Day 70,   32.5 miles

Squaw Valley, Alpine  Meadows, to Desolation Wilderness!!

I have a sore throat and it hurts to swallow, but I feel energetic and ready to hike.

This morning we passed the tops of Chair lifts.  Dramatic views down the steep slopes to Olympic Village.  I would like to come ski here one day.  It will have to wait till our Canadian dollar smartens  up.

We spotted a grouse at the side of the trail.  He was territorial and he fanned out his tail feathers, puffed up his neck to expose an orange, yellow patch.

I am very fortunate to be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.  I appreciate that every day.  But the last few days I’ve been filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace.  I am living outdoors 24 hours a day.  I am surrounded by nature.  I am always touching the earth.  My feet while hiking,  my butt when I sit, my hands when I wash them in the streams,  and my whole weary body when I get to lie down.  This is an amazing, once in a lifetime, experience.  How lucky am I.  And who’s body is this anyway?  A knee injury that recovers, then a cold while I continue hiking.  Four missing toenails.  Shoes with holes and no tread.  I’m in awe that my body can keep going and I get to enjoy this wonderful journey.

It was late in the evening when we made the summit of Dicks Pass at 9,400 feet.  Over the pass was…wow,  Desolation Wilderness.  The view of the lakes at different elevations, well, you have to see for yourself.  My photos don’t capture it.  Now I know why Sweet was pushing for us to get here.

We camped at Gilmore Lake.  I fell asleep to the sound of the soothing wind.  This time it was calming.  I slept hard.