BackpackingLight sponsored a father/daughter team on their PCT thru-hike in the summer of 2011. To get the full skinny on what a dynamic duo they are, read their first installment of adventure, Eleven Years Old on the PCT, then their second, We're Going to Disneyland!
You may remember from our last article that we had just completed the first 700 miles of the PCT in the Mojave Desert. Everything about our experience in the Sierra Mountains was so different that you may find yourself checking our names from our last article to verify that this is the same story. The desert was such easy walking and even had ideal sunny-yet-cool weather conditions. We often found ourselves ahead of schedule and had extra time and energy each day to enjoy other forms of recreation in town or camp. You are about to hear a very kind of different tale from the mighty and wild Sierra Mountains.
I hiked the entire Sierra in 2010. Many were referring to that season as one of the highest snow years ever in the Sierra along the PCT. Everyone was telling us that no thru-hiker had ever seen more difficult trail conditions. I remember struggling through snow and high water 5 to 6 miles either side of the high passes. Once through the difficulties, I was able to enjoy the serenity these mountains offered. I had never before seen such rare and vast beauty! I was amazed by the 14,000-foot peaks, the endless alpine lakes, and the exotic trees. I told everyone later that the Sierra was the best but most difficult part of my hike. I looked forward to returning this year to share it with Sunshine. Stories of high snow were already swirling around Kick Off, and I remember telling Sunshine not to worry because I had heard it all before. I referred to it as "fear mongering." Shortly after leaving Kennedy Meadows, we began running into snow in unbelievably low elevations. I tried referencing the previous year's conditions so I had a comparison. When I realized that we were seeing snow 50 miles sooner and 2,000 feet in elevation lower, I knew this would not be easy. Please keep in mind as you read these accounts that Sunshine was never placed in any danger that we could not control. Nor did we take any undue risks with her safety. I have been mountaineering and long distance hiking for many years and am competent in all these skills. After hiking the Sierra last year, I knew that with some care and attention to detail, I could safely guide my daughter through. Also, even though I mention great hardship, we had a blast the entire time.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- We're Not in the Desert Any More
- Food
- Snow and Ice
- River Crossings
- More Injuries?
- Better Days Ahead
- The Sierra in Sunshine's Words
# WORDS: 3930
# PHOTOS: 18
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