Day 142 (PNT 47)

Day 152 (PNT 47): 11 miles

I overslept, knowing it would be a low mileage day. After packing up, I went to go use the privy but decided to pass since it seemed to be a hangout spot for hundreds of hellacious horseflies. I started hiking around 10, on an alternate off the official PNT that was supposed to be more scenic….but with a heavy price.

I knew it was going to be a low mileage day, but very tough hiking. First I climbed over Lost Pass, gaining 1,100 feet in .8 miles. Then over Cameron Pass, climbing 1,100 feet in .9 miles. It didn’t feel much easier. And lastly, over Grand Pass, climbing 2,200 feet in less than 2 miles. I hate climbing.

This was all made harder by the fact that I’m still carrying a heavy food load. But in the bright side, I’ll probably be able to slip my next resupply.

The scenery on both sides of Cameron Pass was jaw-dropping. It might’ve been the most beautiful spot of the entire year so far. I could see the snow-engulfed Mount Olympus in the distance. Very smart location for the Greek gods to hide their headquarters under all that snow.

I really didn’t stop moving much all day. Even though I only did 11 miles, it took me almost 8 hours. I was taking it slow and not really pushing myself cause I could only do 11 miles to stay on my permit, but still, that was a tough 11 miles! I’m not sure I’ve ever been so tired after 11 miles. In more pain? Yes from athletes foot or being sick or other things, but not just fatigued as much.

At the end of the day I was reminded of another reason I hate national parks. Too many people and too easy access for any goofball. I couldn’t find an open campsite at the end of the day even though I had a permit for this location. I asked some people if I could set up by them since they had a big spot away from the screaming kids and they said no. There was toilet paper strewn around like it was nothing. None of this would ever happen at a camp of thru hikers. It makes me miss national forests.

I saw a marmot who’s back half of its body was all black. Not sure if it was burnt or if that’s a thing?

Song of the day: cash in cash out