Distance: 12 miles (approx. 19.3 km) October 1, 2019
I woke up this morning to a thermometer reading of 26°F. As of today, it is October. I realized that in the Sierra shoulder season, this level of cold is only natural. Nearby streams were frozen over in patches, a stark reminder that one must never underestimate the high country above the treeline in autumn.
Looking at my gear, I thought about how a warm sleeping bag is even more critical when using a “drafty” UL tent like my Lunar Solo. I found myself wishing I had brought a slightly warmer model of sleeping bag to compensate for the plummeting temperatures.
The day began with a long descent toward Le Conte Canyon. While the view of the canyon from above was spectacular, I immediately noticed that my energy levels were low. I felt a lack of power in my stride, likely a combination of the exhaustion from yesterday’s Muir Pass crossing and the lack of sleep due to the freezing night.
A moment of weakness crept in: “Can I really keep this up for the last few days?” I felt my confidence waver under the weight of the accumulated fatigue.
The descent eventually leveled out into a flat trail through the woods along Le Conte Canyon. Kings Canyon has made me fall in love with it even more—the high-altitude vistas are sublime, but the lowland forests are equally beautiful. As I walked through the quiet trees, my condition began to improve by the afternoon.
I found a wonderful campsite surrounded by trees just before Glacier Creek and decided to call it a day. I was able to do some yoga and even built a small campfire. Watching the flames, I felt a sense of peace return to me.
This great adventure, planned for three weeks, has finally entered its final week. The climax is nearly here. However, I still have three more passes over 12,000 feet to conquer, followed by the final ascent of Mount Whitney. I can feel that from tomorrow on, the real test of my physical endurance and willpower begins.
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