Lionheart - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2013

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evolution valley

It's Snowing

Snowflakes on Muir Pass
Evolution Creek fording
Falling down go boom


Muir Hut turned out to be almost too warm. Rather ironic at nearly 12,000 feet. And my stone bed turned out to be slightly uncomfortable but all in all, a totally awesome place to stay. It was a cloudy morning so not much of a sunrise and as departure neared, small snowflakes began to fall from the sky. I knew it would be raining down lower so I made sure all my gear was wrapped in garbage bags. Ultra light water proofing. It was hard to leave but we pushed out into the elements.

Down we went to Evolution Valley, descending below the spiting clouds. Luckily the sprinkles were light most of the morning. I donned my Tyvek jacket which kept me dry and warm. The downhill miles flew by and soon we were at the Evolution Creek crossing. As the mosquitos swarmed, I zipped off my pant legs, took of my shoes and socks, put on my imitation crocks and waded across. The first river ford of the whole trip! The water was pretty cold but I've been in colder. Almost felt kinda refreshing.

I decided to end my day early and not push on to the off trail hot springs with the others. Camped here tonight with Snickers and Cherub.

Sob Time:
Not long after lunch I managed to totally biff it when I slipped on some wet gravely rock. I got tangled up in my poles and bent my right one as I went down hard with my left leg folded under me. Luckily I survived without major injury.
I have developed some of the worst chafe I've ever seen on my inner thighs. I think it's the cold Sierra weather that has turned it nasty.
I now have two toes on my left foot who have lost layers of skin down to no fun redness. While not yet infected, they have a hard time healing walking in a sweaty shoe all day.
I'm not sure what else can go wrong but all these challenges are certainly testing me mentally.

Entry 94 of 208
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