Today was a doozy. After a solid nights rest me and the dudes packed up and started climbing. We were hell bent on getting into Mammoth Lakes by tomorrow at the latest. We had 18 miles to cover if that was going to really happen.
We charged up a mountain, then passed a couple frozen lakes. I was feeling slightly crappy for some reason. My legs felt weak, and my left ear was aching. I'm pretty sure I've been dehydrated and not eating enough calories to make up for what I burn. I just don't have the same appetite as other hikers. I'm losing weight. My backpack hip belt no longer tightens around my skinny waist, which is creating more pressure and pain on my shoulders. When I get to town I need to see if I can McGyver my shit better.
For being Lazy Fucks, we did good today. We passed Purple Lake, one of the only that I've seen not frozen. The JMT runs along a massive ridge line giving you sweeping views of all the valleys we crossed. Then it dips low into the Mammoth area. This marks the end of the High Sierra section - something I never thought I could physically do. I'm exhausted. Even though today had a good amount of exposed dirt trail, 18 miles out here feels like 30 on your legs.
Horseshoe Lake
We pushed and pushed until we reached the Horseshoe Lake/Mammoth Pass junction, finishing after 12 hard hours of hiking. We also passed the 900 mark! It's only 500+ for me but for Big Daddy and Righteous it means they've almost walked 1,000 miles.
When we dropped down into the lake we saw a ton of tourists and day hikers- non willing to give us rides into town. We decided to save money and camp illegally on the lake and hopefully find a hitch out tomorrow. Jessica got us an airbnb to stay at over the 4th of July but we need to kill a couple days before that happens. As I laid down to sleep my friend Julia whom I met several years back in Utah offered to come grab me and the boys in the morning. I can't wait to get a shower and a proper meal...oh and do LAUNDRY. The adventure continues.
That feeling when you know you're close to beer