Sky High Lakes & Grider Creek – PCT 2017: A Hiking Story [37]
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Day 111 (30/07) – Sky High Lakes
This morning, we were all so tired for some reason, and didn’t leave until 7am. Bubbles had a package to collect on Wednesday, and we considered her our hiking buddy – so we decided to slow down our hiking to arrive there then. It meant some small hiking days.
We passed through huge varieties of flowers – so many colours! The walk was great, although there were many exposed burn areas from past fires.
We decided to camp at a lake far off-trail because we wanted to swim. It was getting much hotter, and we decided on Sky High Lake, which was coming up in several miles.
Eventually, we detoured off the PCT and into the valley. We arrived at Lower Sky High Lake where swimming was first! As we swam, both girls were more concerned with the amount of ‘squishy plants‘ under their feet than actually just relaxing- but all having a laugh, enjoying the break. We set up camp in a tight area under some trees and ate dinner whilst conversing.
Distance hiked: 15 miles
Total PCT hiked: 1619.5 miles
Day 112 (31/07) – Paradise Lake
After waking at 6am, and slowly getting ready to leave, we decided to do a super short nero day of 7 miles and get to Paradise Lake.
We continued on the side trail around the lakes and rejoined the PCT at Marble Mountain. The mountain was unique and pretty spectacular. We found some sections where water dissolved huge holes, creating huge ravines.
The day was humid and muggy, and we were pleased to arrive at the lake around midday, where we set up camp and had lunch. The girls attempted to swim, but the lake was shallow and muddy on the bottom, and they settled for a splash bath at the stream. I had a quick swim, it wasn’t as nice as other lakes, but still refreshing.
Relaxing in the tent was pleasant, and not something I was used to doing for so long (during the day). I made use of the spare time to upload my photos to my phone, and catch up with blogging as best I could – with a cup of jasmine tea!
I needed to filter water and whilst I was out, also needed a number two. I ended up digging a cat hole behind a tree where Rex and Bubbles couldn’t see me, which also appeared to be far enough off-trail. I was only wearing long johns, and I reached to lower them… when suddenly, I heard sounds…. conversation perhaps? And BOOM, three hikers rounded the corner. It became quickly apparent I was much closer to the trail than I had previously thought! With cat-like reflexes, I hid behind a tree and froze as if I was about to be attacked or something. I sucked in a slow… deep breath, and became the tree. It was awkward as fuck, but I sighed a relief as they passed without seeing me! Phew! After, I laughed about imagining hiking past someone taking a dump on the side of the trail whilst waving back.
Distance hiked: 7.5 miles
Total PCT hiked: 1626.5 miles
Day 113 (01/08) – Grider Creek
A 6am start should have been nice and cool, but it was still warm… too warm – today was going to be hot! We sweatily climbed the last few miles to the top of the ridge, seeing another beautiful sunrise and surrounded by flowers.
We then started our long descent to Seiad Valley. It was here where we planned to camp, just before the tiny little town itself. Along the way down were many thimbleberry and blackberry bushes, and we feasted!
The entire stretch was hot as balls! (quoting Rex). After hiking down the long Grider valley, We arrived at a small bridge crossing to the left side of the valley. It was here we swam in Grider Creek, in an awesome waterhole under the bridge. The water was cold but refreshing!
It then grew more hot and intense, and reached a temperature of 40℃ (105℉)! It was not fun to hike in the heat at all, especially since most of the area was part of a burn from several years ago. We eventually arrived at the campsite after another bridge, where we went for a second swim in Grider Creek.
It was so hot just doing nothing, we ended up going for a third swim before the sun went down and finally, could at least function. At 8pm it was still 30℃ (90℉), and laying in the tent to escape the bugs was hot. Such is life!
Distance hiked: 20.5 miles
Total PCT hiked: 1647 miles
Next Post:
Part 38 ‘Bye Bye California, Hello Oregon!’
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