PCT: Random Overlook to Overlook

Backwards PCT Trail Mile  1144 to 1125.7

Lots of hiking through Squaw Valley and Alpine ski resorts today along an exposed ridge line.   We love it, but we meet some who don’t.  Stop for a two hour lunch at the largest of the Five Lakes.  This lake is an easy walk in for day hikers, so it is a bit crowded.   There is one young boy having a blast jumping off granite boulders into the lake and his joy really brightens our day.   

Overall we hike a bit over 18 miles and about 4500 feet up and 4009 feet down.  A big day for us.  We planned to camp at Blackwood Creek , about a mile back, but  it is crowded. I’m trying to minimize my risk of catching Covid 19 as I have been diagnosed with moderate COPD due to a genetic condition.  I began walking long distances because of this.  

We camp at  this cool overlook with a great view of Lake Tahoe. We should have a great sunrise and we are all by ourselves.   Mostly, we’ve been keeping our distance from folks on this hike although we did have a chat with another section hiker back at the creek.    She was on our tail all afternoon.  Her trail name is Mother Fire and she is a high energy hiker and talker;  small, waif like with black hair and a bit of a jerky manner.  Reminded me a bit of a blackbird.  I’m guessing she’s in her late forties or early fifties.  She’s from Seattle.   On this trip she is hiking to Mammoth. 

Flowers are blooming here and there today with hummingbirds fighting above them. Feisty little birds.  The wind blew along the dry, rocky ridge lines and we saw the incredible big blue lake all day.  Right now, Hawkeye is sleeping and mosquitos are buzzing outside the tent while an almost full moon shines in my eyes.  Time to pull my beanie down over my eyes and catch some sleep.