A-Tree Spring (mile 1220) to Sierra City (mile 1195)
Total PCT miles hiked: 1043
Due to our early start Keith (Starman) and I arrived at the Sierras when there was still a lot of snow, and decided it wasn’t safe to attempt a crossing given my skill level. We elected to flip up to northern California and hike southbound (SoBo) back to where we left off near Lone Pine – giving the snow a chance to melt out. During this flip the PCT milage will be counting down, but I’ll include a tally of our total milage hiked so that you can keep aprised of our progress in a linear fashion.
Last night a giant cliff loomed over the final climb of the day and beyond it lay a valley of lakes and steep crags. The trees had thinned allowing us to see these natural wonders as highlighted by the long, low rays of the retreating sun. I went to sleep cradled in the dark woods, hoping that after weeks and weeks of walled off views tomorrow will be different.
Today felt like we were finally beginning to break free from the endless trees of northern California. Sharp granite spires punched into the sky, white patches of snow glossy on their sides. Down below gem blue lakes winked sunlight back towards the sky. And finally, finally, we could see again.
Growing up in Colorado has spoiled you with big skies and grand vistas. The forest is a different kind of mountain without that open air feeling. I suspect you would not enjoy the AT, aka the green tunnel.
Enjoy the trail!
The big skies and vistas of the West is my favorite thing about living out here now. I love going home to the Midwest for lots of reasons, but only being able to see across the corn field to the next row of trees is not one of them. Enjoy those big open views!