October 9

Distance: 24.6 miles | Ascent: 3650′ | Descent: 4310′

Mile marker: 1913

Lunch: J – spaghetti mac (B), A – chili and rice (B+)

Dinner: J&A – instant potatoes (A+, A+), J – Korean beef (A-), A – egg stir fry surprise (C)

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The landscape is dramatically different than the High Sierras just days ago. Gone are the jagged peaks and gargantuan valleys. In their place are rolling hills and meadows. We were still at nearly 11,500′ elevation for the day, but the flatter landscape results in a different biome entirely.

We passed the greatest wooden gate first thing in the morning. It had been hyped up by other hikers as some of the nicest infrastructure on trail, and it was a sight to behold. I guess.

We spent most of the day in the high forests. They’re notably sparse with sandy soil. Many of the trees had burn marks from a fire, but the height of the littlest trees implies the fire was perhaps 10 years ago. These trees are just hardy and slow growing in the short season. Occasionally, we reach the top of the hill and see the now distant peaks of the High Sierras or an exposed hilltop above the treeline.

Just after lunch, we hit 1900 miles! Our elevation was 11,111. It was amusing to nerds like us.

We later got some decent views as we skirted around the edges of these rolling hills. Dramatic granite faces still dominate much of the geology.

And like I wrote, these trees are tough!

We reached camp before sunset! We’re fast again! Relatively, that is.

Two more days until our next resupply at Kennedy Meadows South. This section is just flying by, which is a shame given how spectacular it is.