FOOTSTEPS IN SNOW
PCT DAY 15: Mile 276.7 – Mile 297.7
Thursday April, 28 2016: 21miles (33.2km)
Amazing the difference 12 hours sleep makes. We woke this morning to the sound of a woodpecker hard at work somewhere nearby. We felt renewed and refreshed. Not only were we refreshed but our surroundings were as well. Over 2 inches of snow had fallen through the night. We woke to a landscape that was unrecognizable from the one we saw last night. Snow blanketed everything. It was so quite as we broke camp and headed off. The plan was to stop and eat breakfast further down the track once we warmed up. Walking through the freshly fallen snow, the crunch of dry and soft powder underfoot we can only describe as magical. It is so foreign to us to see a snow covered pine forest, we were delighted by this winter-like wonderland. A few time as we walked Hammer would exclaim ” I love this. How good is this?”. There was so little wind, the snowflakes were gently swirling around us as snow continued to fall. It really made our day.
We had camped at an elevation of just over 7,000 feet not far from the turn off to Big Bertha peak and as the trail dropped in elavation snow had stopped falling. Gradually the snow thinned and started to disappear from the ground around us as well.
Spring has sprung
We walked through a large burnt forest area
The sun was trying really hard to break through the clouds. And eventually we had more and more sunny breaks. We reached Holcom River, which we crossed a few times and were back amongst the desert flora that we are so familiar with now. It was such a contrast to the morning. Hammer summed up the day as being the most gorgeous we have had on the trail so far. I would have to agree, the PCT continues to surprise and delight.
Truly amazing. Stunning photography, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Clare. So pleased you are enjoying the photography.
LikeLike
Stef, I really can’t tell you how much I am enjoying these posts, words and photos. Thanks for taking so much effort to share this wonderful journey:).
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 14:10:32 +0000 To: r.l.sheppard@hotmail.com
LikeLike
So happy you are following and enjoying the posts Rachel.
LikeLike
Just incredible !!!! As I sit behind my desk and daydream, I can’t help but wish I was out there !!! Thank you for continuing to share. The writing and photography are wonderful. Be safe.
LikeLike
I am so thrilled that you are following Kirk. Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
Hey Mike and (Corkey), Loving the blog. From deserts to snow! This blog brings the trail to life. Just saw Wild so know a little about the your experience. The updates each afternoon are my reward for getting my marking or lesson planning done. Look forward to it each day or so. We miss you at Loreto. Enjoy!
Chris
LikeLike
Chris,
Hammer is not missing the lesson plans or the marking. Does not even have a red pen with him. Hope the water polo and swimming season are going well and you are keeping g up with your swimming.
LikeLike
Magic Stef. Beautiful images, and I love your description of the weightless swirling snowflakes, and the quiet.
LikeLike
It really was a standout day to date Margaret. No wind and the wonderful dry powder crunch underfoot.
LikeLike