MapSource
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Google Maps Terrain
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Up a 6:15, 33 degrees last night.
Only 17 miles left to VVR and
the end of the trail for me this hike.
I started hiking at 7:30. As usual, breakfast was granola and Nido
milk. Purple Lake was much prettier as I climbed above it, and the
rising sun let me catch some great photos of the lake and mountains.
Purple Lake at sunrise |
The Range of Light!! |
Climbing above Purple Lake
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The next lake, Lake Virginia was
stunning. I arrived with the rising sun, and the sunrise light played
along with the puffy clouds and calm water to create the lighting and
background for a spectatular view. I took my time hiking along the lake
and really enjoyed the experience. I can't believe how strong I felt yesterday. So far today is starting out
the same way.
Stunning Lake Virginia just after sunrise
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Lake Virginia
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After a small climb up to the McGhee Pass trail junction,
it was an ugly, dry, hot, dusty, talus filled descent down to Fish
Creek. My least favorite section of the trail (can you tell?). Fish
Creek was a beautiful river, and I heard from several fishermen at VVR
that it is appropriately named.
After Fish Creek, I started the long ascent up to Silver Pass. It was a
hard, long, fun climb! I passed Squaw Lake (where I had originally
planned to camp), Chief Lake, and Warrior Lake. These are small alpine
lakes. Every time I was sure I was approaching the summit of Silver
Pass, another, higher pass came into view. This happened several times.
Just before the descent to Fish Creek
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Silver Pass in the distance
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Chief Lake
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When I finally reached the highest point of Silver Pass, it still was
not the actual Pass! I had to descend another 200 feet to get to a
saddle between the two canyons to be at the actual pass. Dang I love
passes! What a glorious view.
Silver Pass
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Silver Pass Lake
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I was still feeling great, and decided to just keep going until I felt
like making camp. From Silver Pass, it is all downhill to VVR. 15 miles
later I finally got tired! Where is all this energy coming from? I made
it all the way to the Mono Creek trail junction, but there was large
group of backpackers just setting up camp there, and I still had some
energy left, so I kept going. Finally I made it to the Edison Lake
trail junction. I had already missed the 4:45 ferry, and didn't know if
there were any good campsites closer to Edison Lake, so decided to make
camp near the trail junction. I found a great site that sits above Mono
Creek. Less than 2 miles to go!! I plan to get up in enough time
tomorrow to get to the Ferry landing for the 9:45 pickup. It was 5pm,
so I hiked for 9.5 hours today. I went for a swim in the river, and ate
my last dinner on the trail. STILL not hungry though!
Edison Lake trail junction
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Day 9 camp above Mono Creek
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Tommorrow is my
last day, and tonight is my last night on the trail. I'm getting some
mixed feelings, and although I will be glad to have a clean bed, hot
meals and Starbucks! again, and REALLY glad to see my Sweetie again, I
am getting melancholy with the thought that this adventure is coming to
a close.
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