Day 19.2- Getting in position

Monday.

Start 7:15a. Lo 30. Stop 5p. Hi 40. Miles 12.5. Elev 6200.

The first few hours made me doubt this whole project. It was so icy going around Mount McLoughlin that I was falling down every few minutes. The side slope was not that steep, but just enough to be treacherous with the ice. I finally got wise and headed down to Four Mile Lake, around, then back up. I hate giving up elevation but sometimes it must be done.

The rest of the day went as hoped for, at about a 2mph pace, but I could get nowhere near my desired 20 mile day. Sigh. At least now I am setup for the west approach to devil’s peak. I hope it’s not icy in the morning!

I hear an owl tonight. That is a new one for winter at this elevation! Usually I just hear or see nuthatches, woodpeckers, jays, and crows.

Mt. McLoughlin from the north tip of Four Mile Lake. The PCT is in the trees.

Green moss gave the air a green tint