Today would be a continuation of yesterdays ridge walk. I did my best to not stop too many times, though I made sure I had a good view for lunch! Also, I've heard from hikers going southbound that the last snow is at mile 1,225. Though I've developed a rhythm to get through the snowy areas, it's going to be sweet relief when my feet stay dry all day.
Later in the day, I saw Irish Matt, a thru-hiker who has the same start date as myself. In fact, we rode in the same car to the trail head together. He tells me his feet really hurt and he thinks something must be wrong with them. Later we will find out, that was an understatement. We chatted for a few minutes while enjoying a particularly good view, then talked as we hiked. There were many miles ahead before the end of the day.
It wasn't too long before we went back to hiking at our own paces, both of us figuring we'd see one another in a few hours at camp. About 1.5 miles prior to my camp, I passed him and most of the group. I wanted to get to a ridge further ahead where I thought I would see a great sunset and sunrise. Little did I know by walking ahead it would be the beginning of the group splitting up. I would later find out Skinny Thor walked an additional 2-3 miles beyond me.
I encountered a swarm of mosquitoes in a rather damp area approximately .5 miles prior to camp. Forcing me to run with my tired legs, I wonder if I made the correct choice in camping locations. But at the top of the ski slope, I found my site and it had epic panoramic view of the valley below and of the sun setting behind the jagged ridges in the distance.
