96 (or 97, or 107, or whatever) Switchbacks
This really was the start of the tough part of the hike. As we headed above 12,000′, I was having trouble with my breathing, and had to sit down and rest five or six times. By halfway up, this had officially become the hardest single-day event I had ever done.
The trail left the meadows and greenery, and started to gain some great views.
Trail Crest
Elevation: 13,700′ or 13,600′ – depending on which sign you used
Elevation gained: 5,240′
Miles: 8.2
Adrian’s time: 6 hours, 8 minutes
Allison’s time: 7 hours, 18 minutes
Adrian had been waiting for awhile at the top. He had chatted with the people passing through and those waiting for companions. He had learned all about what we saw on the other side – the Sierra Nevada mountain range — longest continual mountain range in the USA. (Or the lower 48 states – never count out Alaska.)
The sky was overcast and the winds had started up. With all the waiting, I was glad Adrian had warm clothes. I think he hiked with gloves and jacket for the rest of the climb.
Summit
Elevation: 14,497′
Elevation gained: 6,137′
Miles: 10.8
Adrian’s time: 8 hours, 50 minutes
Allison’s time: 9 hours, 20 minutes
By this point, I was taking five or six steps and stopping to catch my breathe. Even when I could see the top I couldn’t go any faster. But it was really cool to finally make it!
