Category: PCT Thru-Hike 2026

  • Day 85 – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Day 85 – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Friday, July 17. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 80s.

    Up at 7:00. Breakfast with Maui at Donner Ski Ranch. I met Maui 2 days ago. He’s about 10 years older than me and hiked the AT in 2022. Good guy. We bunked together last night as well. He only does 10-13 miles a day. I should see him again in Sierra City.

    On trail at 9:30 and crossed over Donner Summit.

    Day 85 Donner Ski Ranch
    Day 85 Donner Pass

    Donner Lake and Truckee

    Day 85 Donner Lake

    Cal Trans mountain climbing and repelling training. Very cool.

    Day 85 Cal Trans Staff Training
    Day 85 Cal Trans Staff Training

    Abandoned railroad avalanche sheds now pedestrian trail. I think this is where the film crew was filming.

    Day 85 Old Avalanche Shed
    Day 85 Old Avalanche Shed

    Crossed under Interstate 80.

    Day 85 Crossing Under I-80
    Day 85 Crossing Under I-80

    Summited Castle Pass (7,929 feet) at 1:25.

    Day 85 Castle Pass

    Lunch at 1:20 and 7.7 miles at Peter Grubb Hut. Back on trail at 2:30.

    Reached camp at 6:45 and 16 miles. Very nice camp sites next to a dirt road. Another group of 6 arrived at 8:00. I met them a couple of times today and have run across a few of them in the past. They made a campfire since someone left us a stack of firewood.

    Day 85 Camp
    Day 85 Campfire

    If my left Achilles was not slowing me down, I could be doing 20-mile days. Tomorrow is all downhill, so I may put that to the test. I would like to get within 6-8 miles of Sierra City so that I can get into town early on Sunday.


    Day 85 Map – Donner Ski Ranch to Mile 1170.3

    Technical Notes:

    • Fried egg 90
    • Ham 120
    • Cheese potatoes 300
    • OJ 300
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Protein Mac and Cheese: 400 cal, 20g protein 
    • Tuna w Oil: 140 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g 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 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 16
    • Time: 9:10
    • Up: 3186
    • Down: 2165
    • Calories consumed: 3600
    • Calories burned: 3073
    • iPhone battery used: 40%
  • Day 84 – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    Day 84 – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    Thursday, July 16. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 70s. 

    Up at 7:00. On trail at 8:00.

    Hiked through the Granite Chief Ski Area overlooking Lake Tahoe.

    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area
    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area
    Day 84 Granite Chief Ski Area

    Tinker Knob ascent is as tough but great views.

    Day 84 Tinker Knob
    Day 84 Tinker Knob

    Summited Tinker Knob at 11:50. 

    YouTube 360 View From Tinker Knob Plus

    The trail to Donner Pass leads that way.

    Day 84 Trail

    That last 5 miles was insanely rocky. My feet are mad!

    Day 84 Rocky Trail

    Hiked through the Donner Ski Area.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort
    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort
    Day 84 Donner Ski Resort

    Arrived at Donner Ski Ranch at 3:20. Free 40oz 8.5% beer for PCT hikers.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Ranch Free 40oz Beer

    Ran into the tramily that I have not seen since before Yosemite! Made my day. They are taking a triple zero in Truckee.

    Day 84 The Extended Tramily

    Me, Yelnats, Infinity, Jacob, Bonk, Niaal, Chinchilla.

    The road and parking lot were packed and there was a huge police presence. Apparently, they have been filming an episode of Mr. and Mrs. Smith for the last week here.

    The bunk room was clean and comfortable. Room, shower, and laundry for $40.

    Day 84 Donner Ski Ranch Bunk Room

    Ate a ton of food and had quite a few adult beverages. There are a lot of hikers here this evening. 

    I’ll grab breakfast here at 8:00 tomorrow morning before hitting the trail. Just 2.5 more days to Sierra City where I will ship this damn Bear can home!


    Day 84 Map – Mile 1140.7 Donner Ski Ranch

    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
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g 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 
    • Egg rolls
    • Pizza
    • Triple layer chocolate cake
    • Adult beverages 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 14.3
    • Time: 7:22
    • Up: 2661
    • Down: 3735
    • Calories consumed: lots 
    • Calories burned: 2425
    • iPhone battery used: 35%
  • Day 83 – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    Day 83 – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    Wednesday, July 15. Mid-60s and clear going up to low 70s. Humid.

    Up at 6:45. On trail at 7:55.

    Stopped at a trailhead parking lot at 2.7 miles for a picnic table and a pit toilet. Yey!

    Walking through lots of wildflower meadows all day.

    Day 83 walking In Wildflowers

    Lake Tahoe view at 11:00 and good cell service.

    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View
    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View
    Day 83 Lake Tahoe View

    Split from the Tahoe Rim Trail after 50 miles at 12:15. The PCT angles northwest from here.

    Lunch at 12:45 and 9.3 miles. Decent cell service overlooking Tahoe. As I was leaving, Bonk walked by. She told me that Bobbie, Chinchilla, Niaal, and a few others are behind her about 1/2 a day. I thought they were all well ahead of me. They took 3 days in Yosemite which explains things. They are getting off at Donner and doing quad-zero in Truckee.

    Hiked by and through a ski area in the mid afternoon.

    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area
    Day 83 Alpine Meadows Ski Area

    Reached camp at 6:00. The last 2 miles of ascent were steep and brutal. I camped right next to a babbling stream and wildflower meadow.

    Day 83 Camp by Stream and Meadow

    Better day today. My feet don’t hurt as much and I met new people and old friends. Plus I only have 13.5 miles to the Donner Ski Ranch tomorrow for free beer, good dinner and a bed!

    Day 83 Map – Mile 1123.2 to Mile 1140.7

    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
    • Ben’s Rice Cold Soak: 250 kcal, 54g carb, 1g fat, 6g protein 
    • Tuna w Oil: 140 kcal, 0g carb, 8g fat, 17g protein 
    • Fritos 200
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g 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 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Cup noodles Stir Fry Sweet Chili  (8 oz water): 370 Kcal, 55g carb, 13g fat, 8g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 18
    • Time: 10:06
    • Up: 3717
    • Down: 2598
    • Calories consumed: 3300
    • Calories burned: 3466
    • iPhone battery used: 25%
  • Day 82 – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Day 82 – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Tuesday, July 14. Mid-50s and clear going up to low 70s. Chance of rain in the afternoon.

    Up at 7:40. Dried my tent from the rain last night. Brad hiked by as I was finishing packing. We chatted a bit. He is pushing big miles and should be in Sierra City Saturday morning. One full day ahead of me. I may run into Margarita at Donner Ski Ranch. She gets back on trail today. On trail at 8:45.

    Nice view of Dick’s Lake at .33 miles into the day.

    Day 82 Dick’s Lake

    Summited Dick’s Pass (9,400 feet) at 9:10. It’s mostly downhill the rest of the day. 

    Stopped for water at Middle Velma Lake at 11:15. Possibly the last water for 10 miles, although I’ll be surprised if I don’t run into something after all the rain last night. I’m carrying 2 liters from here to be safe plus I’m cooking rice for lunch later on.

    Day 82 Middle Velma Lake

    Had lunch at 1:00 and finished drying my tent.

    Exited Desolation Wilderness at 3:25.

    Day 82 Exit Desolation Wilderness

    Made camp at 5:55 and 17.2 miles. No cell service. Two female hikers also camped here about the time I finished dinner and got into my tent at 7:30.

    I’m using my USB-powered fan. It’s been humid and stagnant the last 2 days. I love this fan. It’s a lifesaver in the humid mid-Atlantic and coming in handy here in NorCal.

    Day 82 Fan in Tent

    Feet are still hurting and I’m still struggling. Will see if this gets better by the weekend. I did not make my planned mileage yesterday (3 miles short) or today (1.5 miles short), but I should still get to Donner Ski Ranch on Thursday. I’ll get there for dinner instead of lunch.

    Day 82 Map – Mile 1106.3 to Mile 1123.2

    Technical Notes:

    • Quest birthday cake bar: 190 cal, 20g 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 
    • Ben’s Rice Cold Soak: 250 kcal, 54g carb, 1g fat, 6g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Fritos 200
    • 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 
    • Quest bar: 200 cal, 20g protein 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5 g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 17.2
    • Time: 9:09
    • Up: 1775
    • Down: 3763
    • Calories consumed: 3420
    • Calories burned: 2848
    • iPhone battery used: 30%
  • Day 81 – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Day 81 – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Monday, July 13. Mid-50s and cloudy going up to low 70s. Chance of rain in the afternoon and evening.

    Up at 8:30. 

    Today is Andrea’s birthday. This is the second time I’ve been in the middle of a thru-hike on the anniversary of her birthday. They don’t get easier 

    Andrea

    I have a 5-day food carry with a break at Donner Ski Resort on the fourth day. 

    Down from size 38 to size 32 pants. Yay!

    On trail at 11:00.

    Ran into Big Dog and the pups. I haven’t seen them in several weeks.

    Drizzle and humid this morning.

    Desolation Wilderness at 12:25

    Day 81 Entering Desolation Wilderness

    Aloha Lake.

    Day 81 Aloha Lake
    Day 81
    Day 81
    Day 81
    Day 81

    The PCT overlaps the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) for 50 miles.

    Day 81 PCT Overlaps TRT

    Camp at 6:00 and 13.4 miles. Got my tent set up just before the thunderstorm let loose. Perfect timing.

    Feet hurt today and Achilles started hurting on the uphill climb starting at about 11 miles. Hopefully, things get better over the next week as my body gets used to being back on trail.

    Watched West Wing downloads while having dinner and avoiding rain in my tent.

    Day 81 Map – Mile 1093.4 to Mile 1106.3

    Technical Notes:

    • Sausage McMuffin with egg 480
    • Hash brown 150
    • 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 
    • Quest birthday cake bar: 190 cal, 29g protein 
    • Salami 220
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Cup noodles Ramen Bistro Sichuan Chicken (8 oz water): 390 Kcal, 57g carb, 13g fat, 10g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Skittles (2.17oz): 250 kcal, 56g carb, 2.5g fat, 0g protein 
    • Water liters: 2
    • Miles: 13.4
    • Time: 7:30
    • Up: 2841
    • Down: 1365
    • Calories consumed: 3000
    • Calories burned: 2897
    • iPhone battery used: 20%
  • Day 77 to 80 – Quadruple Zero Day in Tahoe 

    Day 77 to 80 – Quadruple Zero Day in Tahoe 

    July 9 to July 12. 

    Spent time with Pitcrew. Relaxed, worked on my bad Achilles, ate a lot of good food, got a haircut, and resupplied for next 6 days to Sierra City. 

    Day 79 Mongolian Grill

    I got my new shoes! I need to not let them get this bad before getting my next set.

    Got a new water filter, fuel can, and smaller dry bag for my quilt.

    Did a lot of icing of my Achilles and lots of ibuprofen to bring down the swelling.

    Day 78 Icing my Achillies

    I planned out all of Northern California. My goal is to keep things to under 20 miles per day except when absolutely necessary. I am hoping for a much more mellow trail in NorCal, but I don’t need to push things. I also plan to do plenty of town stops in NorCal.

    I can’t wait to get rid of by bear can in 6 days at Sierra City. I will get there late on a Saturday or early on Sunday. Either way I need to wait for the post office to open on Monday at 10:0 am. I booked a cabin for Sunday night in Sierra City. 

    Overall I feel pretty good. My legs appreciated the rest and my Achilles, while not perfect, is a lot better. We will see how long that lasts. 

    It was great to spend time with Pitcrew. We took several good drives including a visit to the PCT trailhead where she needs to drop me on Monday. We also had to drive up to Reno to pick up a prescription and then checked out Virginia City and Silver City on the way back to Tahoe. Very cool scenery and history on the drive. 

    Day 80 Pitcrew and Orange Man

    It will be another 1600 miles and 2.5 months until we see each other again. It is going to be tough to say goodbye on Monday morning, but we have been through this before. 

    Day 80 Pitcrew and Orange Man
  • Day 76 – Mile 1035.3 to Mile 1049.6

    Day 76 – Mile 1035.3 to Mile 1049.6

    Wednesday, July 8. Upper-40s and sunny going up to low 70s.

    Up at 7:00. On trail at 8:10.

    Day 76 Pond
    Day 76 View
    Day 76 View

    Lunch at 2:00 with a nice view.

    Day 76 Lunch View

    Got to CA Route 4 road crossing at 4:00. Very remote area with no cell service. Pitcrew will pick me up here around 8:00 pm unless I can hitch a ride further northeast towards Tahoe.

    Day 76 Made It To Route 4
    Day 76 Hitching a Ride

    Got a hitch after an hour from a nice guy who works at a white water rafting company and was on his way home from work. He dropped me off in Markleeville at 5:30. I got dinner and beers at the Cutthroat Tavern while I waited for Pitcrew. Perfect!!

    Day 76 Waiting for Pitcrew in Markleeville
    Day 76 Waiting for Pitcrew in Markleeville

    Pitcrew picked me up at about 7:30. It’s wonderful to see her for the first time in 2.5 months. We are off to Lake Tahoe for a 4 day vacation. Plus I need to heal up and get my Achilles in better shape.

    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
    • Milky Way Midnight 220
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Milky Way Midnight 220
    • Town food for dinner 
    • Water liters: 3
    • Miles: 15
    • Time: 7:58
    • Up: 2858
    • Down: 3419
    • Calories consumed: lots
    • Calories burned: 2455
    • iPhone battery used: 15%
  • Day 75 – Sonora Pass to Mile 1035.3

    Day 75 – Sonora Pass to Mile 1035.3

    Tuesday, July 7. Mid-40s and sunny going up to low 70s.

    Up at 6:45. Had breakfast at the restaurant, then packed and waited for the 9:00 shuttle to the trail. I have about 32 miles to get to CA Route 4 by tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. for Pitcrew to pick me up. I plan on 16-17 miles to hike today with a big hill to start. Really looking forward to seeing Pitcrew and getting off the trail for 4 days. 

    Trail magic at the trailhead at Sonora Pass. On trail at 9:45.

    Day 75 Trail Magic at Sonora Pass

    I have to go over this at 10,504 feet. After that, it’s mostly downhill until late in the day.

    Day 75 First Climb of Today
    Day 75 First Climb of Today
    Day 75 Summit of First Climb of Today

    I get to say goodbye today to the High Sierras. I’m still in the Sierras for a while, but I’m mostly done with the high altitudes, snow, and cold temps. Apparently, I’m moving into cattle country as well.

    Day 75 Goodbye To The High Sierras

    Now that I’m down at lower elevations and moving out of the High Sierras, I am seeing more meadows and flowers blooming. Warmer temperatures too.

    Day 75 Flowers Everywhere

    Stopped for lunch at 2:00 and 9.11 miles in. I have a 1.5-mile climb coming up and 7.5-8 total miles to go yet today. Back on trail at 2:30.

    Day 75 Lunch Waterfall

    Low bridge on trail.

    Day 75 Low Bridge

    Got to camp at 7:00. Pushed as far as I could and still have some light to set up and eat dinner.

    I need to go about 16 miles tomorrow, and Pitcrew needs to go something like 2500 miles. Both will take about the same amount of time 🙂 Can’t wait!

    Day 75 Map – Sonora Pass to Mile 1035.3

    Technical Notes:

    • Chicken fried steak and eggs, toast 1000
    • Apple juice 150
    • Coffee
    • Milky Way Midnight 220
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Tortilla: 140 kcal, 24g carb, 3g fat, 4g protein 
    • Tuna: 90 kcal, 4-7g carb, 1g fat, 14-16g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein 
    • Pepperoni 400
    • Top Ramen Hot Pot Infusion; Japanese Garlic (12 oz water): 550 kcal, 85g carbs, 24g fat, 14g protein
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Fritos 400
    • Milky Way 250
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 17.26
    • Time: 9:17
    • Up: 3652
    • Down: 4088
    • Calories consumed: 3650
    • Calories burned: 3002
    • iPhone battery used: 25%
  • Day 74 – Mile 1011.6 to Sonora Pass

    Day 74 – Mile 1011.6 to Sonora Pass

    Monday, July 6. Mid-40s and sunny going up to upper 60s.

    Up at 5:00. On trail at 5:50.

    I had 6.5 miles to finish before 9:30 in order to catch the shuttle to Kennedy Meadows North. Decent climb for the first 4 miles. Surprisingly, I had to cross 3 big snow traverses and 3 small ones. Unfortunately, the first big traverse resulted in an accidental 150-yard glissade. I got a few scrapes and bruises. But to add insult to injury, I lost a pole way up and had to climb back up to retrieve it.

    Day 74 Accidental Glissade
    Day 74 Lost My Pole On Accidental Glissade

    Finally made it through the high pass and started downhill.

    Day 74 First Pass Crossed
    Day 74 Ascending the Rock Pile

    I arrived at Sonora Pass at 8:30. Put out my tent rain fly to dry and waited on the 9:30 shuttle to KMN.

    Day 74 Sonora Pass

    Arrived at KMN at 10:30. Checked in but can’t get my bed in the bunk room until mid-afternoon. Had a nice breakfast in the restaurant then took care of town chores: Shower, laundry, dry out tent, patch hole in tent floor, inventory leftover food, resupply, charge electronics, send Pitcrew the list of things to bring to Tahoe.

    They have WiFi but no cell service. The WiFi is so bad that I can’t upload or text photos. I will have 10 days of blogs to post when I get to Tahoe in 3 more days.

    Had lunch in the restaurant and washed my laundry a second time. With detergent this time 🙁

    KMN is a cool place and not just for hikers like KMS was. It is also a working ranch and does mule pack trips into the outback.

    Day 74 KMN Hiker Area
    Day 74 KMN Restaurant
    Day 74 KMN Bunk Room

    Had 3 good meals at the restaurant and checked out the saloon for a bit. Purchased two days of resupply and got my bear can packed and ready for tomorrow. Overall, a nice day at KMN!

    Day 74 Map – Mile 1011.6 to Sonora Pass

    Technical Notes:

    • Protein Bar 300
    • Banana Chips (18p, 30g): 150 kcal, 20g carb, 8g fat, 1g protein
    • Steak and eggs, toast and hash browns 
    • Orange juice 
    • Chili Cheeseburger 
    • Tater tots
    • Root beer x 2
    • Ribeye 
    • Baked potato 
    • Soup 
    • Salad
    • More
    • Water liters: 1
    • Miles: 6.64
    • Time: 2:48
    • Up: 899
    • Down: 1785
    • Calories consumed: 4000
    • Calories burned: 987
    • iPhone battery used: 10%
  • Day 73 – Mile 994.5 to Mile 1011.6

    Day 73 – Mile 994.5 to Mile 1011.6

    Sunday, July 5. Mid-40s and cloudy going up to upper 60s.

    Up at 6:00. It started to rain as I was packing up my tent. The rain fly was very wet and the inner got a bit wet. Got packed and into my rain gear and headed north at 7:15. Basically an ugly morning.

    I have a hard 17 miles today and I can’t cut it short. I must be close to Sonora Pass so I can catch the 9:30 a.m. shuttle to Kennedy Meadows tomorrow morning.

    Ran into bear scat on the trail for the second time in 2 days. Glad I’m moving out of this area.

    First climb of the day done. Passed by Dorothy Lake.

    Day 73 Lake View

    Reached Dorothy Lake Pass at 9:20. I just exited Yosemite after 5 days. 

    Crossed 1000 miles at 10:29.

    Day 73 1000 Mile Marker
    Day 73 1000 Mile Marker
    Day 73 1000 Mile Marker

    Lunch at noon while I dried my tent from this morning’s rain. More rain is on the forecast around 4:00 today.

    Starting my last climb of the day. It’s a big one at 4.5 miles and a bit under 2000 feet of elevation gain.

    Two miles into the climb and I loaded up with 4 liters of water (8.8 lbs). There is no more water for 10 miles. Ugh.

    The final 2.5 miles of the climb were hard and wide open with occasional rain. Very different terrain! It’s like hiking on the world’s biggest scree field.

    Day 73 Looking Back At Trail
    Day 73 Looking Back At Trail
    Day 73 View of Sierras

    YouTube Video of Day 73

    Reached camp at 4:45. I’m exhausted. I have 2 bars of cell service, so I had a long call with Pitcrew while I set up camp. This was the first phone or internet service I had in 7 or 8 days. 

    It’s very cold up here at 10,600 feet with an overcast sky and no sun. I crawled into my quilt at 6:30 and had dinner indoors.

    I think it’s almost time for new socks.

    Day 73 Need New Socks

    Today was another hard day. Big climb, bad Achilles, and generally need some time off. Happy to make camp early. Thought about going further but there are no camp spots listed between here and Sonora Pass. 

    I have 6.5 miles to go to get to the 9:30 a.m. shuttle. I plan to get up early and hit the trail. No way I want to miss that shuttle as my only other option is to try to hitchhike.

    Day 73 Map – Mile 994.5 to Mile 1011.6

    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, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein per 
    • Mango (3-4p, 30g): 100 kcal, 25g carb, 0g fat, 0g protein
    • 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
    • Curry noodles 450
    • Dehydrated Chicken: 170 kcal, 0 carb, 7g fat, 25g protein 
    • Jerky (2 oz): 140 kcal, 12g carb, 0g fat, 22g protein 
    • Milky Way 240
    • Fritos 200
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 17.53
    • Time: 9:07
    • Up: 3717
    • Down: 1890
    • Calories consumed: 2900
    • Calories burned: 3042
    • iPhone battery used: 30%