Day 162: mile 766.3-784.3 (Forester Pass)
The weather is continuing to get colder, I woke up with ice in my water bottle. I took some precautions to keep my filter from freezing, but fingers crossed it was enough. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be this cold already.
Almost immediately after starting my day I was rewarded with amazing views. This went on for miles, well the whole day really. Each turn brought a new angle to gawk at.
I’d been searching for the perfect place to eat my breakfast, but it was perfect everywhere. I finally settled on a nice big rock just off the trail that offered views for miles. It sure beat my usual breakfast inside my tent.
I was hoping to make it to the base of Forester by noon so I’d have plenty of time to get to the top and enjoy the view. …or give myself plenty of time to huff and puff my way up, we’ll see. Either way I was doing great time, despite my constant stops to look around.
As I climbed an arête (I’m working on my geology terms, that means knife-edged ridge) came into view and I again thought, this place can’t get any better! Oh it did as a small lake became visible. At this point I was just blown away.
This same scenario happened the remainder of the climb up and down into camp. I think I can say today is my favorite day on trail yet! The Sierra are unreal, I don’t think the words exist to describe how beautiful it is. I may never leave! …well maybe when the snow comes I’ll consider it, I’ve seen enough of that this year!
I met a JMT section hiker at the top of the pass and we exchanged taking photos for each other. I also gave him my email and phone number since I asked him to snap a few photos with his nice camera. Fingers crossed I get those some day! For now, my trusty iPhone 7 will do.
As I switched off between walking and jogging on my descent, I passed small fields of suncups, happy they weren’t on the trail to slow me down because it was a long way down to camp.
When I got to camp I set up and I walked down to the water to fill up. My picturesque day continued as I saw a buck slowly grazing and making his way to the other side of the creek while the alpenglow began to shine on side of the mountain. I don’t think I could have dreamed up a better day!
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light