Lionheart - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2013

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headed for that little notch

Getting High

Forester alone
Red gooey toe is not good
Mule dear saying hi


Forester Pass loomed ahead. At 13,200 feet, it is the highest point on the whole PCT. 4 gradual miles had me arriving at a rock wall where the switch backs have been cut into the rock. With no snow this time I had to actually hike all the switch backs towards the icy chute. The crossing was easy and I arrived at the top of Forester Pass to be greeted by a marmot. No one else was there. No celebration. No group picture. And then the marmot ran off and wouldn't take my picture. So to console myself, I ate a king size Snickers bar before starting the long descent.

Hours later I arrived at the canyon floor and found a lunch spot next to a small creek. As an appetizer I worked on my toe that had gone from bad to worse. I cut off the dead skin which revealed a gooey red mess. Man, what a bummer. What have I done to piss off the toe gods this time? I'm doing the best I can to keep it from getting infected and thanks to a lot of vitamin I, I was able to make the rest of my miles today.

This afternoon had me climbing yet another pass. This one, not on the PCT. I crossed Kearsarge Pass at 11,771 feet which is a trail to drop out of the Sierra for resupply. It's 8 miles one way but the reward is worth it as my Uncle Jay aka Uncle Rubicon lives in Bishop and I'm going to spend a few days with him. Much needed time to eat pizza and beer, fix all my broken gear, visit family and rest the darn toe. Upon arriving at the top of the pass, I got cell service and picked up messages from friends which brightened my mood. I soared down to the trail head passing many mule dear as darkness fell. Tucked into the campground here tonight and have eaten all my food. Nothing left for breakfast except for a few starbursts.

Entry 87 of 208
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