Since we were going to catch a ferry at 9am to get back on trail from VVR, I slept till 7:15am like a queen! My body deserved that and honestly it was a great sleep. Afterwards I packed my stuff, got something for breakfast and then we hopped on the boat that took us across the lake. It was a really nice change of scenery and I kind of miss going water skiing with our boat in summer. Next year. Sinead was a bit down because of her knee pain but she decided to continue with us and get to Mammoth Lakes tomorrow where she can get more rest. Once we got back on trail it was uphill for the next 5 miles (8km) because we were to summit the Silver Pass (3 285m). It is one of the easier passes although the climb isn’t as gradual as the one before Mather Pass but the elevation is lower compared to the previous ones which was apparent due to little to no snow on the way up at all. We all made it to the summit and enjoyed yet another beautiful view accompanied by gorgeous alpine lakes. We chilled there for a while and then continued for about 8 more miles (12.8km).

Also today we crossed some rivers but nothing sketchy. Just two miles (3.2km) before our planned camping spot – Purple Lake – we had to cross the Lake Virgina and well I was already quite chilly going into that water. It only got knee high (thankfully) but right after I put on my waterproof socks just so my feet would get a bit warmer because I was really cold especially due to the cold wind. We made it to the Purple Lake at around 7pm and decided to set up our tents even though there were no mosquitoes but this was supposed to be one of the coldest nights in the Sierras – around 0 degrees Celsius, possibly below. I enjoyed my pesto&past with some parmesan and then we all went into our tents since it was already getting pretty cold. Tomorrow we have around 13 miles (20.8km) to get to Mammoth Lakes. Yes, the Mammoth Lakes that is popular for skiing. I can’t wait! We will spend a zero there and recover from the longest stretch on the PCT yet.