Day 51 - Thursday, June 17

Tenting at Sallie Keyes Lake (mile 863.7). Walked 19.3 miles today.

We had a few patters of rain on our tents last night but it stopped after a few minutes. Got up at the regular time but Frank had a migraine so it took a while before she was able to get up and going. We slowly descended down to Evolution Valley and walked past several meadows.

We passed several JMT southbounders as has been common over the past few days before reaching the 850 mile mark which is a big milestone for us because it means we're now halfway done with California. We reached out first major ford of the trail that we would have to tackle: Evolution Creek. This is typically considered one of the most difficult/dangerous water crossings on the trail. We put on our sandals and walked across easily with the water only comjng up to mid-calf.

We took a break on a log on the other side and then continued on. We crossed several bridges (and discussed why they haven't built a bridge over Evolution Creek yet). Took lunch at a nice spot by the South Fork of the San Joaquin  River.

After that, we went on and left Kings Canyon National Park. Along the way we discussed the optimal soil for digging catholes. The consensus was that sand was really easy, but it would take longer for things to break down, so the best was a nice loam with lots of organic matter.  Shortly after Thai discussion, we realized that we may have been out here too long...

Climbed up a series of steep switchbacks that we had been dreading since looking at the map last night.  They ended up not being too bad.

At a stream at the top, I ran into Rambo and Hot Pink. They had gone to a cabin owned by Hot Pink's cousin not too far off trail. I gave Rambo back her knife and we all chatted for a bit. I always laugh a lot when I'm with them. I told them to make sure to say how bad ass I looked with the knife and when Frank arrived, they poured it on, causing a lot of eye rolling from her. We hiked on to a campsite a little bit away and then were passed by the trio (Sure Foot finally caught up) who are trying to get over Selden Pass this evening (two miles from our camp).

There's some thunder happening so we hope they get over the pass ok. We've taken shelter in out tents since we got here because the mosquitoes are horrible. We also can't figure out the weather as some info we have says scattered showers, but a 0% chance of precipitation...who knows what'll happen.

Another topic of discussion today was bears.  Frank is really disappointed we haven't seen one yet since there are supposed to be a lot in the Sierra (which is why we have to carry a bear can).  We think there aren't really any bears and the whole bear can requirement is a conspiracy between 'Big Bear Can' and the park rangers who promote the idea that there are a ton of bears in order to sell more bear cans.  Rambo, Sure Foot, and Hot Pink Say they saw one, so they're apparently part of the conspiracy too now...can't believe they've turned...