13     Independence - Vermillion Valley Resort  95.7 miles

Independence

Rae Lake                                    11.5 m

South Fork Kings River                  18.2 m

Palisade Creek                             13.3 m

Evolution Lake                             20.0 m

Selden Pass                                19.5 m

Vermillion Valley Resort                  13.2 m

One day of rest was enough in hot Independence. Here Motel, Post Office, Subway und supermarket are within a block. I got a ride back to Onion Valley by the trail angels. A number of hikers were there waiting for their day in town. Now I had to climb back up to Kearsarge Pass for several hours. Up on one side and down again on the other side and back to the PCT. Here the PCT runs together with the John Muir Trail. This trail starts in Yosemite NP and is mostly hiked from north to south. Subsequently I ran into many southbound hikers. Now I had to climb five high passes. And between passes the PCT always leads way down into valleys. And from here on mosquitoes were on and off hiking companions. As preparation I had bought a small and light weight mosquito tent at ADZPCTKO. This gave me peace and comfort at night. There continued to be no snow on the south side ascents to the passes and very little snow on north side descents.

Evolution Creek was the first one I could not cross with my boots. I had to use my creek crossing shoes. Compared to photos from previous years the water level was still neglectable. It's hard to imagine a better year than 2012. Due to the elevation I had ice in my water bottles in the morning. With clear blue skies it melted very fast. At night I slept with my down jacket inside my sleeping bag. This way I had comfortable nights. Before arriving at the next supply point I had to cross Bear Creek. In most years this is a dangerous raging river. Not this year. I could even cross in my boots without getting wet feet.

The descent to the ferry for Vermillion Valley Resort (VVR) consisted of endless switch backs. Finally it was done and I waited for the afternoon ferry. The water level of the Thomas A Edison Reservoir was rather low. At VVR I learned that due to the low water they expected to stop the ferry service in about two weeks time. At VVR they had everything I needed; my food package, showers, laundry and a restaurant. Naming this place a resort however seems a bit extravagant. Just the prices fit the name. Whatever. I got my food and had a break.

Kearsarge Trail

Descent from Glen Pass with bits of snow

Bridge across Woods Creek in Sequoia / Kings Canyon NP

Sun set short of Selden Pass

Cowboy camping in Sequoia / Kings Canyon NP

Blow downs across PCT

Ferry to Vermillion Valley Resort

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