I really enjoyed the campsite last night! Tucked away from the trail in the trees, the expected wind didn’t even happen during the night and I slept a bit longer than usual.
There were many many people on trail today: Groups doing 2-4 day loop trips in the wilderness (many dogs), John Muir Trail hikers and even two PCT thru hikers! We chatted for a long time, and I was hoping to see Roadkill and Goldylocks here in the campsite but so far no luck. They might have stopped earlier. They are planning to take the road to Lee Vining tomorrow and I might wait for them there. I have enough food to continue though …
The trail started out in the trees, climbed to 1000 Island Lakes and then took us over 11073ft Donohue Pass. More of the same rocks, especially the downhill was tricky and steep.
But now I’m low again for more gentle trails. Before and after the pass today (even high) was the worst bug situation so far, and I wore my head net half the day. Now I’m camped with probably 6-7 other tents around but very spread out, in a big meadow. Here is my view:
I believe this was the last pass at this elevation. Benson Pass is 10000ft or so. And the trail to the road tomorrow is flat. There are buses going into Yosemite Valley from the road but given that it is Fourth of July tomorrow I think it’s best to avoid the crowds!
