Day 20. Thursday, July 9, 2009. Mileage: 922 – 938 (16 miles)

It was windy as hell last night and in a strange, half-awake scene I woke up and yelled “Auntie M! Auntie M!” to Jess. Apparently, in my dreamy but alarmed state, I thought a good Wizard of Oz tornado joke was in order.

We slept in until 7:45. The morning took us around a series of Ansel Adams Wilderness lakes. We took an early break to lie in the sun on giant rocks alongside a river just before Island Pass. It makes the day so enjoyable to throw in a swim, even if it is just a half dip in a river.

Later in the day, I took my time and walked slowly over Donahue Pass. There was some snow to cross but it was an easy pass. We chilled at the lake at the top before heading down the other rocky side. The day would not stay this relaxed for long.

At a bathroom stop, Dangermouse didn’t see my pack resting trailside and breezed unknowingly past me. We usually leap frog all day long, but we always know who is in front and approximately how far in front (usually within sight). Because Jess did not realize she had passed me, for almost 3 hours we both chased the other. Dangermouse, thinking I was still ahead of her and moving fast, speed hiked without stopping. In my gut, I knew that this was what was happening. After some jogging, I caught my teary hiking partner. Losing one another, however briefly, was more of an emotional experience than I would have anticipated.