Bushcamp to Bushcamp
40.3 miles (2 off trail miles)
Sobo mile 1916.2
Total mileage 4568.8
By 3am I was hustling down the trail in the frigid predawn air. I took my first break to enjoy the sunrise at Crabtree Meadow. This was where we’d set up our base camp before heading up Whitney on my way north.
I made quick time over the frozen ground, trying to knock out as many miles as possible to make my day into Kennedy Meadows tomorrow as short as possible.
From there I continued towards Cottonwood Pass. When I arrived at the junction at the pass, a day hiker stopped me for directions. The distraction must have caused me a momentary brain lapse, since I accidentally took the wrong trail. A solid mile later upon reaching the bottom of a long set of switchbacks that I’d realized my mistake…whoops. Twenty minutes later I was back on trail, but still kicking myself for the time and energy waste.
As the day progressed the trail brought me to lower and lower elevation, leaving the high Sierra behind for warmer climates.
By 6pm I was completely gassed, so setup shop in a large campground. I polished off the remainder of my food bag, leaving just a few protein bars to get me into town the next day. Sleep came quick, and brought with it dreams of the pizza and beer I’d have at Grumpy Bears.
Cheers!