Day 47 – Up in the Sierras

19.3 miles
From South Fork Kern River (Mile 717.6, UND 7833)
Through Camp (Mile 735.1, UND 10190)
Climbing 4354
Descend 2210
Steps 38421

I feel that I am definitely getting into the high Sierra today, after having spent a long time above 10,000 feet.

The morning began following Cow Creek to the mountains. The stream flowed well enough so that it could obtain water almost until the elevation of 10,000 feet. Shortly after that, I found a place for a break in a group of Lodgepole pines that was well shaded. I found one that had a curved base that provided a good break while I sat and ate a snack.

I had lunch with some other hikers near another little stream. One said he was exhausted and had a cough that didn’t seem good to me. I talked to her later and she said she had the cough for a week or so. That relieved some of my concerns about altitude evil, but we still talked for a few minutes about the signs of Hape (Great altitude pulmonary edema) to observe. He knew he was not responsible for her safety, but she wanted her to have enough information to make responsible decisions.

Creek where we have lunch

We are definitely in the mountains now: pines, granite, endless ridges, snowy mountains. I have not found the climbs too badly. The surface of the relatively soft path has made them passable.

Photo Sierras in the distance

SIERRAS snowed in the distance

I found a tent site on a crest in 10200. The rock formations and the trees make it a beautiful site. There are too many trees to have the same great view at sunset, but it should still be pretty.

Tent site in the middle of granite formations

Sunset looking from my store

I saw some good examples of trunks of fallen tree trees that had straight grain and helical grain. I know that the helical grain improves the force of flexion, but I don’t know exactly what causes it.

Straight grain tree trunk

Helical grain tree trunk

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