Mile 1040.5 to 1051.2 – 10.7 miles total hiked on PCT

Since I had seen Asa Lake in 2022 I didn’t bother going down to the lake when I passed it on the trail.

The climb up to Tryon Pass was mostly a straight trail, going up the side of a Ridge towards the pass.

Took me an hour and a half to get to the pass so there was no way I was gonna make it the previous day.

But it was a glorious view from the top. I took a break to soak in the beauty and to catch my breath.

The descent down to Noble Lake was very easy, but after that there was a series of switchbacks that went down and around a valley. Switchbacks really seemed to be longer than they needed to be. Probably made them that way just to irritate me.

Once the switchbacks got down to the low point, then the climbing began. The next major milestone would be Ebbets Pass. Highway four ran over this pass and it is the first sight of pavement since Sonora pass.

The climbing was over another ridge, and then it wound down and then went back up to the pass.

In 2022 it poured and rained on me for a couple hours around this pass. I even took a shelter the roof of a pit toilet.

I didn’t think it was gonna rain this day, but dark clouds did start moving in midday and the weather report did indicate possible rain later in the afternoon.

Fortunately, it never actually rained. But the threat of it was enough to make me think about stopping early.

Just past Ebbetts Pass was Upper and Lower Kinney Lakes, my favorite camping spot from my 2022 hike. Although it was early, I decided to stop there in camp near the lake, even took a swim.

While the camp site I had used last time would’ve been nice. I decided to camp at a slightly higher position so I had a bigger view of the area.

Last time it took me 5 days to get here vs 3 this time. I’m very happy with my progress. 

I heard cow bells and mooing throughout the evening, reminding me that there was a grazing area that I would be passing through tomorrow. 🐄🐮🤠

Sunset and sunrise did not disappoint.