Day 57 – 18 May 19. Leaving the Mountains over Kearsarge Pass

Today 14.5km (2.4 on trail, 12.1 off trail) (9 mi, 1.5 on trail and 7.5 off trail), Total Distance 1269 km (788.5 mi). 4 hours 55 minutes (0655-1140)

Last night was the coldest yet. I was fine in my sleeping bag but when I turned and got some air in I could see how cold it was. I had another hot breakfast and hot chocolate and packed up. My shoes were frozen, despite being in a plastic bag in my tent right next to me. Thankfully my water, which had been in my sleeping bag, was ok.

I put everything in my pack then realised I was missing something. My bag with my passport, visa, cash and survival blanket. I unpacked everything and frantically searched but it was gone. I thought back to the last time I saw it and could not remember definitively since Crabtree Ranger Station. I briefly considered walking back to our lunch stop but realised someone would have seen it if I left it there so it must be somewhere else, probably buried in snow now. Thankfully I have a small wallet with my NZ Driver licence and some cash but the next town stop was going to busy now replacing everything. I was so annoyed with myself as I am usually so careful, especially with this bag.

Bird got up and I asked if she had seen it. I asked her to say good bye to everyone for me and thank them as everyone was still asleep. Just before leaving Xena was getting up so I said the same to her and then departed.

The snow was nice and crisp and I would have really been enjoying it if my mind was not spinning about where I left my little bag. After 5 minutes I decided to put it out of my mind and enjoy the walk.

I made good time for the short flat part and then the big hill started. It was a big hill and I went straight up it. I was feeling tired and had to stop often to rest.

At the top I re-joined the footprints as they went to the junction. I was now leaving the PCT and on the Bullfrog Lake Trail.

The trail came into the open, at what was a small lake on the map but was just snow. The trail went around the lake, over a small hill and then around the next lake before starting the big climb up to the pass. Once again I was having to stop frequently to rest, and take in the spectacular views.

Bullfrog Lake

The gradient started getting steeper and there was an area that was slippery and icy so I put my crampons on. I could see a person in front of me at the pass and assumed it was Sherpa, though I found out later it was not.

Finally at the pass I took some time to take in the views. I could see people starting up the steep bit which I assumed was the group.

Now it was downhill all the way to the road. The snow was in horrible condition, soft and wet and it washard to walk in the tracks and hard to walk off the tracks. The snow was deep with a slightly harder crust on top so I sunk through if off trail. On trail it was slippery and slushy.
There was only one small area where I could slide but even that was hard work.

The one place where I could slide

Finally the road came into view and to my surprise it was clear of snow. It was still 2 miles away.

The road is in sight

I dropped below the solid snow and was now mainly on dirt track with a few snow patches.

I dropped and could see the carpark and there were cars in it. I got excited and picked up my pace, only for the track to head away from the carpark. I was worried that a car would leave as I was descending and I would have to walk. It is funny I had been prepared to walk until I saw the cars and now was desperate not to.

I was going pretty fast and just as I hit the carpark I heard a car start up so I rushed up to it and asked for a ride. They were great, making some space in their really full car for me to fit. It was a Father and Son who had been skiing in the morning and were now heading home as it was the end of their holiday.

It was a long 12 mile windy drive down to the flats below. They dropped me off in Independence on the main road as they were heading south.

I stuck my thumb out and about 5 minutes later a lady pulls over. She has hiked the John Muir Trail several times. The PCT and JMT merge through this section of the Sierras so she knows what I have done and am about to do. She was lovely and dropped me of by MacDonalds in Bishop.

I headed across the road to a diner and had a great burger, fries and coffee. While sitting there I researched accommodation and found a reasonably priced, centrally located motel which I booked. I didn’t have my credit card but I know the number so was able to pay.

I walked to the motel and checked in. The guy asked for my credit card and I explained the situation. He was understanding and happy with me just giving him the number.

I had a shower and then phoned my insurance company to report the loss. I headed to the Police station to report the loss then back to my room. I was down to less than $100 so I tried to do a Western Union transfer to myself but it wasn’t accepting my credit card. I put more money onto the card to try again the next day once it had processed. That did not work so Mum came to the rescue and did it from New Zealand.

The rest of the day was spent eating and editing videos. I put some pictures of Forester Pass on Facebook and people I had met earlier on the trail got in contact so it was nice to see where everyone was. I am taking a double Zero and then weather depending will continue on the trail.

I could see the mountains and they were looking horrible as the forecasted storm had started.

That night I went to MacDonalds for dinner and got enough for 3 normal people but finished it all off myself.

Visits: 1281