Since we did not feel like doing some more miles yesterday (after summiting Mount Whitney!), today was supposed to be a very easy day, doing just those 8 miles (12,8km) to get just below Forester Pass (4 030m) – highest point on the PCT (Mount Whitney was a side trip). Due to some snow that is still present there the best time for going up and down that pass is in the morning/before noon. Even though we did not have big miles ahead of us today, it does not mean that it was that easy. There were three river crossings ahead of us and you know already how much I “love” those. The first two were only a kilometer away from each other where the first one was quite wide and colder compared to the second one. Also I did the first one in my camp shoes/sandals whereas for the second one I kept my shoes since the current was a bit stronger. They weren’t that high, maybe a calves to thigh high but still river crossings are nothing I take lightly.

After the second one we did the last climb of the day and at the top something magical opened up for us. The whole Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on a plate. This was the proper welcome I was waiting for and it was nothing short of amazing. We took several photos and videos before we made our way down to the valley where the last river crossing of the day awaited us. This one was by far the most challenging one. We had to go a bit up because right where the trail got us the water was way too strong. Higher up it was split into two and was a bit more manageable to cross although just before the other shore the current got stronger. Thankfully we all made it safely to the other side where we took a long lunch break. Around 5pm we hiked out and did 2 more miles (3,5km). We found a lovely rocky tentsite with one of the most incredible views on trail so far. Even though are at 3 614m I feel like my body has adapted to the higher elevation already. We all decided to cowboy camp and well the sunset was just incredible. I can’t wait for the sunrise and for summiting Forester Pass tomorrow.