Day 49

Piute Pass Trail mile 3.3 to PCT mile 863.7

PCT Miles: 6.5 (10.4km)

Total Miles: 863.7 (1381.9km)

Piute Pass was the easiest pass so far. After we crossed it, the trail was very wet and there were multiple stream crossings, so today was wet feet day. The last stream crossing was 10 minutes before camp so my shoes will be soaked (and probably frozen) tomorrow.

After hiking the 17 miles of the Piute Pass Trail, we re-joined the PCT after the broken bridge. We had lunch by the river side and later in the day we already started ascending to our next pass, Selden Pass, that we aim to cross tomorrow morning.

Mosquito season is clearly starting. As I write this post inside my tent, I can see at least thirty mosquitos landed on the net of my tent. It’s the first time I camp like this. I’m very thankful that my tent keeps the mosquitos out!

I’m hiking with two poles again and it’s so much better. My right knee still hurts from time to time but I can feel that the weight is better distributed now that I’m using two poles.

Hiking in the Sierra has been very challenging and I can feel how I am demanding more from my body with all the elevation and challenging terrain here. From now on I’ll try to eat substantially more than before, having breakfast, lunch and dinner plus 6-8 snacks during the day. This, of course, means that I have to carry all the extra food weight on my backpack.