Day 75
Blis and I chose the sketchy submerged log to cross Piute Creek,
while the rest crossed it upstream with no issues.
After Piute Creek, we unmistakable followed this little canal thinking it was the trail.
Our day started with an early water crossing, that is Piute Creek. There was an easier crossing upstream but Blis and I decided for some reason (perhaps it was still early in the morning to cross it via a sketchy and partially submerged log. Towards the end, I almost felt like I was gonna fall in. Thankfully I didn't.
Going uphill early in the morning.
Stopping at a small lake on the way up to Seavey Pass
View if the same lake from the other side
We continued our hike to Seavey Pass over a snow field covered with pine leaves. The pine leaves provided traction over the still packed-snow in the morning without the need to put on microspikes.
Upon arriving at Kerrick Creek, the trail takes a sharp left turn and follows the creek downstream. We came upon a snow back right next to it. It is a little sketchy in the beginning as a slip would cause us to fall right into the creek. There we tried to hiked as far as we could to minimize hiking on the little snow ridge.
Airplane Mode on the snow ridge right next to Rancheria Creek
Amazing slab section of the trail
Now we had to cross Kerrick Creek. I remember the other Happy Feet that I met in Lee Vining almost fell into the water which caused her to be off trail for a month. She told us about the log therefore we searched for it. We did find the log which spans the raging creek but it is very smooth. See the video courtesy of Isko Salminen as I was not able to take any photos.
We then took a little break after crossing Kerrick Creek, as Indigo's dad, Jack, decided to take a little deep at the same creek downstream.
Hiking down as the stream was overflowing to the trail
Crossing a creek in Stubblefield Canyon
And Blis having a little fun dipping in the water as some were trying to stay dry crossing
Taking a little break at the top of the climb
We approached Falls Creek (regarded as Wide Creek on our year) that night with a bit of a dilemma, to cross it now or tomorrow morning. I voted to cross in the morning because the water level will be lower and also the flow will be milder. Also if we fall into the water, it would be wiser for that to happen in the morning because we have the entire day to dry everything out. Still, our group of seven could not decide unanimously and I for one could not understand the rational of doing it tomorrow versus now, since it is already getting dark. Therefore, we came to a vote and with a majority vote of 4 to 3, we decided to cross in the morning. And although the majority won, still, some were upset and still wanted to cross and leave our group behind.
Our campfire right next to Wide Creek
As we were setting up camp next to the creek, another trail family came upon and they tried crossing Falls Creek and they didn't even get halfway and the water was so deep that started to float with their packs on. They retreated and we quickly started a campfire to help them warm up. This confirmed our vote that it would be better in the morning. And that night our trail family was joined by fellow PCT family as we gathered around the campfire.
On that note, mealtimes. Dinner time is probably my favorite part of the day for a couple of reasons. It signifies the end of the day. We would arrive at our campsite, pitch our tent, inflate our pads, lay out our sleeping quilts, and change into our sleep clothes. We then bring our food and stoves around the fire ring, gather dead wood, make fire, and enjoy dinner around a warm campfire. It's such a relaxing part of the day, where we reflect on our adventure by playing Rose, Bud & Thorn.