We woke up at VVR, ate breakfast, packed up and began our walk up the road to the Bear Ridge Trailhead. As we walked beside Lake Edison I could not help but be happy about how full the lake was of water. The weather was pleasant, not as cold as the previous days. We reached the trail and headed south beside Bear Creek. There is so much water!! After a few more miles we made camp across the trail from the creek, made dinner, and rested in the tent.

Seldon Pass

The following morning we woke up and headed out on the trail. We took a break at Marie Lakes. I would have liked to camp here, but we had more miles to go. After a short break enjoying the lake we continued our climb to Seldon Pass. There was still some snow we had to traverse and it was quite chilly on the pass. We made our way down the pass to Heart Lake and Sallie Keys Lakes. It was just beautiful! I walked slow taking in all the views. I felt happy. After a few miles we took another break and ate a snack. It felt good to rest. After our break we continued our hike down the hill toward MTR. It felt like a long hike down. We started to look for a campsite, it seemed like there was limited spots in this area. We finally found a spot and set up camp, ate dinner, and rested in the tent.

Piute Pass Trail

The following day we took the turn east onto the Piute Pass Trail for our next resupply. We climbed up toward the pass endlessly. There were mosquitoes everywhere. We hiked along the creek and the views were beautiful. I had hiked the trail before, but in the opposite direction. We encountered down trees, muddy trails, water crossings, and big steps. It was very quiet on the trail. The terrain was tough on my feet and knees. I could feel the pain in my arches coming back. My Achilles was sore and my knees were angry. After a somewhat short mileage day we made camp and called it a day. I was frustrated that my body was not staying strong. What did I expect? I did hike almost 1100 miles and I’m not a young chicken anymore.

Over the Pass

The following day we headed up over Piute Pass and down to the trailhead for resupply and a zero in Bishop. We had snow going over the pass and more water crossings. As we got over the pass the traffic on the trail grew busier. We were feeling pretty worn out. I can’t possibly quit. I love the Sierra and I want to hike to Whitney. But my body and my feet were once again telling me I need to rest. Maybe once I take a day off I will feel better. I limped down the trail with thoughts going through my head. Keep going!!

Zero

We took a zero in Bishop and my feet were hurting pretty bad. I could barely walk. I was limping. How can I continue to hike another 11 days? I made the decision, it was time to end my wonderful journey on the trail. It was time to go home and rest. I’m so sad. I love it out here.