PCT, Day 15

The night was good. At 3:30, it got a bit cold, but I had my down jacket on and pulled it completely up.

I started walking at 6:30, and at that moment, Frostbite passed by who had his tent set up at a spot 4 km before us.
Navigator had left 10 minutes before me and had quickly disappeared.

I struggled this morning. Maybe it's the altitude. I have to pause every 10 steps. Progress is slow. I'm still in the desert but at altitudes over 2000m. It's mostly uphill. Great views. And it's getting very warm.

Yesterday at 3 o'clock, I fetched 3 liters of water. I have to be frugal. The next water for today is in 16 km. I can only drink a little at a time. The path goes up and up.  When I finally reach the water (snowmelt), I drink a lot and immediately feel more energized. I want to walk another 6 km today, but that won't happen.

After the water there are many blow downs to climb over and then the snow starts. The snow is very deep and since it is afternoon it also got softened in many places. It is old snow sometimes icy sometimes more soft and one never knows if the next step could be post holing. I sometimes sink in to my upper thighs. I use microspikes but the only help at the icy parts. I am making very slow progress. At 5:39 p.m. I reach Sadfle Junction and set up my tent here. The guys have moved on and plan to hike over the summit of Mount Jacinto tomorrow. I will take the longer way around.

I've only walked a little over 20 km and progressed at only 2 km per hour. It was very exhausting today, but there were always great views. 

Tonight, I'm sleeping alone, above 2400m. There is no one else around. 

Sunrise: