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Day 7 September 4th Start - Evolution Meadows I leave my Evolution Meadows campsite around 6:45 AM I cross Evolution creek while wearing my Crocs in ankle high water. I’ve read that the early PCT’ers had a difficult time crossing this creek in late July. What a challenge that had to be. It’s mostly a climbing day, 3497’ in 12miles. I enjoyed the gradual hike through McClure and Colby Meadows. I stopped at the ranger station just to take a few pictures. The meadows seemed to go on for ever. I can only imagine the swarms of skiters that would fill the air in June, July or August. I felt lucky, not a single mosquito bothered me. I had a nice leisurely lunch at the upper Evolution Lakes. Swam in the lake, washed some clothes, ate lunch and took a long nap. This is what I call a “taking it easy” I’ve been in this area before and knew exactly where the best sunning rock slab would be. From Evolution Lakes to Muir Pass the hike is in totally exposed trail. The temperature hovered around 90-100 degrees. Luckily there is plenty of water a along the way. Around Wanda Lake I met a nice ranger and we talked about the weather and how great his job is. Oh yeah, he asked to see my permit. The final climb to the Muir Hut is a series of short switchback and you are there. After a few mandatory picture taking in and around the hut, I sit on the doorstep and contemplate my next move. It’s 4:00 PM, should I keep on trucking? Nope. The ranger I met at Wanda Lake said something about me being at the ½ point on the JMT. Since most of the day was mostly climbing up, up up, I’m going to call it a day. 1 mile past Muir Pass is Helen Lake. I find a perfect sized campsite behind some large boulders and call it a day. To celebrate the ½ point, I treat myself to Blue Berry Cheese Cake for dessert. YumYum. I stay up later than usual just to see the alpen glow on the surrounding mountains. The stars were out in force tonight. I make only 2 time entries in my log |
