End of the Bear Canister, Passed 1,000 Miles

Stats: Friday 7/15, MM 1,017 (total miles)

(75 new miles - 1,633 to go)

I had been looking forward to this week because Mary was picking me up for a scheduled visit on Saturday, July 16^th. I planned to get to Sonora Pass at the end of the Sierras to meet her. But the week’s hiking went faster than I thought.

Over the weekend of July 9^th I stayed in Lee Vining until Monday because my new boots were arriving then. Took the bus back to Tuolumne Meadows Monday morning. Found out the mail didn’t arrive until 1PM at the Post Office. 

antique

road from Lee Vining to Tuolomne

Caboose, Nailgun, Racer in Tuolomne Meadows

Hung out with Touch-up, Poppy, Bullwinkle, Grandma, Playboy – we sat at a picnic table in the shade, eating ice cream sandwiches and talking, had a few beers. Finally got my boots at 2:30, the mail was a little late.

Tuolomne Meadows PO

Hiked 9 miles. Mosquitoes everywhere! When I got to camp, set up my tent as fast as I could, threw everything inside, and even cooked dinner inside the tent. Normally I would take my time setting up the inside, then cook and eat outside. But not tonight.

Tuesday I made it about 15 miles. Went over Benson Pass, was a little smoky from fires somewhere but thankfully not nearby. Mosquitoes still bad, had to wear my head net.

Wednesday I hiked a longer day, wanted to get the miles in. Three big climbs today. I saw Onward, I Spy, Hustle, Poppy, Waterboy and a few others – can’t remember all the names. Made it 19 miles to a lake, most people I mentioned were also staying here. It has warmed up, almost like the desert during the day but still cool at night.

Local wildlife - ??

Onward

Thursday, warmer the forecast, a little easier hiking today. Went through a river crossing 25 feet wide, no rocks or bridge to cross. Keep shoes and socks on and wade across in 1’ deep water. Shoes and socks dry quickly because it’s not humid. Also passed many beautiful glass-like lakes. Made it 20 miles total, and crossed the 1,000 mile mark!

Giggles

Couple from Germany

Tree grew around the PCT sign

Camped by a river, few people camped there also. Weird wind sounds blowing through the canyon at night. Mosquitoes still on the rampage, cooked and ate in my tent again. I am heading to Sonora Pass tomorrow, a day early, maybe even get there before Mary.

Friday morning I saw that there would not be water for 10 miles. Drank a few liters and carried 2.5 liters with me. Met a guy early in the morning, Ranger, he remembered me from over a month ago back in the desert.

Hope he gets his food!

Going up Sonora Pass was beautiful, it’s a bald (no trees) on the way up, at the top, and back down. The views were awesome every step of the way and in every direction. From some points you could see all the way around, other points just one side. Sonora Pass was one of my favorite spots on the trail.

I got to the parking lot at the Sonora Pass trailhead at noon. There was a group of 20 hikers waiting for a shuttle to take us to Kennedy Meadows North where I needed to drop off my bear canister. One guy decided to hitchhike because the shuttle wasn’t coming until 2:30. Seven of us got in the back of a woman’s pickup for the 10 mile ride. What a blessing!

Got to Kennedy Meadows North, had burgers, fries, and beers. I had called Mary to let her know I was a day early so she could come straight from the airport to pick me up. She arrived Friday and was going to stay locally then pick me up Saturday, but we had an extra night together!

Empty bear canister, returned

While waiting for Mary, I hung out with Playboy, Bullwinkle, Touch-up, Poppy, Commander Zero, Giggles, Sugah, Hustle, Onward, I Spy, Trooper, and Mis-hap. They were all staying there that night. Mary wasn’t getting there until 8PM, so I had dinner with them also, a really good steak dinner.

After Mary arrived I introduced her to the gang, and gave them all hugs – it was a heartfelt goodbye because I knew I was leaving the trail at this point.

 

The happy couple, reunited again!

Yes, this was my last week on the PCT. For the last few weeks I've had severe pain in both feet that would last most of the day, quite a struggle just to walk. Not sure why I had the pain because I didn't have this at all on the Appalachian Trail back in 2016, I was able to finish that hike. So I decided it's a good time to end the hike for now, and I will go home with Mary after we spend a few days at Lake Tahoe. Who knows, maybe next year…

For more pictures and all the videos, Mary created a folder like last time. Check it out, and I hope you enjoy the views! 

Pictures and videos

Gramps, who started out with me at the beginning, is still out here hiking. Go Gramps, you’re doing great!

I am so thankful for this journey! The trail and people were awesome, the views were beyond beautiful, the towns were fun and relaxing. I had a great experience out here on the PCT. Thanks to everyone who followed and prayed for me. Your encouragement and support were a huge blessing!

Nailgun (and Mrs. Nailgun)