Pam hiked just short of 8 miles today, with a maximum elevation of a little over 13,000 feet as she climbed over Forester Pass on her way to Tyndall Creek.  Below is her view of the climb as seen from Vidette Meadow where her morning began.  The pass is well above the tree line.  I was a little concerned when Pam reported she was getting hail this morning since there is not much in the way of shelter over the pass.

Many switchbacks later, Pam summited the pass and was rewarded with this view, looking south toward her destination for the evening.  It is a barren area.  Take away the lakes and it would almost resemble a moonscape.

It will not be long before Mt. Whitney, her final challenge, comes looming into view.

Pam has been blessed with mostly excellent weather most of her hike, but the past two days Mother Nature has come to collect her due.  Hail today and rain yesterday tested Pam’s inclement weather preparation.  Fortunately, she came through it like a pro and reports she is snug and dry in her tent.  This afternoon, she said, “the clouds parted and it was sunny just enough for me to set set up my tent.”  Trail blessings.

Pam has many more miles to cover before she is done, but she is getting close enough that we are starting to think about some of the details of our meeting at the end of the hike.  Cannot wait to be together again.