Today was a rewarding slog. An 11 mile climb brought us up through rivers, views, and snow fields, to the hut at the top of Muir Pass.

Our group stuck together, since everything is more fun when you have company! Since I had already done this pass once, Tim and I lead the way across snow fields and across rivers. When we got to the hut, we had lunch with seven other hikers inside, warming the small space as the wind howled outside.

By the end of our 22 mile day, with feet wet from postholing and walking through river crossings, I felt amazing. The only pain I experienced today was blisters; this was a huge victory. Some types of pain are worse than others, and although blisters have caused hikers to leave trail before, this exterior pain was manageable compared to shin splints and other foot problems I have experienced up to now on the trail. Though others in out group have grown weary with the snow travel and altitude, I finally felt in my element today. I’m looking forward to many more days of finally feeling good at this whole hiking thing.