6/20/20; mile: 870; elevation: 9,334 ft.
I thought last nights mosquitoes were bad….today would change that outlook. After all of the descent down to the South Fork of the San Joaquin River yesterday, it only means an new uphill climb to follow that upriver to the next pass. This shit is getting old. Each morning I awake not feeling rested, wishing I could just keep sleeping, or at least stop and take a nap. But the pass schedule keeps me moving constantly, meaning either up or down. And for some reason, this damn pack never seems to get lighter despite eating a lot every day. Why did I choose this resupply strategy? When did carrying food for 134 trail miles, taking an additional day (and an additional 18-mile side trip) to climb Whitney, without having a day off for 10 days sound like a good idea? Jesus H. Chrysler.
Well, today’s a new day, which means waking before daybreak, packing up and heading upriver….again. Next assault is Selden Pass. Not known to be difficult or snowy. But it IS up there…and many miles away. The walk along the river isn’t so bad, and having a bridge to cross makes it even nicer. But the damn mosquitoes are quite bad now, even though it’s still early. Thusly, breaks are short. Yeah, rest and naps? Not happening here. Once the trail starts switchbacking up the next mountain, the trees thin, the sun comes out and the mosquitoes leave me alone. Because who in hell wants to hang out in the heat of the sun? Not them for damn sure…and come to think of it, me neither. At one turn, I have to stop to eat and nap. Well, nap that is until an ant crawling up my sleeve wakes me. Go figure. Once at the top of this climb, I finally make it to the very gorgeous Sallie Keyes Lakes. Location, location, location….which means the mosquitoes are back. While resting, Joshua, Ya and Coyote catch me. I’m really blowing bubbles now, barely making 1-mph as we continue the climb up to Selden Pass. Without the conversation with the others, I don’t know how I’d make it up this. But like passes before, once I reach the top, the adrenaline rush takes over and I forget about the exhaustion and pain. The views are quite spectacular after all; Lake Marie to the north is quite spectacular.
As much as staying here looks and sounds nice, I still need to make miles. It’s downhill from here for quite a while, and I’m really trying to make it to Vermillion Valley Resort for “town” food and beer. If I make miles today, I can arrive at the resort tomorrow in time for a beer or three for Father’s Day. The mosquitoes return as I approach Bear Creek, another normally notorious crossing but tame this year only requiring wet feet and legs to my calves. After crossing, I continue following the creek downstream trying to find a decent camp spot. Mosquitoes are now the deciding factor instead of location and water. I amazingly find a spot with enough breeze and sunshine to give me some respite, at least until sunset when I retreat into my tent (sans rainfly). Tomorrow is finally a short mile day, but there is a hill climb…duh.