Day 56

Going up Kearsarge Pass was tougher than we thought, even though we camped only about 1,000 feet below the pass. The snow covered much of the trail and where the trail was dry up above, we ascended on steep, loose rocks and sand.

The descend from Kearsarge Pass was a little sketchy on some parts as the snow trail passes some big rocks. It is quite a steep traverse above Big Pothole Lake. A few glissade down above Heart Lake was fun, but it also made me think that we will be going up those snow after resupplying 9 days (or more) worth of food for the next section. Upon reaching the road, a short road work led to the parking lot.

And I was fortunate that the two hitches leading to Independence was relatively quick and easy. It was very hot in town. Another hitch then lead me Bishop, which brought me back memories of our post-JMT trip last year. I'm so happy to be back in Bishop. After resting, we headed to Mountain Rambler Brewery, where I had told myself and my friend Amy last year that being in this place makes me want to do the PCT. And now I'm here, at this place, while on the PCT. I love it!