Me 2007-06-09 Crabtree Meadows
June 9th, 2007
I’m camped just north of Crabtree Meadows near the stream that drains from the western slopes of Mt. Whitney. It’s warmer than previous nights but still cold. Quite a few people here tonight and more up at Guitar Lake ready for an early ascent tomorrow. But how was my day?
Dad and I parted ways at Trail Pass. I’m sure he was relieved to be heading downhill from there just as I was glad to be getting closer to Mt. Whitney, but I’ll miss my temporary trail partner. We hike well together.
I knew I had to step up the mileage today so I powered on as best I could while getting above 11,000ft for the first time. I was glad to have enough water to bypass Corpsemen Creek which flowed into Poison Meadow. Chicken Spring Lake was really something. A deep blue lake surrounded on three sides by steep grey granite topped by tiny snow banks. After that there was a long descent to Rock Creek. On the way down I saw many more examples of the brilliantly coloured tree trunks I’ve been seeing for a few days. The bark is a rich brown colour, but the beauty is where the inner wood is exposed. There the sun bakes the sap-laden wood into all shades of golden yellow. Set against bright blue skies and the green needles of the living trees it makes for one amazing backdrop to my walk. I fear today I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should as I trundled on down to Rock Creek, momentarily saw Lucky Joe then lost him again on the mean switchbacks taking us up 1500ft waaaay too steeply. I was suffering on that one for sure.
Out of breath and hungry I crossed the pass and made the last few miles to Crabtree Meadows well before sunset. With a few other PCTers (and one JMTer who gave us info about the trail north of here) in residence, we (Lucky Joe, Tiki and I) decided to stay and make an early start. I’ve packed my day bag, prepped the water and sorted out snacks. Now I deserve a good sleep and tomorrow I’ll bag another peak.
More photos of this day’s journey can be found at Kennedy Meadows to Crabtree Meadows
Distance today: 22.8 miles. Total distance: 765.3 miles