Day 27. Thursday, July 16, 2009. Mileage: 1035.2 – 1054.4 (19.2 miles)

The scents today! Wildflowers abounded and a lemon scented brush was everywhere. What it is I have no idea, but the smell is impossible to breathe in without exhaling with an ‘ahh’. It is all so constantly rejuvenating in the shapes and colors and smells.

I think we are in Stanislaus National Forest and the Carson Iceberg Wilderness. Today was ridge walking and waterfalls and dark rocks. The scenery seems to a combination of the proximity to the Nevada border and then occasional forays into what I imagine the Pacific Northwest to look like. The easier grade makes the miles and the time fly. I felt very content hiking alone and soaking up my last week on the PCT. I enjoy these mild ups and downs like a gentle rollercoaster, more so than plainly flat terrain.

We swam in the somewhat disappointing Asa Lake. We wanted one of those crystal clear lake swims, and Asa Lake was grimy and squishy bottomed. Gravy joined us and we all had a little nap together before hitting the trail for the afternoon miles.





The next 3 miles were awesomely different. The trail cut into the sides of lushly vegetated mountains in the shape of a giant “V”, so that Danger and I could look across the divide at the other, looking small and almost misplaced in the green wildness. We made dinner and camped at Upper Kinney Lake, the northern end of which dropped off a vista like an infinity pool.

Encircled by rocky mountains and protective trees, our tent window faced the tranquil lake and its dramatically sharp disappearance; it made for the best view from our tarp home yet. Gravy pointed out the nearby sound of cow bells in the distance.
My right quad is tired.
26 nights of sleeping in a tent with Dangermouse and we’re still happy hikers. That is a fortunate hiking partnership.