Thursday, 04 Aug 6.5 + 1.5* miles, 5:20
Bridge across Piute Creek
Everyone in camp was really quiet this morning so when I arose I was surprised to find I was the last, not the first, out of bed. We were walking before 8:30 on the flat, if somewhat boring, Florence Lake Trail. Before long we picked up the JMT and continued south. We passed Anita and Robert who had left a bit before us and soon came to a fine bridge across raging Piute Creek. This was also our entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. From here the scenery improved dramatically with many wise-looking western Junipers, narrowing valley walls, and a lively branch of the San Joaquin River. We crossed two more bridges as we made our way up the gently sloping valley, both over the San Joaquin, and stopped for a lengthy break just after the last one to rest up for our climb. Here Chelsea spotted a single doe who did not seem to mind my slow approach to take her picture. A&R caught us there and were also planning a long break.
Evolution Creek
We set out on the climb which was hot switchbacks with, thankfully, many shady spots. We climbed to the edge of a river which was thundering down the steep slope. I realized that this was Evolution Creek, and that we were going to have to get across this torrent pretty soon. Hmmm... We leveled off and continued along the stream which was lined with wildflowers, including a type of shooting star. The stream seemed much tamer here although it still looked pretty swift. Soon enough we came to the crossing. It was moving fast and was really cold but only once did it get much over my knees. We made the crossing without difficulty and arrived at a campsite before 14:00. We claimed sites for ourselves and for A&R who arrived later. An Italian hiker, Reniero, also arrived later and built a small campfire after supper.
*These miles were on the Florence Lake Trail, not the JMT
*These miles were on the Florence Lake Trail, not the JMT
