Who would have thought a day that started so lovely would be such a killer. It was a peaceful morning. I dug my hole in some trees right on the edge of a meadow, right in plain sight, knowing that we were the only people present. I watched with joyful anticipation hoping to see wild animals frolicking as a form of poopvision. No animals showed, but it was still a successful start to the day.
That was the end of the good. We started with a 900’ climb in 1.4 miles. I had soaked my sun shirt in the stream by our campsite before leaving in the hopes that a wet shirt and cool morning air would keep me from overheating. All it did was wreck my nipples, but that’s not the point here. Bear and Sassy are the “A” team and lead all ascents. Even though there’s only four of us in the tramily, Bunny and I have been designated the “D” team. We came to the trail so out of shape that rather than designate us “B” or “C” team, we were actually placed on waivers. When Bunny started to cry about getting kicked of the PCT 2021 LASH Squad, they acquiesced and made us “D” and allow us to lead downhills in the hope that, one day, we might start to get in shape. This morning’s ascent only affirmed our “D” status.
Bunny didn’t sleep well last night. What kept her from sleeping well? It wasn’t my snoring. I’m almost certain it wasn’t my snoring because her moaning and crying kept me awake most of the night. Anyway, I think I’ve lost enough weight that I don’t do that anymore. It was her hip pain. It never let up enough for her to get peaceful sleep. Bunny cannot share her pain with me, but she can share her sleeplessness, bless her heart.
Where would we be without salt tablets? In fact, I can tell you exactly which Boulder we’d still be sitting on. Some younger people confront the heat by getting up before sunrise and walking a couple of hours in the dark. Bear would be fine with that. I’d attempt it. Sassy and Bunny are strong “hell no’s” on this option. I guess no one will ever know if I’m a morning person or not. I could be (but I sincerely doubt that I am).
It was only 7.4 miles to Muir Shelter. Bear and Sassy took off when we started wilting (full sun, no trees). Within two hours, they had covered well over 5 miles of the distance and decided to sit by the shore of Wanda Lake. We couldn’t have been more than 6 miles behind them. (Do the math. We are s-l-o-w climbers. Is it any wonder we’re the “D Team?”)
We took multiple breaks. We drank all of our water. We took snacks. We stopped by Evolution Creek at the outflow of Wanda Lake to filter water and have last rites. We prayed they weren’t waiting for us because we were so slow. After our 10th break (or there ‘bouts), we caught up with them by Wicked Wanda. They had been sitting in the sun for almost an hour waiting for us. We felt terrible. Some of it was for them, but mostly, it was just exhaustion. It was still 2 miles to Muir Pass.
We had just had a break and didn’t need another one this quickly. They told us to go ahead. Shamelessly, we continued on. I kept looking back and could see them still sitting. After giving us a 20 minute head start, I saw them get up and start stretching. They were doing calisthenics on the shore. Bear even did a handstand walk with his pack on for about 1/4 mile. We could see the beehive ahead. We were almost halfway up when they took off.
Bunny was the first up the pass. Sassy passed me right at the top. Bear was a bit behind because he had had to get a couple of back adjustments coming up. We were all up top by 2:30. I’m not making excuses, but Muir Pass is considered to be one of the more difficult passes because it is so long. It’s not steep, but it drags on forever in full exposure. Did I mention it’s elevation is a bit over 12,000’? What usually makes it so difficult is the huge snow traverse. It’s August. There’s no snow anywhere near the trail. I got nothing.
It was just as long coming down. After our extended break in the Muir Hut in the crotch of the pass, we needed to get moving if we wanted to make it down to the King River to camp. It didn’t take us long to realize we weren’t making that goal. Sassy fell. She fell hard. I know this because, get this, Bunny and I were way out front. I felt the earth shake and heard a scream. I dropped my pack and ran back uphill to where Sassy was still sprawled in the trail with her leg folded under her. I couldn’t tell if she was crying or laughing (a bit of both actually). We all knew we were pushing too hard and decided to find the next spot close to water. Just as well, because Bunny’s hip was stressed, it was turning a bit dusky (when in a deep valley, shade grows fast and early), and I was beat.
A common occurrence followed…we stopped short of our planned mileage for the day. The first spot with water and relatively level spots is where we went. Bunny and I grabbed the first spot because we weren’t able to walk the additional 20’ to where Bear and Sassy set up. Plus, Bear had already checked level on our spot and determined that the slope was too much for his delicate sleep nature. It could have been 45 degrees—we didn’t care.
There were already several tents set up nearby. With my keen awareness, I was able to identify a woman getting water as being from Illinois. There was something about the way she carried herself, the tilt of her head, the softness of her voice, and the orange shirt that said “ Fighting Illini.” They we’re heading north on the JMT so I knew they have been through the toughest section of trail to get here. I asked about the trail to here. I’ll not mention what she said about Pinchot Pass or Mt Whitney.
The passes have gotten in my head. With the weight we’re carrying and the nearly 100 mile stretch to Kearsarge Pass to get out to Bishop, Bunny and I aren’t up to the task. We had planned to make it in 6 days, but having to stop short 2 days in a row means we’ll have to put in longer days and we’re not up to it. I told Bear we need to stretch our food out for an extra day to Bishop. He got quiet. A quiet Bear is a scary Bear. He’s either ticked or locked in thought. I told them they could go ahead if they needed to, but we can’t make the 6 day schedule. Bear didn’t say anything else this evening.
EFG