Alpine Lakes Galore!

Starting Trail Mile 1115.1.  Elevation 7914 ft.

I continue through Desolation Wilderness.  There are lots of steep climbs on rocky trails, but each has its reward.  The first part of the hike winds through a dark, boggy forest, making the first couple of hours fairly buggy.  It is my first time to pull out the mosquito netting.  This makes hiking past stagnant ponds and buggy swampy mosquito havens more pleasant.

Marshy areas in Desolation Wilderness

First time hiking with a mosquito net.

I meet an small Asian gal with a small dog with her.  I think the dog is a chihuahua/terrier mix, about 20 pounds.  Even though he has on a canvas jacket and booties and she has him on a leash, I feel sorry for him.  He whines as she and I chat for a moment, seemingly miserable.  I didn't find out if she is a thru hiker, or just doing a section hike as I know there are areas of the PCT where dogs are not allowed.
After leaving the forest, each view or vista is more spectacular than the last.  This day and the next turn out to be my favorites so far.  There are still snowy patches on the mountains.  I get water at Phipps Creek.  3.6 miles later, I cross over the outlet of Middle Velma Lake and then see the gorgeous lake itself. 

Middle Velma Lake

Velma Lake Outlet must be crossed.  I got across the logs dry!

Beautiful Fontanillis Lake

Trail winds the shore of Fontanillis Lake

Clear alpine lake.

There are a couple more smaller lakes that are not named on my app map.  Next, I pass Fontanillis Lake, Half Moon Lake, and Dick's Lake.  Then I begin the long steep climb over Dick's Pass.  About two-thirds of the way up, I run across a gentleman just putting his pack on after taking a break.  He introduces himself as Mike and asks if we can hike together for awhile.  Having someone to chat with as we climb makes the time pass more quickly.  He is also 66-years-old, and doing a section hike with new equipment, thinking about doing the entire PCT next year.  At the top of the pass, he has me take his picture and then he moves on down the trail while I call Marv.  I haven't had cell for a couple of days, but seem to have good reception at the top of this pass.  After my phone call, I meet another lady in her 50s, who is also section hiking as a trial before deciding whether to thru-hike the PCT next year.  She has lots of questions and tells me that she cannot imagine doing a thru hike on her own.  She will only do the PCT, if she can get someone to join her.  I talk a bit about the advantages of hiking alone.  She's not convinced!

After previously bypassing several wonderful camping spots near lakes or creeks because I felt the need to get in a few more miles, I decide to stop a bit early and camp on Gilmore Lake as a treat to myself.  I will be able to wash myself thoroughly, and go to bed fresher than usual.
I am camped near 8 young PCT thru-hiking girls that are all hiking together.  They each have rotating duties each day.  Some set up the tents, some cook dinner, others wash clothes etc.  They really have a system.  There is a couple from Texas on the other side of me.  They are just getting set up and are doing a loop-hike through the Desolation Wilderness.  I crawl into my bed early and enjoy reading for a while with the laughter of the girls in the background.  I'm happy I stopped here.  It is dead quiet as it gets dark and I sleep my very best night (9 hours straight) since I started this venture.

The next morning, I go retrieve my food in the bear vault.  As I walk back to my tent, I notice that the Texas couple have a tent, but they sleep in hammocks strung between the trees.  Directly above their hammocks they have hung their food bags.  I should have taken a picture, as it would have made a great cartoon.  Their bags were mesh (not even odor-proof bags) and only about a foot out from the tree.  As I pack up I argue with myself as to whether I should mind my own business, but decide it is better to insult them than to let them continue into deeper bear country hanging food above their beds.  I explain that bags should be at least 200 feet away from where they are sleeping.  Where they are hanging theirs, the bears will just stand on them to reach their food.  They thank me and explain that this is their very first back-packing trip.  I wish them well, and head back out to the trail.  Another day in paradise!

Dick's Lake

Make the climb to Dick's Pass

Rounding the top of Dick's Pass

As I top Dick's Pass, I see even more alpine lakes on the other side.