Friday, August 1. Marjorie Lake. 12 miles. 11,200 ft.
In a pathetic sort of way, considering how our expectations have been lowered during this trip, today was a good day. But really, I'd say, a downer.
I got up at least four times last night to pee and the sky was crystal clear, countless stars. I was so disappointed when I woke to a sky covered with stratus clouds that looked as though rain was imminent. In a panic I roused Drew, which doesn't meld well with Drew's morning lethargy. But I wanted to get over Mather Pass before the rain hit.
On the trail by 7:30, we reached 12,080-foot Mather Pass in two hours. Looking back north, we were treated to a great view of the Palisades with several 14,000-foot peaks looming above their namesake lakes where we spent last night. Looking south, the landscape dropped away to broad glacier-carved Upper Basin scattered with shallow high mountain lakes feeding the newly-born South Fork of the Kings River. Miles beyond, we could see the approach to Pinchot Pass.
Drew struggled up the pass as he did yesterday up the Golden Staircase. Impressively, he didn't utter a word of complaint. His stomach troubled him requiring a couple pit stops on the climb. His uneasy stomach and probably the continuing poor weather have soured Drew's mood, but his commitment to finish the trip never waivers.
I have felt very good the past two days - foot issues and soreness in my legs and feet are my only problems. The ball of my foot is numb, and I wonder if my little toe is broken.
Despite this, I powered up and over Mather Pass. As we dropped into Upper Basin, the rain began. After a steady eight mile descent along the South Fork of the Kings River, we crossed it and climbed one mile here to Marjorie Lake. The gentle rainfall was tolerable, almost pleasant, though it began around 10:00 am and continues now at 8:00 pm with only the briefest respites. But we walked, cooked and pitched camp through it and are happy to be dry and warm in our small but safe tent. Walrus Arch Rival XV, you have served us well. Bless you.
Marjorie Lake is just under Pinchot Pass, and we will cross it first thing tomorrow. With the crossing of Mather Pass, we will have knocked off seven of the trail's eleven passes.
We chatted with a volunteer who is staffing a backcountry ranger cabin nearby. He said this weather is supposed to break tomorrow. He forecasts good weather by tomorrow or Sunday. Oh, please.
Drew's down mood, his intestinal unease, the weather - all tend to make me think of racing to the end. But I must keep my eye on the simple task at hand - walk, deal with the rain, comfort Drew until he bounces back.
The rain continues to patter the tent. Now, I'll read to Drew.
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