Sunday June 24, 2012
Start: Mile 766.3 (Crabtree Meadow) [California Section H - Page 1a]
End: Mile 782.5 [California Section H - Page 3]
The day starts well. The bottle of Deet that I kept in my ditty bag “exploded” and turned everything that touched it into a gooey mess. I make a fire to burn everything that has been touched by the Deet. I can’t carry it out; I have nothing that can contain it.
I occasionally turn to look back at Whitney during my morning hike. I’m proud of myself. I regained some of my self respect when I reached that summit.
During lunch at Tyndall Creek I try to eat well. We have a lot ahead of us.
We approach Forrester Pass, 13180 ft high. It is intimidating, scary. I struggle to get up the switchbacks. My pack feels heavy, my legs too. I take one of those energy gels. It helps. 15 minutes later I reach the top of the pass. It’s busy with people taking pictures of themselves. Like Whitney, this is an accomplishment to be proud of. I race down to warm up. Im tired, but I’ve never felt better. The views are as spectacular as anything Ive ever seen. I so glad to be alive. At 7 we reach the center basin campground. This must be the most beautiful campsite I’ve ever camped on.
I’d like to see a photo of that mess!