Gigantic to Kearsarge Pass
September 26 to October 1, 2025
The mileage in the section is Wishy-Washy, depending on whether or not you walk the PCT from Mammoth (3.6 miles), as well as the PCT walk on Kersarge Pass (7.5). It doesn’t matter, he felt like a very long path! We did this section in five nights and six days, which required a ton of food. I am not such a big person, and I received many comments on the size of my package. As «that is a large package that you have there, how long are you going to get out?» Actually, it is not bigger than most PCT hikers, it only looks like this in my little frame.
Anyway, I am officially in Mile 790 if you are counting from the southern border.
A new travel companion
I entered Orchid, a partner through a hiker I met in Yosemite and then found myself again in Mammoth. Whether she really would like to walk with me or not, there was the additional incentive that already had an arranged trip to get from the beginning of the path of Onion Valley to Bishop. But we enjoyed the company of the other, and although she walks much faster than me, we could modulate our steps to stay together for most of the section. It was nice to have someone to talk to and help take incredible photos.
Orchid and I in Kearsarge Pass
Amazing landscape
The landscape in this section is impressive. The altitude on the passes is approximately 12,000 feet, so although we are snorting and swelling to climb these mountains, the view on the top is worth it.
Rae Lakes area at the Glen Pass base
Orchid on his way up Mather Pass
Looking towards the Valle
The Muir Memorial refuge at the top of Muir Pass
The passes we climbed were Muir, Math, Pichot, Glen and Kearsarge. There were tons of peanut of horses on the path, and it is surprising for me that a horse could even climb some of these paths! Some of the steps were above my knees and required a good growl, in addition to the use of my trekking posts, to get up (and my backpack).
Change of blades
The poplars are so dramatic at this time of year
Aspens continued to change while we headed to October. I noticed that the poplars tended to be at a certain altitude (approximately 10,000 feet), so as we went up and down, we generally pass through a section of Álamos. We couldn’t have enough of its beauty. 
Camp in toughest conditions
The shoulder season is considered in the mountains, which means that the weather can do what you want. During the first days we had thunderstorms in the afternoon. The cold mornings (in the 30s) made it really difficult to get out of bed. I used my hiking clothes like a pillow under my knees to be hot when I had to wear. (As apart, my least favorite moment of the day is to put my dirty clothes and walk in the morning). I have a 5th quilt and I also use a fleece jacket in bed, but sometimes it is still cold.
Our first departure night, the camp in which we originally planned was so wind that we could not throw our stores. Instead, we retired through the mountain in the dark approximately one mile for a place with trees that provided some wind refuge.
After that first night, we were more careful with camping below about 10,000 feet, as generally, there was more tree coverage.
As we climb and descend, the temperature and the wind would vary dramatically. We often had to change the clothes to accommodate. The Chilblains on those who had written previously returned with all their strength despite having gloves and impermeable supermites to protect my hands. I could only hold my left trekking post with two fingers due to pain and swelling in the middle, ring and pink fingers. I worried that the damage could be permanent, but they told me it is not.
Enter the iron angel
As we descended the last 4 miles of Kersarge Pass, I couldn’t wait to see my husband at the bottom. About half, we find another PCT hiker to the south that comes in the other direction called Flores. He said: «Trip in mint and orchid! I smiled because I already knew that my husband had a big heart and I was so relieved that I was there for me once more.
He met us with beer, strawberries, foamy water, look Scottish to see (my favorite) and oreos! In addition to a hug and a kiss that I really needed after this section. He hugged my gross body stinking (package still on) without hesitation.
Our next stop is Kennedy Meadows South. Then I start in the part of the desert of the trip. This is quite intimidating due to the lack of water at this time of year. The terrain is easier and desert temperatures should be lower than summer, so lucky, it will go well.
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