Trail And Errors

Some days are tougher than others on the trail, and today proves to be a tough one. It starts with Molly postholing immediately as they cross snowfields after a wondrous starry night in camp. After a PUD (Pointless Up and Down) they begin to see less snow on the trail as they descend to Piute Creek, their first major crossing of the day. After the surprise of yesterday's crossings being less stressful than anticipated they are disappointed that today is not the same. They choose to cross Piute upstream where it is split into several channels rather than swim across at the point where the PCT crosses the creek. After a bit of searching, and using notes they've had from friends ahead on the trail, they find logs to carry them across the first couple of tributaries, and Ethan appreciates the beauty and the scent of the pine forest they're in. They take a break by the meandering river amongst some massive trees. They continue across the marshy ground before heading uphill. By lunchtime they have made only 5 slow