Day 57
Mile 811 to Grouse Meadow campsite (mile 828.5) via Mather Pass, 17.5 miles
Cost: Camped, free
My feet got wet in a river crossing straight away which meant I could walk through each stream and puddle for the rest of the day – it’s actually quite fun!
I walked with Teflon up to the top of Mather Pass which was a nice and easy ascent but we postholed in the snow coming down. There were gorgeous views.
At the bottom of Mather Pass, Teflon and I decided to have a quick swim in a lake. It had turned into quite a hot day but the glacial lake water was freezing so when I saw “swam”, I mean we submerged ourselves for a few seconds before lying on a rock in the sun to get the feeling in our limbs back!
There were dozens more river crossings, the ‘golden staircase’ which was painful on my knees and ankles, and more incredible views.
It felt like a long day and I was exhausted when we finally arrived at camp. It was a beautiful campsite by a stream with a lovely view of a mountain and deers roaming around. Mrs Smith had an encounter with a bear when she went up the hill to go to the loo so we hope we don’t get a visitor in the night! Zigzag camped with us and looked at my foot again. He said I needed a few more days of using crutches (hiking poles), then after 10 days of lying on the couch eating ice cream I’ll be able to start moving on it and stretching it… How about 6 more passes and 75 more miles of one of the toughest stretches of the entire pct?! But it’s doing good and I’m managing to walk the distance.
Hi Kat. I’ve just caught up with your progress after returning from my camino. Makes my 52 days pale into insignificance. What stunning photos today, especially the one with the clouds reflected in the lake.
I hope your ankle mends quickly without too much more pain. Looking forward to the rest of your journey. Thanks for sharing. Maggie x
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The views are just amazing. After following you since the beginning I am thinking that when I get to do a part of the PCT it may be this section first. So beautiful. Hang in there. I am guessing those streams may be good for the ankle?
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This was definitely the most beautiful (and challenging) stretch so far. The cold streams were a great way to reduce the swelling in my ankle 🙂
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Hi once again, Kat,
Still loving those photos and what a stunning part of the trail. Loved the B&W one and that unbelievable view from the camp. Hope your ankle and knees are bearing up!
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Thanks!
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