After taking some of Marv's pack weight, he did better today, slow and steady. The plan was to get over Pinchot Pass today. However, with Marv's knee acting up and a black sky, we decided to not chance being at the top of the pass during a storm. Also, it was decision time as to whether Marv could continue the hike. The knee was not going to get better hiking mile after mile and descending the back side of pass after pass. There was an unmaintained trail leading out of the Sierra's ahead. If we didn't take this opportunity, then we would be stuck in the back country for many more miles before another exit was available. We decided to set up camp and discuss the options.
Once we set up camp, I took an empty pack and all the water bottles and hiked 0.2 miles to the river to fill up. I also took the opportunity to take a freezing cold bath and wash the dirt out of my hair. That is not much of a job at this point. The last time I had a zero, I took the clippers to my hair. I just buzzed it all off. Sure is easier to manage while hiking. In the back country, campfires are allowed below 10,000 feet with a CA fire permit, which I have. Since we stopped early, I put in a request for a fire. Our camp is only 9794 feet in elevation, and there are a couple of fire rings already built where we are staying. It is nice to hang out at camp in leisure for a change. We have fettuccine for dinner. Marv heated some of the water and took a
warm bath. After the frigid bath I just took, I tease him about being a lightweight!
I watch Marv cross a swaying bridge before I try it.
I'm not too keen on heights, but have no choice. I go
very slow and try not to move anything as I go across.
Wood Creek Slide. A sign warns not to go near this creek.
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| Rocks and logs from the earlier run-off provide river crossings. |
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| Easy peasy! |
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| The roar of rushing water is always nearby. |
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| Lots of wild flowers, even in the rocky terrain. |
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| This pool looked inviting, but it was starting to rain. |
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| Another wonderful camp spot! |
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| Marv makes a fire. |
Does Marv decide to leave the hike and take care of his knee or does he bite the bullet and continue on? Tune in to a later blog for the answer! 🤔🤔 You hiked to get water, took a freezing bath and he uses that water, plus he heats it and takes a warm bath???!! Only Marv, gotta love him! 😂😂😘😘 that swinging bridge doesn’t look fun at all. When they get swinging, they’re hard to stop! More amazing pictures and videos! ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteHe was much happier after the bath, so fetching the water was worth it!
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