 240
    • Town food!
    • Water liters: 1
    • Miles: 11.5
    • Time: 5:15
    • Up: 495
    • Down: 853
    • Calories consumed: lots
    • Calories burned: 1579
    • iPhone battery used: 25%
  • Day 68 – Mile 921.1 to Mile 934.6

    Day 68 – Mile 921.1 to Mile 934.6

    Tuesday, June 30. Mid-30s and clear going up to 60.

    Up at 6:15. Very cold this morning. Brad and Margarita arrived about 7:20.

    We stopped at Thousand Islands Lake at 9:00 for a snack and a break. 

    Day 68 Thousand Island Lake

    We summited Island Pass at 10:25. The campers up here woke up to 3 inches of new snow this morning. Great view of Thousand Islands Lake from up here.

    Day 68 Thousand Island Lake

    Stopped for lunch one mile before the summit of Donohue Pass. Took a group nap after lunch. 

    Day 68 Donohue Pass Lunch
    Day 68 Donohue Pass Nap
    Day 68 Donohue Pass Marmot

    Summited Donohue Pass at 2:30. We are now in Yosemite National Park. Had cell service up here so I sent a photo to Pitcrew.

    Day 68 Donohue Pass
    Day 68 Donohue Pass
    Day 68 Donohue Pass Looking Back to Mammoth
    Day 68 Donohue Pass Looking into Yosemite

    Nasty rocky descent for 5 miles after the pass. Knees and feet are not happy!

    Day 68 First View in Yosemite

    Made camp at 4:30. Early day but we are all beat. Decent campsite, but bad mosquitoes. We were all in our tents avoiding them at 6:00.

    Day 68 Camp by Meadow

    We have a flat 9.3 miles to get to Tuolumne Meadows tomorrow around 11:00. I’ll pick up my resupply package, have lunch, and see if I’m allowed to camp there.

    Day 68 Map – Mile 921.1 to Mile 934.6

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein 
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Milky Way 240
    • Snickers 240
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Cheese slice 120
    • Fritos 500
    • Skittles 125
    • Jerky (1 oz): 70 kcal, 6g carb, 0g fat, 11g protein 
    • Cup noodles protein (8 oz water): 320 Kcal, 38g carb, 12g fat, 16g protein 
    • Cup noodles protein (8 oz water): 320 Kcal, 38g carb, 12g fat, 16g protein 
    • 3000
    • Fritos 500
    • Milky Way 240
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 14.52
    • Time: 9:08
    • Up: 2963
    • Down: 3648
    • Calories consumed: 3740
    • Calories burned: 2961
    • iPhone battery used: 30%
  • Day 67 – Mammoth Lakes to Mile 921.1

    Day 67 – Mammoth Lakes to Mile 921.1

    Monday, June 29. Mid-40s and partly cloudy with a chance of rain in the late afternoon going up to mid-50s.

    Up at 6:15. Worked on resupply planning. Finished packing. Chilled out while Margarita ran to the post office to ship to Yosemite. We left the hostel to catch the 9:30 bus to the Horseshoe Lake trailhead at 9:15.

    Day 67 Bus to Trailhead

    Brad is getting off trail for a few days once we get to Yosemite. He is meeting some friends. Margarita is taking two days in Yosemite. We should catch back up in or after my 4 days off in Tahoe. I have not decided what I’m doing in Yosemite yet. It will depend on who else is around, what the crowds are like, and what the camping options are. I need to talk to a ranger once I get to Tuolumne Meadows to figure things out. 

    On trail at 10:09. We have about 6 miles to get back to the PCT. The first .5 miles was wicked steep, but then it leveled off and then dropped downhill into Reds Meadow. We hiked all this way through the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

    Day 67 Ansel Adams Wilderness
    Day 67 Ansel Adams Wilderness
    Day 67 Ansel Adams Wilderness
    Day 67 Ansel Adams Wilderness

    We passed a mule train on the way into Red’s.  Arrived at Red’s Meadow at 11:30. Grabbed a snack and chilled for half an hour. 

    Day 67 Mule Train
    Day 67 Red’s Meadow
    Day 67 Working Pay Phone at Red’s Meadow

    Hiked back to the PCT via Devil’s Postpile National Monument.

    Day 67 Devil’s Postpile
    Day 67 Devil’s Postpile

    We hiked through the Ansel Adams Wilderness again in the afternoon and evening. Very striking views.

    YouTube Video of Ansel Adams Wilderness

    Got to camp at 6:45. It started to snow as I was settling up my tent. It was snowing pretty good by the time I finished. Then it turned to sleet, then rain with strong winds. That all finally stopped about 8:00. It’s supposed to get down to about 33 tonight with windchills around 27.

    I have line of sight to the top of the ski area back in Mammoth, so I have really good cell service. I talked to Vicki, and it’s supposed to be over 100 back home with a real-feel of 108+ with the humidity. Talk about two opposite weather extremes!

    I cooked dinner in my tent vestibule given the weather. Brad and Margarita are about 3 miles behind me. Somehow I passed them. They will meet me here around 7:15 tomorrow morning.

    We cross over Donohue Pass and enter Yosemite tomorrow late afternoon. Very cool!

    Day 67 Map – Mammoth Lakes to Mile 921.1

    Technical Notes:

    • Breaded chicken breast 220
    • Coffee
    • Potato Chips 900
    • Root Beer 300
    • Breaded chicken breast 220
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Skittles 125
    • Milky Way 240
    • Jerky (1 oz): 70 kcal, 6g carb, 0g fat, 11g protein 
    • Cup noodles protein (8 oz water): 320 Kcal, 38g carb, 12g fat, 16g protein 
    • Cup noodles protein (8 oz water): 320 Kcal, 38g carb, 12g fat, 16g protein 
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Snickers 240
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 17.2
    • Time: 8:48
    • Up: 3527
    • Down: 2841
    • Calories consumed: 3445
    • Calories burned: 3031
    • iPhone battery used: 50%
  • Day 66 – Mile 902.6 to Reds Meadow 

    Day 66 – Mile 902.6 to Reds Meadow 

    Sunday, June 28. Mid-30s and sunny, going up to upper 50s.

    Up at 5:30. IT WAS COLD!! On trail at 6:30.

    This morning was the coldest day on trail, and it’s June 28! I had ice on my tent and my hands were frozen in 2 pairs of gloves. We hiked an hour before the sun peaked out from behind a mountain. We just stood there for 10 minutes soaking up the sun.

    I hiked a fast 5.5 miles to Reds Meadow to get breakfast at their café at 8:30. Very motivated as I basically ate the last of my food for dinner yesterday other than one pack of ramen and one packet of tuna and about 20 Skittles. I had the 20 Skittles for breakfast, once they thawed out! They were frozen solid.

    Day 66 Reds Meadow

    Brad and Margarita took a side trail about .3 miles short of Reds to go visit a waterfall. We will take the bus into Mammoth once they get here. Unfortunately, the bus does not run tomorrow due to road construction, so we are going to have to ATTEMPT to hitch to a trailhead and then hike 4 miles back to where I am now. 

    Had a great breakfast at Reds Meadow then took the bus into town. We were able to check in at the hostel early. Took a free trolley to the grocery store and resupplied for 2.5 days into Yosemite.

    Back to hostel and repacked food and filled my Bear can. Showered and took ALL my clothes to the laundromat. Picked up new gloves and a new dry bag for my quilt. 

    Finished laundry, back to hostel, dinner, and back to hostel to finish blogs.

    Day 66 Dinner Drinks

    Talked to Pitcrew and chilled out until 10:30.

    We are back on trail starting at 9:00 tomorrow.

    Technical Notes:

    • Reds Meadows Huge Bkfst Burrito 
    • OJ
    • Coffee
    • Water liters: 0
    • Miles: 5.5
    • Time: 2:00
    • Up: 128
    • Down: 1624
    • Calories consumed: lots
    • Calories burned: 602
    • iPhone battery used: n/a
  • Day 65 – Mile 883.6 to Mile 902.6

    Day 65 – Mile 883.6 to Mile 902.6

    Saturday, June 27. Mid-30s with windchill in the upper 30s and going up to upper 40s. Welcome back to winter!

    Up at 6:00. On trail at 7:00.

    We climbed about 3 miles up and over Silver Pass. Not a bad ascent and wonderful views with the clouds adding a nice backdrop to the mountains and lakes. 

    Day 65 Ascent to Silver Pass

    YouTube Video of Silver Pass and Onward 

    Crossed the 1/3 marker. I’m 65 days in and only 1/3 of the way to Canada. I need to pick up the pace !

    Day 65 1/3 of the way to Canada

    As we approached camp, we passed the 900-mile marker.

    Day 65 Mile 900 Marker

    We got to camp at 5:15. We were the first ones here, but about 15 more arrived later. We only have 5.5 miles tomorrow morning to get to Reds Meadow for breakfast and a bus into Mammoth for a Nero and resupply. That’s a good thing as I am pretty much out of food once I finished dinner today.

    Day 65 Map – Mile 883.6 to Mile 902.6

    Technical Notes:

    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30gy): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Milky Way 240
    • Fig bar 300
    • Fig bar 300
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 100
    • Jerky 100
    • Skittles 125
    • Fig bar 300
    • Skittles 250
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Knorr rice 780
    • Jerky 50
    • Doritos 320
    • Fritos 320
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 20
    • Time: 10:05
    • Up: 4124
    • Down: 4613
    • Calories consumed: 3660
    • Calories burned: 3247
    • iPhone battery used:  40%
  • Day 64 – VVR to Mile 883.6

    Day 64 – VVR to Mile 883.6

    Friday, June 26. Low 40s and cloudy going up to low 60s.

    Up at 7:00. Nice VVR Breakfast.

    Published 5 days worth of blogs and took care of some home chores. 

    Resupplied. Not very good resupply, but it’s only 2 days or a hair less.

    Running late, but wanted to have a real lunch at VVR. Got on trail at 1:30. Only 11 miles to go today. 

    Day 64 Edison Lake
    Day 64 Back on PCT

    Got to camp at 6:15. Brad, Back Flip, Kellie, Kellie’s Husband, Brad, Margarita, and me. We had a campfire which was nice as we have a cold wave for the next several days.

    Day 64 Brad, Back Flip, Kellie, Kellie’s Husband, The Queen

    The Pups stopped by for a while on the way to their campsite: North Side, Gramps, Salty Bones.

    Day 64 Brad, Back Flip, Kellie, Kellie’s Husband, The Queen, North Side, Gramps, Salty Bones
    Day 64 Around The campfire

    Good time around the campfire until almost 9:00. We want to get within 5 miles of Red’s Meadow tomorrow so we can have a long Nero the day after in Mammoth. 

    Cold snap rolling in. Could get down to 35 tonight with windchills in the 20’s. Highs in the upper 40s the next few days. 

    Day 64 Map – VVR to Mile 883.6

    Technical Notes:

    • VVR breakfast 800
    • OJ 300
    • Cheeseburger 450
    • Fries 500
    • Milky Way 240
    • Skittles 125
    • Top Ramen Hot Pot Infusion; Japanese Garlic (12 oz water): 620 kcal, 85g carbs, 24g fat, 14g protein
    • Tuna w Oil: 140 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g protein 
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Milky Way 240
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 10.75
    • Time: 4:40
    • Up: 3005
    • Down: 1004
    • Calories consumed: 3800
    • Calories burned: 1852
    • iPhone battery used:  22%
  • Day 63 – Mile 865.9 to VVR

    Day 63 – Mile 865.9 to VVR

    Thursday, June 25. Upper 30s and clear going up to mid-70s.

    Up at 5:30. Cold and damp this morning with no sun due to the steep valley. On trail at 6:40.

    Day 63 Selden Pass

    Summited Selden Pass at 7:06. Next stop Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR).

    Day 63 Selden Pass North
    Day 63 Summit of Selden Pass

    Forded a stream.

    Day 63 Stream Crossing

    Forded another stream.

    Day 63 Stream Crossing

    The mosquitoes are terrible. I finally broke down and applied some bug repellent. The only thing that works is 100% DEET. 

    I reached the VVR junction at 11:30 and 10.37 miles. The side trail to VVR is about 7 miles downhill.

    I reached VVR at 2:15 with a hitch the last mile. $10 for a 10-minute shower and $20 for WiFi access for 24 hours. Civilization is wonderful but expensive. 

    Day 63 VVR
    Day 63 VVR
    Day 63 Showered And Clean

    I weighed myself at 191 lbs. I’m down about 29 lbs, which I am happy with.

    Brad and Margarita arrived about 4:15. 

    I had a long video call with Pitcrew and generally relaxed. I’ll do blogs and other chores tomorrow. 

    The last 6 days in the wilderness of the High Sierras were wonderful but draining. I’m ecstatic to be in civilization for the next 22 hours before getting back on trail. We have a half day tomorrow (10-12 miles), a big day the day after, then a 6-mile Nero into Red’s Meadow and Mammoth, CA. We made hostel reservations for Mammoth as there is a big bubble headed that way.

    I’m counting down the days until Pitcrew picks me up on trail and we take 4 days off in Lake Tahoe. 14 days and counting!

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Shake (10oz): 330 cal, 19g carb, 13.5g fat, 36g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per up
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Town food
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 17.8
    • Time: 7:47
    • Up: 1903
    • Down: 4760
    • Calories consumed: lots
    • Calories burned: 2322
    • iPhone battery used: 25%