Day 71 Bear and Mono Creeks

16 miles
From Marie Lake 867, high 10574
A N. Fork Mono Breek 881.7, High 8638
Climbing 2149
DESCENDA 4078
Steps 28780

I still felt quite exhausted when my alarm shot at 5:15 and then again at 5:30 this morning. I ended up sleeping until 6:45. I think my body needed it after a week in Scout Camp, where I was regularly asleep around midnight and around 5:30.

Seven gables

When I arrived to Bear Creek and wades it, the depth was 16-17 ″ (a little under my knee). I had no trouble crossing it. But while the path continued following the river, I saw numerous places that were really beautiful. I made mental notes to return and possibly camp here in the future.

Bear Creek crossing

Bear Creek

Bear Creek

Bear Creek

There was a 1000 feet climb in the middle of the day that was steep and had many Roman steps. Taking it at a measured pace, my legs tired a little, but nowhere near feeling exhausted. I feel that my legs of hikers did not abandon me completely during my dismissal.

Speaking of my dismissal, my foot has done very well. No signs of infection, and without pain while walking. It is still a bit sensitive if I pushed directly on the place where my ice ax pierced my foot.

One thing that I have really appreciated with all the water is the prevalence of wild flowers. I am seeing such quantities and variety. I usually feel lucky if I see a couple of Columbine or Larkspur. I am seeing many of them for the whole place, and each one puts a smile on my face.

Brush

In my last stop, I gathered some water. While I attempted my seriousness filter system to a fir tree, he asked me for the air and thought: «I don’t think I even need to identify that great 20 -feet tree by my side. I smelled that distinctive vanilla smell/butterscotch by Jeffrey Pins.

Jeffrey Pine

When I finally arrived at Mono Creek shortly before Lake Edison, I was roaring. I was glad I had a bridge.

Creek Crossing Mono

I am crossing trails with enough John Muir hikers in southern direction. Speaking with them about their trip so far, I am thinking: «There are only 100 miles to Yosemite.» The PCT has changed my mentality about hiking distances. Previously, a 60-mile trip seemed long, just like the days of 14-16 miles. Today, I made 16 miles in the mountains and I never felt stressed about it. And 100 miles is simply «How far will I get to my next replenishment»? Even trying to communicate with people at home. It did not seem scary or strange to say: «I will probably not have cellular coverage for a week.»

I think this appeared when walking from Florence Lake to MTR with Jojo yesterday. Despite doing a little backpack, he was only establishing his first longest trip, the first trip in California, and was with friends (which JMT began in Yosemite) in MTR. He felt the air of thinking a little. I was quiet and capable of getting confident without referring to any map. I did this walk last year and I felt very comfortable along the way.

Today, I found a really nice tent site near the path. I had no water, but that is because the stream is a bit under me here in a valley. The path was by his side as little roads. And the path will join again in 1/4-1/2 miles. It may not have much water here, but I can get it easily in the morning.

Tent site on a terrace along North Fork Mono Keek

Campaign site

I took advantage of my early stop to get my sewing supplies and fix a hole in my pants pocket. I really don’t want to lose my pocket knife.

This website contains affiliate links, which means that the walk can receive a percentage of any product or service that you buy using the links in the items or ads. The buyer pays the same price that would do it differently, and his purchase helps to support the continuous objective of the walk to address his quality backpack advice and information. Thanks for your support!

For more information, visit the page about this site.