Lionheart - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2013

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our first meadow

Fox Tail Pine Delusion

Glorious meadow
The Sierra rises up
Marmot saying hi


Gradual climb all morning as we made our way up and out of a long canyon. The reward? Our first beautiful meadow. Green stretched out before me and my excitement could not be stopped. I shouted out with joy. I was so pumped that I even put music on. Soon I arrived at the last crossing of the south fork of the kern river where I had lunch and a 3 hour break.

There was much climbing ahead so I left by 1 pm for the next 15 miles. Up and up. The valley got small. As I collected water off a corn lily leaf, a marmot perched on a rock to see if I had some snacks. Perhaps it was the altitude (climbed up over 10,000 feet) but I thought I kept seeing animals. Like a kitty cat, elephant seal, bear, sea lion and rabbit. They always turned out to gnarled fox pine stumps which evoke the imagination. Real animal sightings include chipmunks, ground squirrels, grouse calling off in the distance, tons of birds and of course the friendly marmot.

Rolled into death canyon to find some other hikers here too. A cold night with even a fire going and everyone sitting around it on their bear canisters.

Entry 83 of 208
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