Silver Pass has its own beautiful character with lots of water flowing, lakes galore and slabs of granite that we call Sierra Sidewalk. Even though it is sloped it is fun and easy to walk on.

On earlier passes we wished the step crafters were shorter so we didn't have to stretch to step up or down. Here the steps were made for horses and are gentle on our knees. (The payback is that horses roughen up the rest of the trail so it is more difficult to hike.)

We followed Duke and Ironman up to the pass. Just before the top we met a southbound JMT couple with their tiny dog on a leash! Tracks were in place on the snow patches for us. The hike was easy and enjoyable. We went down, down to Fish Creek where Tristan found us at the bridge. Then we climbed to beautiful Tulley Hole. (It seems so silly to climb into a hole.) Then we began the switchbacks up to Virginia Lake, then Purple Lake (I claim that it is called Purple because it is always very cold causing hikers to be purple with cold). The lakes here have a dark blue beauty. The long contour and very slow descent to Deer Creek seemed to take forever. First there were just trees but as we slowly got lower more understory started appearing. In one strange area there was only volcanic pumice and sparse trees.

We smelled a wood fire late in the day. Across Deer Creek campers waved to us as we set up our tent. Cold crept in as the sun went down. It feels like it will be a cold night. 

Another freezing morning! First steps were across Deer Creek. There was a log to walk on but we know that an icy log is impossible to walk. It took forever to figure out a rock hop then make our way back to the trail. JMT hiker Fred had been watching our endeavors so we chatted with him for a few minutes.

We had about six miles to Red's Meadow where we could catch a bus to Mammoth Lakes, a ski and mountain biking resort. We have so many gear needs that we are making an unplanned stop. Steel Eye, Tristan, Duke and Ironman are also planning zero days in Mammoth Lakes.

The trail is again very familiar. Red Cone, a volcano cone, is so smooth and attractive. The burned area after about ten years is active with birds and chipmunks. We saw lupine buds almost ready to bloom. Tiny streams ran everywhere.

Tourist season hasn't started at Red's Meadow yet. We sat in a daze in the sun waiting for the bus.

The ride to town took us through Devil's Postpile National Monument then wound up the mountain to drop us off at the ski resort. Then we got a ride down the other side to Mammoth Mountain (we saw Tristan walking along the road) and into the town of Mammoth Lakes. Lunch was followed by showers then gear stores. Life is good and we'll take a zero tomorrow.

Earthquake! These mountains are prone to movement. The sharp jolt was just after midnight. I am glad I wasn't lying on the ground in the mountains.

The Third Grade class following our hike has been asking questions in their emails to us. Yes, we have seen blue, pale yellow and orange butterflies. No, we did not eat any of the very large (over a half inch long) Sierra ants. But I did take my crumbs back from them...I carried the food in.

I forgot to finish a trail magic story. When we came down the Golden Staircase in the wind after the first snow storm Ken's Tilley hat blew away. We didn't realize it was gone until later. After the second storm when we first met Steeleye and Tree Whisperer they asked if we had lost a glove. Ken said no but his Tilley was gone, unfortunately. TW pulled it out of his pack! Several days later when they caught up with Duke and Ironman they saw that Ironman was wearing one glove and a sock on his other hand. Steeleye returned the glove to its grateful owner.

We spent lots of time and money on gear repairs and replacements today. When we started relaxing we realized how beat up and tired our feet and legs were. It is time for a zero mileage day! We are enjoying lots of good food and a comfy bed!