Mile 956.3 - 978.2

Just when we thought these passes were over we got hit with two of them today. First up was Benson and later in the day was Selvey. Neither of these passes were anything like the ones on the John Muir Trail but they were still long and steep. The elevation is the main difference as these two passes were only 10,000' and 9,000'.

Y-Knot on top of Benson Pass early this morning at 10,000'.

This is the descent of Benson Pass into a valley meadow.

Smedburg Lake.

Our latest problem: Mosquitoes! Balance wears her headnet and uses deet on her arms and legs. My approach is different as I still wear my desert attire with long sleeve shirt and pants and a big sun hat. That leaves only my face open to mosquitoes and I have not used my bug net. It may be coming soon, today the mosquitoes were really bad.

Selvey Lake sits on top of the pass at 9,000'.

Sierra flora photos.

All kinds of wild flowers are blooming here in the high Sierras this time of year.