Day 19, September 24, 2017 - Tyndall Creek to Crabtree Meadow

Day 19.  23f in the morning. The water bucket was frozen harder than any other time. 



Mark left 1/2" of water in the pot and it was frozen solid.

We got a slow start and did not get out of camp around 9:30.  Lots of ice in Tyndall Creek this morning.

On our way out of camp we decided to climb Tawny Point, which had beautiful views in all directions. This was a very strenuous off trail climb over sand, ankle breakers and talus.  The picture below is near the top, looking down.  The JMT is on the lower left side of the lake in the picture.  



The climb took longer than expected, about two hours start to finish.  But the views were worth it. I took a panorama video, but it is too large to upload.  😒  Mark took some great panoramas

The lone soldier welcoming us back to the trail.  



And looking back to Tawny Point

The hike to lunch by Wright Creek afforded us our first views of Mt. Whitney of the trip.  We were sure we could see the hut in person, but I can't make it out in the pictures.  Can you?







We ate lunch around 1pm.  We had our last session of Sierra corn cup of the trip, which Mark won.  He won the trip 3 games to 2.  Congratulations Mark!!

Other than a pack train with 8 or so people hiking behind it we saw maybe 4 people all day. There has definitely been way less people since going up towards Palisades, and even less after the cold front came through. Still seeing snow on the ground in places. 

We got to Crabtree Meadow a little before five. A couple going north confirmed what we thought which was the next water is 5 miles down the trail, so we decided to stay at Crabtree Meadow.  

View of Crabtree Meadow from near our camp spot, 5pm

We did evening chores and were in bed at 7:30. Last temperature report was in the high thirties. Sleeping cowboy tonight, as there were very few clouds today.  The hike beyond Wright Creek was not terribly enjoyable for either of us.  Mark and I agreed this was our least favorite day of the hike, even with the views from Tawny Point.  We both were very excited to go over Forrester Pass, and now we are just sort of on a march back to civilization.  Plus, we both have hiked much of this part of the day’s trail before on past High Sierra Trail trips.  


Perhaps tomorrow will dawn brighter . . .

Our inreach location for the day is here

Link to Day 20 page is here

Daily Statistics
Miles hiked:  11
Elevation gain:  1960' 
Elevation lost:  2420'
Precipitation:  none
Morning low temperature:  23F