Wednesday, Aug 3, 2022
Start: Palisade Creek
End: South Fork Kings River
Miles: 15.2
Elevation gain/loss: 3888’/2264′
We were up at 5:15 and hiking by 6:15am. We made quick time the first few hours. As we ascended the Golden Staircase, my running coach Joe McConaughy passed by on his unsupported FKT attempt. It was great to see him out here, pushing himself hard.
Once we hit the lakes, our climb up Mather Pass slowed down dramatically. Toby struggled with the climbing at altitude. While the endless switchbacks were generally helpful, they were full of loose rock and quite narrow. It was very cloudy and rained again in the afternoon. We arrived at camp by 6:45pm.
Transcending Mountains 