Day 3: Pre Donahue Pass to Shadow Creek-19 Miles

We woke at 6 today to a hard freeze. All our water bottles were completely frozen, and our tent had a thick layer of ice on the inside from the condensation from our breath. It took until 7:30 to thaw out and get on the trail.

Nick and I thawing out our gear

We left Fred and Tom packing up again and didn't see them for the rest of the day. 

Missed you guys.

We started up the trail and powered over Donahue pass which peaks at 11,000 feet. It was a good trail that was well maintained. We passed a trail crew that was busting up granite and working on the trail close to the top that included several women. Try not feeling completely emasculated after struggling for breath while walking next to girls who are basically the same age as me swinging sledgehammers. Whatever, they're acclimated to the elevation. 

Sure, they can swing sledgehammers at 11,000 ft, but can they do this?

After Donahue pass we descended to 1000 Island Lake, a large beautiful lake peppered with small islands.

Nick resting and me sitting on a bridge at 1000 Island Lake

This was the hardest day so far, we continued hiking until 6:30pm and set up camp at Shadow Creek. We were attacked hard by mosquitos and retreated to our tent quickly after dinner only to find our tent was full of them. 

Nick enjoying making some new bloodsucking friends

We are all tired and going to sleep, we have another long day tomorrow. Goodnight.