54 — Silver Pass

Mile 872.3–890.9 (18.6 miles)

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Rose: solid friendships are blossoming Thorn: the elevation changes were so hard today (both ascents and descents) Bud: one more day until town food

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Today was a rollercoaster of climbs and descents which were physically and mentally so hard. First, 1000’ up, then 2000’ down, 3000’ up, 1500’ down, 1300’ up.

Magic Beans and I left camp together, her quickly outpacing me. The first ascent was fine. At the top, we had to make the final decision not to go to VVR. Disappointing, because town food sounds so good to the starving. However, we’ll save a lot of time and money without the visit. Town is only a couple days away anyways.

It was pleasantly flat on top for a mile or two. Then a foot-thumping descent that just went on and on. Gibb caught up with me on the descent, having decided to not go to VVR after hearing from Hurdle that we weren’t going.

The switchbacks descended into a lush river valley—which had lots of mosquitos. We’ve kept our head nets within easy reach the last few days.

Then the hellish climb started. It wasn’t a steep grade, but it was just long. The clouds had gathered at the passes, but they did not cause much alarm, no thunder, no precip. We followed a river that cascaded over the granite all the way up. It was muggy but not hot enough to enjoy the chill water, especially with the sun going in and out of the clouds.

It took hours but eventually I got to the top of Silver Pass around 4pm where more views of mountains and alpine lakes greeted me. Gibb was waiting at the top. Hurdle and Magic Beans followed shortly. We hung out chatting, planning, debating itineraries, and eating. Gibb chose a site with plenty of space about 5.5 miles out.

The others are faster on the downhill than me so they pulled ahead as we passed through lovely lush meadows, river valleys, and mosquito havens. I finished my audiobook series: A Court of Thorns and Roses.

The trail took a sharp right up Fish Creek and started ascending. I did not expect more ascension for the day. The guys were way ahead, but Beans looked positively ill as we trudged up switchbacks. My feet hurt.

We made camp around 8pm. Eating in the dark. I layed out my cowboy camp while my food cold soaked. It’s colder in the Sierras. I kinda want my stove. Not often but I am jealous when others have a warm cup of tea at the end of the day.