Day 68
Nothing wakes you up more than crossing an ice cold creek with a dose of spray from the Silver Creek Falls early in the morning. This is certainly a beautiful water crossing. Unfortunately I had to put my camera and phone in a waterproof bag when we left camp therefore no photos. Luckily, Isko was able to take a dim light video of us crossing it early in the morning.
Video of crossing Silver Falls Creek and Glissading down from Silver Pass
courtesy of Isko Salminen
We then continued our way up on the snowfield towards the pass. Silver Pass Lake is frozen, just like last year.
Silver Pass Lake on the left as we go up Silver Pass
Looking back south towards Silver Pass Lake
We finally made it on top of Silver Pass and it was, as always, beautiful. The view of the northern Sierra can be seen clearly. We took some break up top and Caitlin went all out with her 90s hip hop. It very clear now that we are a bit more relaxed since we are almost done with this section. Also we don't have to do a lot of miles today therefore were taking it quite easy.
On Silver Pass
Caitlin and Indigo putting on some beats!
On the way down from Silver Pass, we had a tremendous fun on two big glissades that aided our descent. (See video on top of page.) The snow is definitely hard to go up to but the glissades somewhat make it up in getting down quickly.
Leaving Silver Pass
Glissades are so much fun!
The ascent on the big switchback leaving Tully Hole was exhausting, as we watched the dark clouds makes its way in our direction. We finally settled for lunch at beautiful, frozen, Virginia Lake. During our break, one of the hikers, came out of nowhere from the lake, in his underwear, was looking for his friend. Such a funny moment.
Lake Virginia
Crossing Lake Virginia Inlet
After passing Purple Lake and getting past Duck Creek, we were finally relieved that we are done with the snow. At least for the day. Our plan for the next day was to take the Mammoth Pass Cut-off trail so as soon as we saw an area we could all fit our tents, and not far from a water source, we took it. Such a good day.
Isko standing in front of Purple Lake