In the Sierra’s, hikers have to go through a series of high altitude passes. These passes are often covered in snow and afternoon storms gather there in the summer, so they require some logistics to get through. Today we did the first of these, Forrester Pass, the highest of them all at 13120 feet. Lucky for us, only the north side, which we descended, still had some snow. Views of massive granite mountains and half-frozen lakes accompanied us throughout the climb and descent. I think I’m getting used to the altitude, as long as I kept going slow and steady I had little issue.
At our lunch spot stretched a recently thawed lake, a sheet of ice still covering the farther half. As I arrived, Spice and Andy/Pants were getting ready to swim. I thought they were crazy. But, it turned out, when they came screaming out of the water, others went in as well. And of course, with everyone going in, there was no way I was going to chicken out. Sigh, why do I do this? Spice cheered me on, as I hesitantly went to stand on a rock. The water hit like a truck, freezing my toes instantly and making me breathe like crazy. Spice, Andy, Solemate and the others present were crying with laughter at my struggle and screams. I quickly dunked my head in and swam back to the shore. That was good. I felt alive, warming myself in the sun. It was then I found out how badly the mosquitoes had wrecked me last night. My back and legs looked like I had the pox.
The last stretch was fairly short, notable because some people saw a bear on the way. This means they are present, hopefully I see one soon. Half ‘n Half told everyone she had had really bad altitude sickness on Whitney, surprising everyone, as she had hidden it until now. She took some of Stinger’s nausea medication for the pass, which helped.
The mosquitoes were present again at the campsite, but in lesser numbers luckily. The Noods camped next to us, Willy Nelson proudly telling me he’d caught a trout with his fishing rod and that he’d cook it for dinner. I didn’t see it, as we once again went to bed at 19h. Tomorrow we’ll head into Bishop. I’m looking forward to a giant town meal.