On top of the low pass, I “collect” the day’s rock and make some breakfast. Tailor is there and we hang out and talk for way too long.

I pass postcard perfect lakes (and can’t help but jump in), wild flowers, and stands of pines. I cross more meadows. The afternoon is hot and humid. I hike up to Lake Dorothy and go for a swim.

Past the lake, the landscape begins to change in obvious ways. The granite is replaced with basalt, the Bristlecone Pines grow crooked and twisting. I feel as if I’m passing through a Japanese landscape painting. It’s exotic and ancient looking.

I hike past small lakes and creeks and find myself at the 1,000 mile mark.

Wow! I’ve hiked my very own 1,000 mile-summer!