Day 34Fresno County, California

First bear met behind bushes. I then crossed Pinchot Pass. The collar is not technically very difficult, but the melting snow makes the progression slow and exhausting. The rivers are numerous, by force, I often keep my shoes at my feet to cross.

I stop after only 18 or 19 miles to camp just before Mather Pass. I can dry some of my stuff and leave early. The choice is paid: despite its impressive slope and warnings in FarOut, the passage is much easier on a snow still hard. Piolet and microspikes are really effective under these conditions.

Then I continued on the John Muir Trail in a long descent. With only one stick, river crossings are less stable and I fear to break the one I have left, indispensable to my tent. I now prepare my days around a simple principle: finish before the passes and cross them in the early morning.