The PCT Days 66 to 70: A Journey Through the New Millennium
As I trekked through the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty that surrounded me. The Yosemite Valley, with its towering granite walls and rushing waterfalls, was a sight to behold. But it wasn't just the scenery that captivated me; it was the people I met along the way, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.
Day 66: Yosemite Zero
On this day, I found myself in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Yosemite Valley. I was surrounded by people of all ages, taking in the sights and sounds of the valley. But amidst the hustle and bustle, I yearned for the quiet wilderness. I remember being in this same place a little over five years ago, and the contrast between then and now was striking. The valley was still beautiful, but the lack of walking and the hustle and bustle of human civilization had changed it.
Day 67: First Thunderstorm
The next day, I was greeted by a late departure and a slow roll back into wilderness. As I made my way north of Tuolumne Meadows, I could see dark grey clouds hurdling closer toward me. The thunder became so loud that I had to take refuge in my tent. The storm was mystical, with big rain coming down and streaks of lightning through the roof vent. It reminded me of summer afternoons at my family's cabin, the droplets bouncing off the tin roof, creating white noise and a fresh scent.
Day 68: Running on Fumes in Mosquito Hell
On the third day, I was absolutely tapped for energy. I could not move my legs, it was as slow and sticky as molasses. I was so fatigued that it took me five hours to walk seven miles. But I was grateful to have regained enough energy to push over the Benson and Seavey passes, leading to a respectable 21 miles for the day.
Day 69: Nice Day for a New Millennium
The fourth day was a chill day, but hot in the sun and bug-swarmed depending on how close you were to something resembling water. I did feel much more energized today thanks to food. Around mid-afternoon, I reached Dorothy Lake, the northernmost Yosemite landmark on the trail, and waded in. I didn't spend much time here, but this was my favorite alpine lake of the trip.
Day 70: The Highest Sierra Moves Behind Us
On the final day, the group had a daring plan to get to Sonora Pass by 9:30 for a shuttle into Kennedy Meadows North. It was ambitious even by their standards, but we gave it a go anyway. The trail started out with big, steep, not horse-suitable climb along the edge of a ridge as the sun rose to greet us. For the remaining morning, we traversed more snow and bowls of scree.
In my opinion, the PCT Days 66 to 70 were a journey of discovery and growth. I learned that it's not about miles per hour, but about miles per day. I realized that my body has become attuned to this hiking routine and it has done well. The PCT is a challenging and rewarding experience, and I would encourage anyone to take on the journey.
