Mile 793.5 - 810.0

It was a very cold night camping above 10,000' at Rae Lake. We woke up to find frost on our bear canisters. When it's that cold it is hard to getting moving. We managed to break camp and begin hiking at 7am which is late for us.

Today was a very tiring day for us. First of all, we are carrying about 7-8 days of food each. That alone weighs around 14 to 16 pounds. Second of all, we are  exhausted from climbing a pass a day for the last 4 days. We climbed Mt. Whitney at 14,500', Forester Pass at 13,200', Glen Pass at 12,000', and today Pinchot Pass at 12,000'. That's not it, another pass tomorrow and the next day. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful scenery but its very tough hiking. We are hiking the John Muir Trail now, which is the same trail as the PCT for about 230 miles all though the Sierras.

The day started with several miles of downhill, only to follow with an 7.7 mile climb up Pinchot Pass at over 12,000'. This climb was one of the harder ones maybe just because of my pack weight but also because my legs are beat up pretty good. We have no recoverers days out here. Even town days we have lots of errands to do and resting just doesn't seem to happen. That's trail life, could be worst so no more complaining.

We found a great place to camp a few miles down from Pinchot Pass in a green field with outstanding views of mountains and streams.

Our camp spot last night at Rae Lake. By morning it cleared and we were treated to this amazing mountain reflection on the lake.

Balance said these are called "Shooting Stars".

Y-Knot loaded up with his heaviest pack yet. With 8 days of food this pack weighs around 38-40 pounds. More than I want, so we will eat well the next couple of days to lighten the load.

Balance crossing on a swing bridge over the river.

Hard to believe we have walked 800 miles from Mexico.

Balance fording a stream flooded by snow melt.

Balance is knee deep in snow after postholing up Pinchot Pass. Postholing is very annoying and tiring.

The view from Pinchot Pass at over 12,000'.

Exhausted!

One of our favorite camp spots yet. A few miles from Pinchot Pass.

Good night.