S of Barker Pass to Middle Velma Lake

Mileage: 17.1 miles, total 112.8

Campsite elevation: 7,901 feet

When we woke up this morning, our Dutch friend was long gone but Bill was still sleeping as we made breakfast. There were some stirrings as we got back on the trail so we bid him farewell.

From the campsite, we climbed up another 500 ft or so to the top of a ridge. There were plenty of snow patches on the way which we had to climb over or around. At the top, we were treated to a nice view of McKinney Bay in Lake Tahoe.

It was then a 4.5 mile descent past Barker Pass trailhead which was basically the last time I had any phone reception.

We continued to bump into PCT hikers the rest of the day. Most were hiking relatively fast as you’d expect after building their fitness for the last 1,200 miles since the Mexican border. All were noticeable by their stink which permeated the air after they had passed by.

Today was a long day at 17 miles, designed to set us up for Dick’s Pass tomorrow morning. It is noticeable that we are getting fitter and feel fresher than we did at the start of the trail.

By lunchtime, we had reached Richardson Lake which was a good spot to sit down and have a bite to eat. Apparently, the PCT’ers thought the same thing and there were little groups scattered around the shore of the lake. It was a pleasant stop despite the strong breeze blowing off the lake.

Shortly after lunch, we passed the sign for Desolation Wilderness. This is a pristine part of the trail for which permits are required. We got glimpses of the mountains on the right hand side but the trail continued through the pine forest.

We had some good chats with some of the PCT’ers we met during the day. They were very helpful with information about the trail so far including the stretch of Desolation we will go through tomorrow as well as Forester Pass in the southern Sierras.

We camped for the night at Middle Velma Lake which is at the foothills of Dick’s Pass. A great spot to camp with a wonderful sunset.