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Up at 6:30 am
36 degrees for the low last night.
I was expecting condensation in my tent since I was right next to a meadow.
I have a new tent for this trip, the Tarptent Moment. I used the
Tarptent Contrail last year on my Sierra hike, but really liked the
features of the Moment. Large vestibule, side entry, headroom in the
center, 2 stake setup (freestanding option with extra center pole. I
didn't choose to use this since I found the 2 stake setup so easy).
Anyway, no condensation after all. I really like the Moment!
At the base of the climb up to Donohue Pass
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Looking back towards Lyell canyon |
Started hiking around 8:00. Pretty stiff climb up to the top of the
pass, but I actually prefer climbing passes rather than miles and miles
of more gradual uphill. Maybe it is because I love the challenge of the
climb, and the reward at the top can be GLORIOUS. So far I have not had
any physical issues beyond the minor headache and lack of appetite. The
miles per day are tiring but not exhausting, and I feel good! The view
from the top of Donohue Pass, overlooking the Lyell Canyon, is
magnificant. It's amazing to see the valley far below and know that you
just climbed from there. The top of the pass marks the boundary of the
Yosemite NP and Ansel Adams Wilderness. I had not seen any other hikers
all day, and then at the top of the pass I met two wonderful ladies who
were doing the JMT NOBO. They were in their 60's. Such an inspiration
for me. We talked for a while and took each others pictures at the top
of the pass. It is odd to hike for hours and not see a soul. I like it!.
On top of Donohue Pass
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Ansel Adams Wilderness
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Donohue Pass
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Island Pass was much easier to summit, and not as exciting, but it was unique with small lakes on the top of the pass. I stopped here for a late
lunch and enjoyed the rest stop. Of all the days on this trip, this was
the only day that I was exhausted. I made it to Thousand Island Lakes
around 5pm, where I planned to make camp. From the trail above Thousand
Island Lakes, the view is one of the best of the trail. The lake is
aptly named, with many small islands, and the backdrop of the
mountains, snow, and trees was absolutely stunning.
Unfortunately, it
was also a zoo. There were teenagers everywhere, yelling, swearing,
carrying blow up boats (some wearing wetsuits!) from the lake to their
campsites on the hill. What?? There must be an easy trail to
civilization to this 'party spot'. I hiked along the lake for over 1/2
mile looking for a spot, but every site was taken by other hikers or
loud party groups so I hiked back to the trailhead. It was getting late
by this point, and I was really tired, but I decided to forge on down
the trail and not stay at Thousand Island Lake. Not too far down the
trail is Emerald Lake, and I found a great spot above the lake. A bit
of a hike down to get water, but that was the price of finding
solitude, and I was glad to pay it.
Island Pass is aptly named
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Thousand Island Lake
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I tried to eat some dinner, but it just wasn't in the cards again.
Somewhere on the other side of Island Pass I left my Steripen water
purifier by the side of a stream. Major bummer. Not just the fact that
it is expensive, but now I have to use my backup water purifer tablets.
I hate both the taste of the water, and the inconvienence. I know a lot
of folks don't bother with purifying High Sierra water, but it just
isn't worth the risk for me. The tablets take 4 hours to be completely
effective, so that means carrying 2 water bottles. One ready to drink
and one 'stewing' for 4 hours. Since I only have one water bottle now,
I will pick up another at Reds Meadow. I also don't have enough tablets
for the rest of the trip so if Reds doesn't have extra tablets I will
have to boil some of my drinking water. I have extra fuel so this is
OK, just a
hassle.
Another quiet night tonight.
Once again I am alone with my thoughts.
I could get used to this...
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