Retracing my steps back up the Kearsarge Pass with a loaded pack forced my eyes downward. The beauty was still there, but observed only at rest breaks. On the downside of the pass, said my farewell to Kearsarge and rejoined the flow of the PCT.
Right away I came upon Litehouse, a hiker from Scotland, who was resting by the side of the trail. He was suffering from a wicked looking infection on the back of his knee andorrafarm.com. My guess was a spider bite of some kind. He was on his way to Bishop to track down a doctor. I gave him some antibiotic cream and wished him speed. Out here we are all our own ambulance.
Lakeside property, Rae Lakes
Climbed yet another pass which I didn’t even learn the name of because I was lost in the misery of pack weight. But from the top I could gaze down on the three holes of azul that were collectively known as Rae Lakes. The original plan was to take a full day of rest on their shores. But plans fall apart as is their nature. So from noon on we called the lakes home.
Team pancake effort and patience
The first order of business was starting to turn the 5 pounds of materials hauled into pancakes. That accomplished and cooks exhausted before bellies were full it was naptime. At one point I woke up in time to see a first in my life. Slack was sleep eating. Lying in the sand, under the direct sun, he was softly snoring. At the same time his hand was flopping around near a bag of M and M’s. When the hand would eventually track down one it would drag across his face and drop it in his mouth. A lazy chew would ensue. The hand would then rest for a few minutes and then the process would start over. The snoring never stopped. Wonders never cease. I fell back asleep before I could warn of the dangers of choking.
Father’s Day in the bush
Awoke to a stack of pancakes, margarita in a bottle and a Father’s Day card. Red beard, slack and orbit knew that being away from my daughter on this day had been tough on me. As good friends, they did what they could which meant the world. I was emotional in appreciation.
A fire capped the day. UB and mock mock showed up for a Whitney reunion. And then Messenger, an Israeli, stumbled in from the dark to complete the party. Messenger came into his name because he hiked most of the PCT southbound last year. He would constantly relay messages From northbound hikers to their friends behind them. Thus the moniker.
Good conversation, warmth and trail gossip rounded out the Rae lake’s experience. Happy Father’s Day to all who do it.
Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde
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