Day 42 – Kearsarge Pass into Bishop
Originally published on Mason Hikes the PCT 2017.
Mileage: 5 PCT + 7 up and down Kearsarge
We camped at a tough creek crossing last night so we could cross it in the morning, so I woke up a bit early and scouted out our possible options. The creek was fast and heavy and the weren’t many great options, so the primary option was a log above a pretty sketchy section of river.
I had already crossed the river on the log without a pack, so I knew it was possible, but getting everyone across was going to be tough. Not only was the log narrow and slippery, but being a few feet above a raging rapid was a bit distracting and made concentration much harder. Hach-P went over first and took his time slowly scooting across the log. It was tense watching him trying to balance above such a swift river, but he made it with no problems and I quickly followed to try to help the rest across. Flame had come across a tougher (in my opinion) log, so we started coming up with a plan to get everyone over. We went up and down the river to look for a place to get the packs across to make it easier for the other hikers, but nothing stood out as a better option. 111 carefully crossed the river and I went back over the log without my pack so that we had rescue/support people in as many spots as possible, and the remaining people started approaching the log. Fritz went first and was slightly shaky, but with Flame’s help with a trekking pole, he made it safely. After that, both 111 and Flame reached out to the hiker crossing with trekking poles, Hach-P had the rope for a rescue if necessary, and I was slightly downstream at a shallow section before a waterfall to hopefully grab anyone that fell before they went over the falls. Dodger was next, with Savage right behind not watching until her turn, but thankfully everyone made it across our most tense river crossing to date and was happy to be on solid ground.
We hiked on through a ton of downed trees, streams, and snow, but the scenery was beautiful.
A deer came to hang out with us while we refilled water
Everything was still so wet, with snow and water everywhere, so our shoes haven’t been totally dry in days. Every once in a while, I stopped to watch a creek we were following and truly appreciated how much water there was out here this year. We’re constantly trying to improve out here and operate more safely, but the water is both impressive and intimidating.
We continued hiking for a long time trying to reach the junction to Kearsarge Pass, but it was a steep uphill struggle. As much as everyone hates the climbs, no one can deny that the views on the way up and at the top are worth it.
Like this one
We finally made it up to the top and had lost the trail a while back, but thankfully there was a sign marking the junction.
In the middle of this lake.
Hach-P, Savage, and I went swimming in the lake and I took a peek at the sign, so we continued up towards the pass and started climbing through even more snow with no trail to be found. After a grueling stretch over lots of snow and switchbacks, we finally made it to the top, where we ran into Styles, who knew me from Mike’s Place, 111, who knew me from talking to Real Irish at Casa de Luna, and Mr. Clean (not the one with dogs), who was hiking with Boo and was told they were trying to catch up to Muffin Man (that’s me). The trail is a small place…
When Boo got up there, we exchanged pleasantries and started talking about how all he had left to eat was honey, so he had been drinking it all day. 😬 I donated a few snacks to his cause, we said our goodbyes, and we started the hike (slide) down. We had cell service at one point, so we called a ton of hotels looking for rooms since it was Fourth of July weekend. We got one positive response, so we immediately booked it. A pool and two beds!? Yes please!
I got pretty far ahead of the group somehow, so I FaceTimed with my parents (hi Mom!) before getting to the parking lot since I had a little bit of service. I showed them some of the beautiful scenery around the trailhead, but I’m sure they were happier to see their favorite son alive and well after walking through the snow and water of the Sierras.
When I got down, someone opened the car door and asked me if I had seen a hiker named Fritz! His sister and brother-in-law were waiting for him, so I hung out and talked to them until he got down. When he did, he asked if they could drive us up to Bishop and they said yes! SCORE! The others in the group found another hitch and we were off!
Bishop is super far from the trail, but we got there in good time and met up for massive plates of BBQ. It seems that the generosity of trail angels is contagious, and Fritz was thankful for our help in getting through the streams and passes safely, so he ended up buying all of us dinner. Thanks again, Fritz! Delicious tri-tip, pulled pork, and brisket!
We hung out with some other hikers for a while and talked about our trail experience before heading over to the motel we booked for a quick swim and a shower. I eventually went to the gas station across the street for a Gatorade and some ice cream and I ran into Boo yet again! He was quite appreciative of the snacks I gave him earlier when he was starving so he bought me a pint of Snickers ice cream. Yummmmmm 😋
Thanks, Boo!
We didn’t come up with a plan for tomorrow before bed, so we’re just going to figure it out and make sure we get enough food to survive in the wilderness. I’m excited to get back out there!