Day 150: Granite Chief Wilderness

Day 150, 9/5/14
1155 (Donner Pass) to 1137 (above 5 Lakes)
18.2 miles

Last night Steph dropped off more food for me at Donner Pass and took me into Truckee for salad and ice cream (THANK YOU again Steph!).  Then I camped by the trailhead.  This morning, I continued southbound on my way to Carson Pass where I ended my first post-stress fracture section hike.  A bit confusing to explain, but it allowed me to start back on easier terrain.  If my foot continues to be well, after this I'll pick back up at Ebbetts Pass and go south to Tuolumne Meadows where I got off.  Then I will have finished the southernmost 1197 miles of the PCT through Sierra City CA.  After that, we'll see what happens.  Anyway...

Absolutely stunning scenery of the Northern Sierra around Anderson Peak and Tinker Knob through the Granite Chief Wilderness.  Different geology with lots more volcanic rocks and breathtaking views.

Hiked past the junction to the Tevis Trail/ Western States Trail, which is part of the 100 mile endurance run.  Thinking back to my first dayhike (after I got out of the CAM boot) on part of the Western States Trail, at the other end, made me appreciate how much my body has healed and strengthened since then.  Sometimes I get discouraged I'm not doing bigger miles, but then I remember how only a month ago I could barely walk 5 miles and that was without a pack.

Quiet trail today.  Did see one southbounder (Robert I think is his name) who was attempting to make it to Echo Lake by 2 PM the following day (47 miles!).  Sure hope he made it!

Ah the views!

By mile 15, my feet started to protest the weight of 5 days food.  But by then, my heart was set on getting to 5 Lakes which sounded beautiful and was the next place to get water since I was nearly out.  Camping is prohibited within 500 feet to protect the lake, but I hoped to find a site nearby and then hike over to it.  Those last three miles took three slow hours with frequent rest breaks to massage the feet but I finally made it.  Found some trees off the switchbacks past the lake.

Camping off the switchbacks above 5 Lakes.

After setting up, I followed a deer trail over to an outcrop above the lake for an incredible sunset view.  Funny how my feet don't mind evening boulder scrambles without the pack.

These colors are for real.

Another great (but exhausting) day on the PCT!  Still can't believe the incredible scenery.