PCT Day 183

Bushcamp to Bushcamp

41.5 miles

Sobo mile 1783.1

Total mileage 4435.7

Off Trail Recap:

After an incredible wedding weekend in Phoenix spent catching up with friends, family and Paige, I felt recharged and primed to knock out the final 900 miles.

Unfortunately, getting back to where I left off wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. The flight from Phoenix to Reno went smoothly enough, but as it turns out Eastern Sierra Transit doesn’t run its Reno to Mammoth shuttle service on the weekends. Initially I’d planned on renting a car to drive myself back to Mammoth, but with the fees they add on for leaving the rental in a different location it came out to over $300. I decided to give Uber a shot, which was cheaper, but not by much.

When my Uber arrived I asked if they minded driving nearly 200 miles and crossing state lines, surprisingly enough my driver was thrilled to visit a new place.

Three and a half hours later we arrived at the Vons in Mammoth. I ran in to grab a two day resupply to drop off to my buddy FedEx, who I’d coordinated with to hike in my food over Kearsarge Pass, saving me loads of time and trouble. After getting him my resupply, my Uber driver drove me another 45 minutes to Agnew Meadows Campground, where I’d left the trail four days earlier. It took a small fortune, but I was back on trail!

I still had an hour or so of daylight left, so I knocked out about 4 miles before making camp for the night.

It felt good to wake up on trail again. Fat and rested from my four day weekend, I set off into the dark at 3am.

Just as the sun began to rise I passed by Purple Lake. An hour later I walked the circumference of Lake Virginia before plummeting down towards Fish Creek.

I followed Fish Creek for a time before beginning my ascent of Silver Pass.

On my way up I weaved around Warrior and Chief Lake before reaching the top of the pass.

After a short break, I began my traverse down the southern side of the pass.

When I reached the bottom of the valley I was tempted to take the Vermillion Valley Resort junction to wait out the upcoming storm in comfort…but who’s got time for that!

Pushing on, I made my way up a long set of switchbacks that absolutely tapped my energy preserve.

I’d hoped to make it over Seldon Pass today, but my legs had other plans. By 6pm I decided to call it. I had only a few miles till the top of the pass, but I’d tackle that in the AM.

P.s. Shout out to my main man Pete for supporting me once again! I owe you oh so many IPAs and trail tales once this adventure ends!

Cheers!