Wilmer Lake to CS1002.8 (986.9 to 1002.8)
Daily miles: 15.9
1000 miles on the PCT. It’s a long way, but today was easy, thankfully. I needed an easy day. Right away I had to ford a thigh deep river, but it was calm and the water warm. I meet a guy in high spirits, so some of his positive energy rubs off on me.
Today is Dorothy Lake pass, but the elevation was so gradual and steady I hardly even feel it. A long lazy river spread through a big valley that was full of mud and grasses and big trees and rock.
Dorothy Lake is one of those highly photogenic places, so I take a number if shots before the trail becomes a mud pit and I have to watch where I’m going.
Snowmelt, trail turns to river, walk cross country on huge boulders and slippery rock, tall to a ranger, pass the 1000 mile marker, most excellent forests that turn day to night, and finally camp in a cozy spot pressed up against a steep mountain. Feel better every day.
Seems rather fitting that you hit 1000 miles on the 4th of July! What a great way to celebrate the 4th! And, hitting that 1000 mile mark. Walk on!