Author: Lon Cooper

Day 76: June 17th
Mile 916 (above Agnew Meadow) to Mile 933.6 (Lyell Fork)

The Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge and take separate paths to Thousand Island Lakes and we naturally took the PCT. This path gently climbs and traverses a green valley with small waterfalls and water cascades crossing the trail many times during a given mile. The mountain range across the valley from our path was a beautiful vista of snowy peaks, sometimes capped by the clouds.

The day was very windy and we seemed to adjust our layers every half hour. In the afternoon hours we were climbing over Donahue Pass, the last Sierra pass in the park. The few snow patches were easy to cross. The roughest part of the day was the trail tread before and after the pass – we had to concentrate on our feet as we stepped up, on top, or over big stone steps. Deb won’t miss the big steps!

Tomorrow we pick up a resupply box at the Tuolumne post office, grab a burger (of course), and hike a few more miles away from Tuolumne to camp.

Photo: Thousand Island Lake

Mileage: 17.6 miles

Day 75: June 16th
Red’s Meadow to Mile 916 (above Agnew Meadow)

We had a few chores to finish up in Mammoth Lakes, so we got a late start on the Pacific Crest Trail this morning.

We stopped by the post office shortly after it opened and mailed back Deb’s bear canister and our remaining snow gear. Deb will share Lon’s bear canister until they are no longer required at Sonora Pass and then we will ship that one home too.

We then took a free shuttle bus up to the ski resort/bike park to catch another shuttle ($7 round trip) to Red’s Meadow.

Felt good to be back on the PCT. Lon replaced the Superfeet insoles in his shoes and the new replacements are very comfortable. He also had the tips of his trekking poles replaced by the outfitter in Mammoth.

The PCT diverts from the John Muir Trail today and we were walking new Sierra miles for Deb, along the San Joaquin river – turned out to be a very green and beautiful section. Two passes tomorrow, Island and Donohue, although Lon is calling Island a “pino” (pass in name only.)

It was a windy day and cool temperatures are forecast tonight.

Photo: The Zpacks tent pitched in our sheltered campsite tonight.

Mileage: 9.2 miles

Day 73-74: June 14-15th
Mammoth Lakes

We have been taking a zero day in Mammoth Lakes, CA to rest and resupply before continuing along the Pacific Crest Trail to Yosemite National Park. Tomorrow morning we will take the shuttle bus to Red’s Meadow were we exited the trail on Saturday.

We are using this rest stop to eat and eat and eat some more. Lon has lost more than 19 pounds and Deb about 6, and our hiking pants are cinched almost as tight as can be. What a great excuse to eat ice cream!

It has been cold the last few days so we would like some June warmth soon, but not too warm.

Day 72: June 13th
Mile 882.8 to Deer Creek (Mile 901)

The weather seems to have cooled down a bit. We started the day by climbing the two miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and 1,000 feet over Silver Pass (10,700 feet) which fortunately did not have any significant snow.

We continued past very pretty forests, Tully Hole, Purple Lake, and are now camped at Deer Creek.

Tomorrow we will go into the town of Mammoth Lakes to resupply.

Photo: Tully Hole

Mileage 18.3 miles

Day 70-71: June 11-12th
Vermillion Valley Resort

We had an excellent enjoyable stay at Vermillion Valley Resort eating good food in the cafe and picking up a couple of days supplies to get us to Mammoth Lakes, CA.

We took the afternoon ferry back to the Pacific Crest Trail, so we got a late start hiking and only actually hiked four PCT miles. We did climb about 2,000 feet as we camped just short of Silver Pass.

Photo: Crossing a very low Lake Edison on the way back to the Pacific Crest Trail from VVR.

Day 69: June 10th
Mile 850.9 to mile 868.1 (17.2 miles)

Today began with an easy downhill hike along the Pacific Crest Trail for miles along Evolution Creek and the San Joaquin river. As we crossed the third of four bridges (bridges !!! what a novel park idea for water crossings !) for the day, we left Kings Canyon National Park and entered the John Muir Wilderness.

After our break for an early lunch, we began the climb for Selden Pass. This was not a tough pass but the gentle climb was miles long; however, it was virtually snow-free as southbounders had told us.

The weather changed for the dramatic as we headed downhill. Black clouds, light rain, thunder and lightening. We quickly found a campsite and are snug in our tent listening to the surprise storm above us.

Tomorrow we will reach Vermillion Valley Resort – we are looking forward to three good meals.