The last climb
Aug. 27, 2006, 6:04 a.m., 34 degrees at 10,000 feet, Upper Basin on the South Fork of the Kings River
A fierce campfire burned all night just below the 10,000-foot level where some folks with inadequate sleeping bags were trying to stay warm. It looked like the flames belched three feet in the air.
I didn't stay up for the campfire last night. I climbed in my sleeping bag at 7:30 p.m. I needed the rest. It worked. I actually feel very feisty this morning.
We have already pulled three major climbs, including Muir and Mather passes as well as the incredible Golden Staircase to the Palisade Lakes. I stopped counting miles two days ago. Just tell me the destination, and don't tell me we just walked 11.5 miles the day before.
I ate 1,200 calories last night during dinner, but I am not staying up with the drain of energy in my body. I drained about a quart of water before bed. It still wasn't enough. I am replenishing with energy drinks and concentrating on more hydration as the trip goes.
I have four blisters on each foot. I don't think any of them will stop me. Old injuries are haunting me -- the downside of being a runner for many years -- but I'm accustomed to those pains. And the backpack is probably six or eight pounds lighter now.
Today, we will make our last major climb up to 12,130 feet to Pinchot Pass. Then, it is all downhill. That's when the real pain starts, banging knees, ankles and feet as we descend.
This entry was written Aug. 27 on the trail but published after returning to Fresno.
Comments
Down hill hike can mean new blisters. You made it this far, you can make it all the way!
Hydration is key.
Posted by: Rich | August 30, 2006 04:00 PM
Mark, congrats on finishing your leg of the JMT. I was not very far from you on Sunday, the 27th, attempting (and failing) to climb 14,000-ft. Mt. Sill and getting a gorgeous view of the Palisades Valley.
Posted by: Ron Campbell | August 31, 2006 12:16 AM