I needed a rest day today after Whitney yesterday. It was pretty slow going most of the day but I made it 8.6 miles, 13.8 km from Crabtree Meadows to Tyndall Creek. Forester Pass is 4 miles ahead and will be the highest point on the official PCT route.

This morning I left from Crabtree around 8:30 am, I could tell I was tired from yesterday because my pack still felt heavy, even though I’d eaten a whole day’s food since I last wore it. Thankfully, the trail was quite flat and gentle this morning, passing through a meadow and over a low saddle.

Later in the morning there was a sharp descent into Wallace Creek, which I took quite slowly. Down at the creek, the mosquitos were horrific and I didn’t hang around by the water any longer than I had to. From here the trail climbed up a ridge and around to Wright Creek, I was warned about more bad mosquitos by some John Muir Trail hikers coming the other way.

After crossing the creeks, we climbed up through several meadows with stunning views of the mountains around us. At the top of the climb was a large tarn surrounded by lush grass. I filled up water here, and soaked in the views all around me. It seems as though every bend here reveals an even more stunning sight than the last.

Near Tyndall Creek, I met some overnight hikers who came in via Shepherds Pass, and plan to stay at Lake South America off the PCT. They mention their plans to meet PCT hikers at the Onion Valley trailhead after Kearsage Pass in a couple of days, with cold beers at the ready. I try not to get my hopes up too high about the timing working out.

Just before reaching camp I see Rox again. He has a license to fish in the Sierra, and is going to try catch some fish in Tyndall Creek next to camp. After setting up, we head to the river and he uses his trekking pole as a fishing rod with a fly attached to the end.

After some hunting for a good spot, Rox catches two trout in the creek. Of course I get the skillet ready and cook up the fish, they’re small but taste absolutely delicious. We hang out for the evening with another PCT hiker named Frizz, and a John Muir Trail hiker who is doing the JMT northbound. The four of us are hoping to reach Forester Pass tomorrow morning to descend the north side before the snow gets too hot in the sun.