Thursday June 21
Start: Mile 744.5 (Lone Pine/Mulkey Pass) [Calfornia Section G - Page 13]
End: Mile 750.2 [Calfornia Section G - Page 14]
I sort out my pack problem at the outfitter. I guess I’m just not one of those ultralight hikers and I need a pack that can handle the load that I’m really carrying, instead of one that can only take what I wish I’d carry. It’s a nice roomy Deuter. The outfitter helps me fit all my stuff to make sure it’s going to work. He’s very adamant that the bear canister should go in upright. I’m not convinced. I also replace my shoes, the sole of my left shoe is falling apart. I get a size 14 Montrail AT. Clown shoes. I also buy new Mountain Hardware pants. I’ve really had it with Ex Officio.
We run into Sherpa Mom at the post office. She offers a ride back to horseshoe meadow. That really helps us out. I think I loose my phone, but I don’t; it’s just trail town nerves. The Cottonwood Pass trail gets us back on the PCT. we camp above 11000 feet near Chicken Spring Lake. Now I think I forgot the zip-off legs of my pants AND my phone again. Obviously not everything has found its place in my pack yet. The light of the evening sky is breathtaking. I set up my tent, secure all the stakes with rocks. Everybody else is cowboy camping. I cook a meal, and meticulously go through all my stuff to make sure that anything that might attract a bear is in my bear canister. I hope its far enough away from my tent. I’m glad I have my tent. This will be a cold night.
