Uncategorized

Day 82 – 12 Jun 19. Ridge Walking to Sonora Pass

Today 23.5 km (14.6 mi), Total Distance 1636.9 km (1017.9 mi) 8 hours (0715-1615 minus 1 hour spent on internet above Sonora Pass)

I had no trouble getting up today and was ready in good time. It was slightly colder than yesterday and I did need my wind jacket to start with.

The trail dropped slightly onto a flattish section which I was on for nearly 2 miles. It was solid snow, though there were starting to be a few small patches of dirt around trees in some bits.

There was one stream crossing but it was pretty small and the other crossing was via snow bridge.

I was going along the base of a steep hill and then started climbing it up and around the corner into a valley.

Now I was in the valley for a mile until a stream crossing. I was happy that the angle I was walking was not too steep.

The stream crossing was done over a snow bridge and then it was another mile and a half until I started the big climb of the day. I could see the hill I needed to climb and it looked intimidating.

The first half actually went quicker than I expected and the snow was helping with the climb. I was sinking in a little, just enough to give a base to step up from.

The trail climbed up to just below the ridge and then on the side of the hill below the ridgeline for a while. After seeing how steep the slope was I decided I would head straight up to the ridgeline and walk on the ridgeline. I was hoping there was bare dirt and if not at least it was easier to walk on the top than on the side. There were no cornices on the surrounding hills so I gambled that there would be none on this hill.

It was a slow climb the last half as the slope steepened and I was making sure of each step. I got up to a patch of dirt for a bit of a rest and then the final push for the ridgeline. I was very happy to see the ridgeline was dirt and rock and not sharp. The views were pretty good looking back the way I came and on the side of the ridge.
I walked along the ridge to where the trail climbed up. It was mainly dirt but there were a few bigger patches of snow and they had a lot of variety in consistency, sometimes I was on top and sometimes sinking in 10-20 cm.

I could see the trail for nearly two miles ahead as it stayed just under the ridgeline of the line of mountains that curved around to the right.

Once I hit the trail I had nearly a mile of dirt and it was lovely. I really appreciated the trail. I was able to walk and look around at the scenery, I was able to relax not guessing if the snow would hold my weight and importantly it was a little bit of flat under my feet, not a steep angle. The slope was steep so if this was still covered in snow it would have been a scary traverse as the exposure below was long.

There were a couple of patches of snow after the first mile, a few of them 500 meters long before another longer stretch of dirt. Then the trail crossed over to the other side of the ridge, climbed up to a spur line and then dropped down.

The next section looked very intimidating. It traversed below some cliffs around a bowl with a lake at the bottom. On the far side it climbed up a steep slope to somewhere just below the cliffs and then over a notch in the rocky ridgeline.

From where I was standing I could not see how to get up the notch and the slope looked very steep. When walking on the dirt section I made a comment that the trail was sure to throw some more challenges at me and this was it.

I dropped down into the bowl and around to the start of the steep bit and then started climbing. There were some very faint footprints, just impressions in the snow but they helped with stability and I did not have to expend as much energy kicking steps. They disappeared as they had melted so as I got to the steeper bits I was kicking steps from scratch. I was edging, using the side of my foot to kick a step then pausing to let it consolidate before putting my full weight on it and repeating. I was aiming for a patch of dirt and was relieved to get there, though the dirt was loose and slippery.

I realised I had actually come a little to high but continued on the dirt and rock as I continued traversing around to the notch. It was not easy due to the instability of the dirt and rock but I took my time and finally was looking down at the notch. The climb down was easier and I was able to relax finally when standing in the notch.

I was able to look down into a valley and see a road in the far distance. The trail had a short but steep descent down a snow slope then was a mixture of dirt and snow as it moved to the final climb of the day which was in snow.

Once again the snow consistency being soft was actually a good thing when climbing. I was feeling tired and taking lots of breaks up the last hill.

On the top I stopped for a break enjoying the views over the other side. Now It was on dirt again along the side of the hill for a few hundred meters before it alternated between dirt and soft deep snow. There were fresh footprints in the snow which was nice. I think it was some skiers as I had seen ski tracks on some of the slopes.

The trail went over the ridgeline and now I could see Sonora Pass and the road, a long way down still. The track dropped down, across a snow slope and then back on dirt.

At one point I checked for phone reception and actually had some so I sat down and placed orders for new innersoles and some DCF repair tape to try and keep my tent functional a bit longer. I tried to order some more shoes but there does not seem to be any Altra Lonepeak 4.0 mens size 10 available. I tried through Altra and Amazon. Every other size is available except 10 and 10.5 which is strange. I may have to try another shoe. My shoes are on their last legs but have done really well with the abuse they have been given.

I then continued to drop down, firstly on a dirt path on the ridge and then directly down the steep snow slope.
I could hear voices and came across a day walker with a large wood walking pole. He is the first person I have seen in 5 ½ days. We had a bit of a chat and he offered to give me a ride to Pinecrest, the nearby town. I was tempted but would have to try and get back up in time for my resupply so declined.

His friend arrived. This was their first time walking in snow. They were surprised that I was not wearing crampons so I explained that I did not when the snow was this soft and especially when I was going down steep snow slopes fast.

I then took off running down the snow slopes and made my way to the road.

When I arrived there was a RV there and a guy came out and started talking. He knew about the PCT and had been wondering where the trail came out and crossed. We talked for a while and he asked if there was anything I needed. I asked for water as I was not sure if there was any around and he had a big container so I filled up all my bottles. His partner offered some food and I gladly accepted. They gave me a bag full of cheesits, salami, crackers and chocolate. I was so excited to have non camping food. They were a lovely couple and I am lucky to have met them. Their names were Dave and Shelly.

As we were talking the two men I had met earlier finally arrived, relieved to be back on solid ground.

Dave and Shelly drove off and I took some photos by the Sonora Pass sign and touched the sign to go off trail as Dave said there was a camping area and pit toilet further down. I walked down the road to a side road which led to a picnic area, though was still covered in snow. I walked up but did not see any toilets.

There were some patches of bare ground below some trees so I decided I would camp there.

Before setting up I walked back to the Sonora Pass sign to tap back on trail and walked the trail/snow to where it crossed the picnic area road then went up and set up my tent.

I polished off the salami and crackers. They tasted so good. I had my normal dinner and then finished off the chocolate and most of the cheeseits.

I could hear the occasional car on the road but the noise was quiet and I had no trouble sleeping.

Visits: 447

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *