Day 47: Two passes in a day

Day 47 – 6/7/16

Just before Glen Pass 790.0 to Lake Marjorie 808.6

Total miles 18.6

Holy crap today was long and tiring! We got started at 5:30 am and didn’t finish until 6:45 pm. We began the day with our microspikes on and climbed over Glen Pass. We had a mile and about 500 feet to climb. And it took am hour to go that mile. Some southbounders told us the switchbacks were clear of snow. They were not. Never trust a southbounder, section hiker, or flip flopper. They lie.

They were very steep and the switchbacks were completely covered in snow so we had no idea where they were. We had to go almost straight up a few times.

At 6:30 am we reached the top. The hard part is over, right?

Nope. Going down was very hard and a bit nerve wracking. It was incredibly steep and the snow was losing its hardness. We tried following the footsteps of others but they went straight down and then someone glissaded over them leaving a smooth surface. We couldn’t walk down that even with our microspikes. It was too steep and slippery to glissade. We had to walk to the side and the snow was too soft. I was postholing up to my waist. Very tiring. It took about an hour to get off the steep mountain.

Once down we made our way around a lake.

Crossed a creek by using fallen logs.

The lake was pretty amazing reflecting the snow covered mountain on its surface.

Another lake we crossed.

Then we came to a boggy meadow. It was completely soaked. Wasn’t that fun to cross. Lots of mud.

Eventually we made our way into a forest. While in the forest I decided on my pizza order in Mammoth. I want sausage, mushrooms, garlic, and spinach. It’s all I can think of.

We stopped for lunch next to a bridge going over a very fast moving creek. Only one person at a time on the bridge. It swayed as you stepped.

We took a long lunch and and I laid in the shade and tried to take a nap listening to the sound of the rushing water. I almost drifted off a few times.

After lunch began a 3,700 foot climb over 7 miles to get over Pinchot pass. It was a hot and long climb. I was completely drained of energy for the day and the uphill was wearing on me. 5 Star and Mad Dog were ahead of me most of the day.

Climbing up Pinchot was incredibly tiring. It was covered in snow that was mushy. I let 5 Star and Mad Dog figure out the route. I was focusing all my energy in keeping a slow forward momentum.

At 6 pm we finally reached the top. We started to make our way down the switchbacks and almost immediately they became hidden by snow. So we had to climb down over loose rock and snow.

I found my second wind and almost sprinted across the snow.  I was beyond ready to set up my tent. My feet were soaking wet and I knew in wouldn’t be able to dry them since the sun was about to set.

At 6:45 we made it to a frozen lake and found some spots that had enough room for three tents. I set up my tent and changed into my thermals. I ate an entire bag of jerky while writing this. Sorry it is so short but I’m exhausted and have another long day tomorrow. Have to get over Mather Pass in 9 miles and then get as many miles as possible.  My food situation isn’t looking good. I may be one hungry hiker walking into VVR.