PCT – KM to TM Section Hike – Day 12

Daily Miles: 15
Total Miles: 193

Even though there were a lot of hikers camped around us, it was very quiet and we got a good night of sleep. When we woke up just after 5am, we could see one headlamp on, but we’re pretty sure we were the first hikers to leave this morning.

The hike up the connector trail to get back on the JMT/PCT was pretty steep. There were lots of small switchbacks, and it definitely warmed us up right away. The terrain was such that there weren’t any viatble camp sites for several miles.

We really enjoy our early starts. Most days we seem to have the trail to ourselves for anywhere from an hour to several hours. Today we started to see other hikers about an hour into our walk.

Today’s climb was up to Seldon Pass. Once we got back onto the JMT/PCT, we had about six miles before we made it to the pass. Seldon Pass is extremely picturesque and the walk up to it was equally stunning…multiple alpine lakes with water so clear you can see to the bottom even in the middle of the lake.

As we got closer to to the pass, we passed several large groups of hikers coming off the pass. So, by the time we made it, we had the pass to ourselves. The sky was a deep blue, and the wind was still. Basically perfect.

Another hiker came up and joined us on the pass. He had also camped at Muir Trail Ranch last night. Mace saw him pulling his bear can out of his pack, and decided to give him one of his extra bear can keys (we each have several with us we can gift out). The look on his face when Mace demonstrated how easily one could open the bear can with this key, was priceless. He was so thankful and excited for the key.

After eating an early lunch, we headed down the other side of the pass. We walked along Marie Lake, which gives the iconic look of the pass. It felt pretty warm in the sun, but it didn’t take long for us to make it back down into the trees.

We stopped for a break in the early afternoon. While we were sitting there, a couple walked towards us along the trail and greeted us with our trail names. We were surprised and tried to figure out in our minds where we had met them before. Turns out that we hadn’t met them before, but they have read our hiking blog. Apparently Beardoh’s long beard, and SweetPea’s long braids were enough for them to recognize us. It was so surprising, but so nice of them to stop and chat with us. Chris and Nicola from London…it was a really cool moment of connection.

The bulk of the rest of the afternoon was spent walking along Bear Creek. This creek was pretty scary to cross in 2016 when we hiked the PCT. Crossing it several months later in the season now, it was an easy rock hop over the river. When we crossed it in June of 2016, six of us hikers linked arms and pushed our away across, because the water was deep and running really fast. It was just so remarkable to see the difference.

We finally found a nice campsite around 5pm. There is a rock outcropping near our site, with great views. We hung out there while we ate dinner and chatted. We are all in our sleeping bags by 7pm.