PCT Day 36, 17 June 2022 (Friday)
Start Location: |
Kennedy Meadows South |
Destination: |
Campsite at S. Fork Kern River at Monache Meadow |
|
PCT Miles Day 36: |
14.2 |
Cum PCT Miles: |
716.4 |
|
Non-PCT Miles Day 36: |
0.8 |
Cum All Miles: |
746.2 |
|
PCT Miles Remaining: |
1,936.2 |
|
|
|
Elevation Gain Day 36: |
3,079 |
Cum Elevation Gain: |
124,994 |
Funny, I’m finally in the Sierra and the last two nights were two of the warmest nights the entire trip. But today it is much cooler and it’s overcast.
It’s interesting how quickly the mind adjusts. Today was the first day when I didn’t calculate how much water I needed to carry. I didn’t even think about it consciously, I just knew I didn’t really have to worry about it. Even though I am carrying a lot of food weight, as it has to last a week, my pack feels lighter since I am carrying much less water.
Since I am planning on doing significantly less miles per day in the Sierra section than in Southern California, I made a conscientious decision today to walk at a very relaxed pace. Even so, I cranked out 15 miles in relatively easy, and quick, fashion. Boy, I guess Southern California did its job by getting us hikers into fighting shape. But the real test will start in a few days with the Mount Whitney side hike and when we start getting to the high passes.
The scenery today was interesting. I’ve never hiked this part of the Sierra. You can definitely perceive the transition from desert to Sierra foothills and approaching the part of the Sierra that most people are familiar with and envision when they think of the Sierra.
I am 3 miles ahead of plan at the end of today. I could have been several more miles ahead, but the sky was looking very mountainy and the weather uncertain. So, I decided to stop while I was ahead at a good campsite location with water and get my tent set up. Of course, as soon as my tent was up, the sun came out. If I can keep adding to the miles I am ahead of plan, I might hike Whitney a day early.
Even with the sun out, it’s pretty cold outside. I’m in my tent early, and I think it’s going to be cold when I wake up. The elevation is only about 7,800 feet, so I’m sure even colder nights are ahead.
Kennedy Meadows
Cicada that makes a sound that fools some people into thinking it's a rattlesnake. To me, it sounds more like a line going out on a reel after a big fish catches a hook or a Rainbird sprinkler.
Bridge over South Fork kern River, north of Kennedy Meadows
Now that looks more like a Sierra meadow, I think it's Crag Meadow (maybe Clover Meadow)
An interesting PCT sign, not the usual trail blaze
South Fork Kern River at Monache Meadow
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