Day 56

June 7, 2021 PCT Mile 942.5 to 962.1

PCT miles today - 19.6

The Tuolumne campground was still empty when we woke - felt like we were trespassing. Eerie feeling to be in Yosemite alone - typically bustling and crowded. Hiked past falls (Lambert Dome) and the splendor of Yosemite throughout the morning. Special.

Left Yosemite and entered area with some pretty exciting (challenging and time-consuming for Chris, just fun for Rick) river crossings. Four today. Just happy one of us has long legs and infinite patience with nervous nelly (short legs). By the 3rd crossing, Chris decided to forge instead of rock hop - less likely to break a leg or?

Met Blue (lives in Woodside) and Clint, from Australia. Clint showed us a 10-minute video of mother Bear and cub he saw near near Tuolumne. Met Bounce (San Juan Island). Nice, friendly and enjoying every minute of the hike. Impressive. He did say he was looking forward to getting rid of the Bear canister and ice ax.

Camped near Matterhorn Canyon by Matterhorn creek - we have hiked this area a few times, but have never seen Matterhorn from the south. Magestic. Feels like home because we are familiar with the trail. Trees, trees, trees - impressive! Tricky stream crossing to get to tent site. Seemed to be three logs about 6-8” in diameter floating and somewhat overlapping. Third one was pretty rotten.

“It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in the recollections of our own life is associated with trees.”

-Wilson Flagg via Stilts