PCT day 33 - mile 702 to mile 725

"My father came from Equador and my mother is Mexican-Irish so I'm like Heinz 57" True Love

First day in high Sierra Nevada mountains, I honestly didn't know what to expect as I didn't research it all that well, only knew what kind of permits and gear are required.

I couldn't sleep that well at night as people were taking the rare among hikers opportunity to socialize, the conversations lasted until late. I started walking around 7am alongside seven other people, most of which were heading towards mile 716 with a great sandy campsite by the river. On the way there I met a German couple called Ice and Axe (they started their PCT with ice axes for some reason), I already knew them from yesterday, they are on the time schedule like myself so they are walking at a good pace. We agreed to stay together at the campsite few miles ahead, but they changed their mind later on and decided to push further. Perhaps I can catch them tomorrow.

I had a lunch break at the already mentioned campsite by the river, I soaked my feet in the river, swallows made a lot of nests underneath the bridge and were flying around feeding their young, I found one of their eggs (it must have been not fertilised) that got dropped into the river. Also a marmot made an appearance when we started eating, I saw his whole extended family later on that day. 

There was a lot of altitude gaining today and combined with the heavy backpack it made for a tough day, luckily the weather was good and snow patches only showed occasionally next to the trail.

I set out my bear canister outside the tent for tonight (all the food just bear-ly fit in), eventhough I don't have to do it for next 25 miles, where it becomes a requirement. Looks like few other people will be joining me at the campsite tonight, the more the merrier.

Lunchtime marmot:
backpack overload:

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