Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 3/10

Miya

Because I am able.
Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
1,404
Days: 48 - 68
Miles: 565.4 - 789.1 (+ Mt. Whitney and Kearsarge/Onion Valley side trail)
Zero Days: 4

Heads up, this TR is going to be wordy.

About 25 miles after leaving Tehachapi, I was stepping over a littering of small downed twigs and branches. I heard a loud pop and felt it reverberate through my foot and up my right shin. I wouldn't bother to go to the doctor, so not sure what happened. I have torn a lot of tendons in both of my feet before, so the popping sound was very familiar. However, the pain that would follow and my inability to bend my knee or angle my foot without crying, was new. Wouldn't it have been smarter to go 25 miles back, instead of 60 miles forward? Yes, probably. But I hate repeating miles, I wouldn't go to a doctor anyways, and my determination to not let anything keep me from completing the trail was borderline madness.

PCT21 446.jpg

Baby rattler.

PCT21 447.jpg

Luckily, the next day, the trail was pretty flat. Any sort of incline on trail had me panting and crying. My Tramily and I had planned 20-25 miles every day and for some reason they were patient and didn't ditch me when I could only manage 16 miles the day after I hurt myself. By the end of the day my shin felt like it was going to shatter. Trying to get comfortable in the tent and sleep through the pain was impossible, so I spent my nights just waiting for the dawn and hoping to get closer to town.

Mile 600.

20210509_120817.jpg

PCT21 448.jpg

One of the reasons I had hoped for bigger miles was because it was getting hotter and this section was DRY. We were dependent on several water caches. Thank you trail angels! Even though I always showed up to the caches with water, it would have been much more uncomfortable without the caches.

20210510_120629.jpg

PCT21 451.jpg

Each day my leg hurt a little less, enough to allow me a couple hours of sleep. I could usually manage my first 15 miles of the day without any tears, but something about this injury did not like doing more than that. The rest of my mileage would bring about a tear for every few steps. I certainly didn't need to be wasting the water and salt!

The heat, the pain, and the lack of sleep saw me slipping into memories of tragedies and regret. My journey on trail, like so many, was one of necessity built off of trauma. Facing these demons, was fine, heck, it was desired. I would be damned if this silly physical pain ended what I set out to do. I simultaneously felt worried this injury would end my trip, while KNOWING that I would not let it. And so I just walked, a bundle of contradicting emotions, fear and confidence.

I hobbled into our last campground, only 0.8 miles from the road we would take to hitch into town the next morning. I skipped out on another trail magic tent and avoided a throng of other hikers. I was able to nod off being comforted by the fact that I had made it to town.

My dad came to visit me in Kernville and he brought my bear canister and ice axe.

20210512_191606.jpg

The last thing I wanted was to take another zero in town, especially when I was so close to the end of the desert. My leg wanted rest though, and my Tramily was more than happy to take another break too. Since I don't take over the counter or prescription drugs, I just bought some wrap and tried to keep my ankle and foot iced at all times. It had been fat and swollen the entire stretch, but one night with ice and the swelling went down dramatically.

20210513_111625.jpg

Next resupply was only 50 miles away, I packed more than I would need just in case my leg kept my mileage low.

20210513_102436.jpg

We ate out at a fancy restaurant with an amazing view. I am a foodie.

20210513_193124.jpg

Pack is ready for the Sierra Nevada.

20210514_104805.jpg

It was getting easier to put on my sock and shoe! I still hobbled like a pirate with a peg leg, but the only real pain was when I walked downhill. Woohoo, I was getting better!...

I had stopped wearing my left knee brace for quite awhile by now. I figured my knee was stronger and I carried it because I had every intention of wearing it in the Sierras, JUST IN CASE. However, the steep switchbacks I encountered on Day 56 busted my knee. I tried putting the brace on after a few switchbacks, but it was too late. I couldn't bend my knee. Now both my legs were injured and I was walking like a pirate with 2 peg legs.

I cried AGAIN! I cried and hiked and felt such fury. I was enraged. "Wasn't I stronger yet?! Why aren't I hiking as fast as the other hikers? I am embarrassing myself!" I spent the day feeling sorry for myself, but I kept walking. I had a couple trail mantras, and literally one of them was "Just keep walking, Miya". It always helped.

I slept with both legs elevated and managed to rest. Lucky for me, it rained the next day, and that is always a huge morale booster!

20210516_145813.jpg

PCT21 453.jpg

Views were changing.

PCT21 461.jpg

Found this guy in the water. Think it is Abedus indentatus. A male carrying the eggs on its back.

PCT21 472.jpg


Mile 700 was a huge goal for me. I always felt that if anything would keep me from the Northern Terminus, it would be the desert. It would be the thing I despise so much, the sun. I knew if I could make it through the desert, then nothing would stop me and I WOULD make it to the end. (Funny, I hadn't even been close to experiencing exposure and heat like I would in Northern California). I won't get too sentimental and we don't need to argue over the validity of having spiritual moments on trail, but I feel very strongly that I had one. As I approached mile 700, it started to rain, and when I took the last few steps to those silly rocks, the sky opened up and poured. I dropped to the floor, awkwardly with my injuries, and cried once more. Rain has always been something extremely special to me. If I am in rain, I feel free and I feel safe.

I put on my rain gear, got some photos, and as soon as I walked away, the rain stopped. The sun peaked out, and I choose to believe my grandpa witnessed my accomplishment.

20210517_145107.jpg

No one was there to clap for me at Kennedy Meadows South, thank goodness.

6 Day planned resupply, and I always carry an extra day or two worth of food just in case.

20210518_141829.jpg

Here we go, into The Sierra Nevada! I knew it was going to be a low snow year, so I was pretty bummed about that. I was hopeful that snow would show up for me though, just like all the rain I got in the desert. :)

20210519_072917.jpg

PCT21 5.jpg

Oops, water freezes up here.

20210521_084511.jpg

The fire attracted other PCT hikers who came to dry off their spirits and their gear. We did get an upset hiker, saying that fires are unsafe, even though we were under 10,000 feet and there were not any fire restrictions at the time, and we used an existing fire ring.

20210521_172153.jpg

Peek a boo from my tent.

PCT21 27.jpg

The next morning, all the hikers we had camped around had bailed out at the next junction. More snow was coming. We would have the trail all to ourselves for a couple days!

PCT21 36.jpg

PCT21 38.jpg

Yay more snow!

20210522_170202.jpg

PCT21 56.jpg

PCT21 68.jpg

PCT21 70.jpg

PCT21 72.jpg

PCT21 73.jpg

PCT21 75.jpg

A ranger informed us of a missing person as we were heading up Mt. Whitney. Luckily, they would find him while we were summiting. He had broken his leg during the storm and managed to crawl into some brush next to a lake we passed by. Banged up, but alive.

20210523_141425.jpg

20210524_102526.jpg

I had never dreamed of summiting Mt. Whitney, "the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet". It just wasn't a goal of mine. It is pretty common for PCT hikers to do it, even though it is ~15 non trail miles added to your hike. I figured I would go ahead, just because it was there and I was in good shape to make the attempt. If I was going to summit Mt. Whitney, then it at least had to be at sunrise or sunset. It seems a lot of hikers opt for sunrise, but it was going to time out that we would make it there at sunset. Plus, that is fitting for the Intoxicated Night Ascenders.

We hiked 6 PCT miles and then began the climb of Mt. Whitney.

PCT21 114.jpg

PCT21 126.jpg

PCT21 137.jpg

PCT21 140.jpg

I didn't struggle on the ascent at all. I loved the sketchy snow crossings, and the views were, eh, fine. I don't know why, but I am not a fan of HUGE VAST EXPSANSES? Probably why I like macro so much. I could have made the summit before it got dark, but NightRyder was struggling. He had been patient with me when I hurt my legs, so I would be patient too, and our Tramily would summit together. Seeing the sunset from the side of Mt. Whitney was beautiful too.

PCT21 149.jpg

PCT21 152.jpg

PCT21 155.jpg

PCT21 161.jpg

PCT21 162.jpg

A peak through to the other side. Reminds me of Death Valley.

PCT21 169.jpg

By the time we made it to the top, it was DARK. Wind chill was -5 F. We were all exhausted. We ran to the snow filled hut, that does not have a door, and tried to steer clear of all the yellow snow inside. We HAD to put on warmer gear and we forced ourselves to scarf down any readily available snacks before running back down the snow covered top, peak, summit? This was my first concern that my fingers were frost bitten. As soon as we dipped down out of the wind, I frantically searched for my Hot Hands and my down booties. My fingers were A'OK.

Not your typical summit photo, but hey, we did it and we did it together!

20210523_211717.jpg

I struggled much more with the descent. By 2:30 AM, we were less than 2 miles from camp and I had been running on empty. I stumbled against a large boulder. I dry heaved, but couldn't take down any food or water. I walked, in what was very similar to a drunken stupor. I remember the boys got ahead of me and I walked to my tent in a trance like state and collapsed. I was finally so exhausted that I could sleep through the pain in my legs.

Doing some laundry in my bear canister.

20210524_135958.jpg

PCT21 174.jpg

We decided to go ahead and summit Forester Pass at night too, because, eh why not? Every hiker we passed had something to say about it. There was almost no snow on the approach, it was all there waiting for us on the other side. There were definitely some spots where you could have slipped to your death, but I just love snow and had so much fun! It was beautiful descending with an endless sky of stars.

Resized_IMG_9490.jpg

Approaching Forester Pass. It is the little snowy part directly in the middle.

PCT21 205.jpg

20210524_211058.jpg

20210524_212015.jpg

Bad cell phone photo, looking back at Forester once we were through the worst of the snow.

20210524_221513.jpg

Lunch.

20210525_090058.jpg

PCT21 219.jpg

This is on our way to Kearsarge Pass, a 9 mile detour to get to a TH parking lot and get a hitch into town. One of my favorite views!

PCT21 232.jpg

PCT21 233.jpg

20210525_160148.jpg

Heading down into civilization (Independence and Bishop).

PCT21 239.jpg

PCT21 242.jpg

The boys had to ride in the back.

PCT21 247.jpg

This would be one of my favorite motels/hotels the entire trail. And yes, as a fellow hiker explained to me "You, are like a different shade now!"

Resized_IMG_9952.jpg
 
Last edited:
Nice, I love the stretch from Rock Creek to Kearsarge Lakes, but I would not like Forester in the dark, especially with real snow on the north side. My photo/avatar here is looking south from Forester in 2019.

The Kearsarge Lakes photo with all the snow on the mountains is great. So is the baby rattler even though I don't like snakes :)

Glad your knee did not force you off the trail
 
Nice, I love the stretch from Rock Creek to Kearsarge Lakes, but I would not like Forester in the dark, especially with real snow on the north side. My photo/avatar here is looking south from Forester in 2019.

The Kearsarge Lakes photo with all the snow on the mountains is great. So is the baby rattler even though I don't like snakes :)

Glad your knee did not force you off the trail
Yeah, I think FACTUALLY, Forester at night was dumb? But I felt so happy and safe. I am definitely going to be one of those people that dies hiking and you guys are all going to slap your foreheads like "What the heck was she thinking?!" Haha

I wanted to put my finger next to the rattler for scale, but also...had a little bit of sense haha. I think it was too cold to be bothered, but didn't want to risk it.
 
You're just killing me with these wonderful reports. :D

The coldest I have ever been was on top of Mount Whitney in early September one year.

I love the shot of the baby rattlesnake, and also the shot of you at Kearsarge Pass.
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
beaver-one Section Hiking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail): Oregon + Washington Trip Planning 3
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 10/10 Backpacking 59
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 9/10 Backpacking 16
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 8/10 Backpacking 42
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 7/10 Backpacking 10
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 6/10 Backpacking 10
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 5/10 Backpacking 20
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 4/10 Backpacking 13
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 2/10 Backpacking 35
Miya Pacific Crest Trail (NOBO) Part 1/10 Backpacking 23
WasatchWill As It Happens: Pacific Crest Trail (Documentary) General Discussion 1
pstm13 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail General Discussion 9
Nick Oregon Coast and The Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking 3
J Pacific Creek or North Buffalo Fork? Teton Wilderness, Thorofare ,etc. Trip Planning 10
R Backpacking in the Pacific Northwest Trip Planning 7
scatman Pacific Creek, Moss Lake and Gravel Lake - Teton Wilderness - October 7, 2022 Backpacking 32
Nick The Pacific Northwest Hiking & Camping 19
Laura South Pacific! Everything Else 11
Ben West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim NP, Vancouver Island Backpacking 20
Ben Olympic NP, Pacific Coast, Rialto Beach to Ozette River Backpacking 19
Nick Pacific Northwest Car Camping Trip Planning 12
A Teton Crest Trail Shuttle Resource Discussions 3
Mikjik86 4 Days Backpacking Grand Teton Wilderness/Teton Crest Trail - Wyoming, July, 2021 Backpacking 0
dgosche Teton Crest July Trip Planning 2
A Teton Crest Trail Trip Planning 3
Rockskipper Grand Teton Renews Historic Crest Trail General Discussion 9
wabenho Teton Crest Trail - August 2020 Backpacking 13
D Tetons Crest Trail Aug./Sept. 2020 need a new partner/partners Noobs: Introduce yourself! 1
wabenho Teton Crest Questions Trip Planning 9
fossana Ruby Crest Trail (Ruby Mountains Wilderness) Backpacking 7
yoBear2116 Doing a shuttle on the Teton Crest Trail Trip Planning 4
P Teton Crest Trail via Coal Creek/Moose Meadow trails Trip Planning 2
scatman Northern Section of the Toiyabe Crest Trail - June 15, 2019 Backpacking 22
woodmaker_58 Table Mt to Hurricane Pass/ Teton Crest Trail Trip Planning 5
scatman Toiyabe Crest Trail Trip Planning 23
C Teton Crest Trail permit campsite distance problem Trip Planning 10
Brian Bucca Tips for scoring a walk in permit for Teton Crest trail Trip Planning 0
G Teton Crest Trail Itinerary Trip Planning 3
linkin22luke Shuttle for the Teton Crest Trail Trip Planning 1
jdfut66 Teton Crest Trail - August 2018 Backpacking 6
D Teton Crest Trail questions Trip Planning 6
jdfut66 Teton Crest Trail backup plan Trip Planning 5
C Teton Crest Trail - end of August 2018 Trip Planning 0
Cburton Teton Crest Trail Permit Issues - Help! Trip Planning 15
HomerJ Teton Crest Trail - August 2017 Backpacking 13
Caleb Teton Crest Trip 2018 Trip Planning 22
jkgear Campsite suggestions for Teton Crest Trail Trip Planning 18
AKay09 Teton Crest Trail, GTNP - 09/2016 *Pic Heavy!* Backpacking 23
Absarokanaut One Last Shot at Sublette: A Sensational Saturday on the Cliffed Crest of the Continental Divide Hiking & Camping 4
AKay09 Teton Crest Trail September Weather? Trip Planning 4

Similar threads

Back
Top