What a weird feeling to still be at home on Ray Day instead of heading off into the Sierras.  But we are excited that at least one group of hikers has made it to Mammoth!  Shay Blackley (the paddle guy) and his friends have gotten through.  I hope they post more details of what it was like.   From what I can tell on the California water resources data pages,  the snow is melting down fast.   There was a photo from June 7 on the Tuolemne Meadows website showing extensive flooding there.   The snow looked patchy, and there was a comment that all the creeks in the Tuolemne area were very deep and dangerous to cross.  That was a bit unsettling,  but conditions do change very quickly–hopefully for the better!

We have decided to head back to the PCT in 2-3 days, depending on when we get done with some projects here at home.  I am very glad to be headed back, but I admit to being scared at the same time, thinking about the Sierras, especially the creek crossings.  Bill, who does the John Muir trail every year right in the middle of June, says not to worry, he knows the best places to cross. 

I also decided that even though it means carrying 12 more oz. of weight, to bring along a pair of Microspike crampons for myself, to use on the steep snow near the tops of passes.  On Fuller Ridge,  my shoes just would not grip the snow and as a result I fell a lot, and had to go slowly.   At ADZPCTKO,  there were snow travel experts who strenuously disagreed about whether crampons were a good idea.   But after talking to other hikers,  I have decided that having that bit of extra traction would be a big help.  

So cheers to all the PCT hikers on Ray Day!   We’ll be rejoining you soon!