JMT | DAY 3 THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE TO ROSALIE LAKE
Miles Hiked: 7.4 miles (mm 43.2-50.7)
Elevation: 1,547 ft ascent | 2,057 ft descent
Ediza or Rosalie. My initial plan was to take a side trip to Lake Ediza and take a zero there. Instead, I decided to continue on to Rosalie as I had done last year. I left camp around 0730 today. Tom was at the PCT/JMT junction when I got there. I continued on slowly for a while, knowing the uphills that were ahead. Today was difficult. I don’t know if it was the quick start or the elevation, but I felt sluggish and not confident in pushing the miles or adding extra. I made my way up switchbacks past Garnet Lake, looking forward to the descent into Shadow Creek.
Today seemed busier, likely due to access from Red’s and Agnew. Another permit check on my way down to Shadow. Another group of pack mules on the way up to Rosalie. I remembered the switchbacks after Shadow Lake and dreaded them. It seemed slightly easier than last year but still took longer than expected for 700 ft of elevation gain. Rosalie was mostly empty when I arrived just before 1400. About halfway around the lake, I was greeted by Tom. I set up camp not far off-trail, took a swim, and did laundry.
Clouds started to roll in around 3:30, with the threat of rain. Luckily, it soon cleared to wispy clouds and warm sun.
Later that afternoon, we met four others (Becca, Corrine, Nick, and Galen) who were headed SOBO as well. They have a fairly similar plan as I do, with an exit at Onion Valley on the 23 for resupply. Tom is moving a little faster but has a similar exit date. Right now the only thing set in stone is the Onion Valley exit.
No bugs at Rosalie tonight, until around 1900. Even still, they are far better than last year and don’t seem to be biting *yet.
