Page 6: Grasshopper Pass

Grasshopper Pass

We woke to sunshine the next morning and after another hearty breakfast of tasteless oatmeal, hoisted our packs and set off to follow the ridge around Ninety-Nine Basin.

As we traversed under the slopes of 7386’ Tatie Peak, we kept a sharp eye out for water, but didn't find any. We finally stopped at an old snowfield directly under the mountain and melted snow for lunch water.

Afterwards we continued on to glorious Grasshopper Pass, the highest pass of the entire trip at 7000’. The views merited a short break, so we stopped and marveled at this breathtaking scenery. The bright blue sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds and contrasted sharply with the high, jutting peaks. It was an incredible and very satisfying experience for the soul.

Mell on Grasshopper Pass

At this point, my feet and legs were a little sore and tired, and my hips hurt from the weight of my pack. But, all in all, things had been totally bearable thus far. For me, at least; Mel was still complaining about her knee and other assorted aches and pains.

All the time that I played soccer with her, and I never knew about the knee stuff. But this hiking umpteen miles a day with a heavy pack is a total different challenge than running up and down a soccer field. I used to do a lot of distance running (including a couple of very slow marathons) so I guess I'm a little better prepared for the grind.

Continuing on, we dropped steeply down to Glacier Pass via some absolutely outrageous switchbacks. We lost 1400’ in a very short distance.

Mel and I both stopped to rest several times on the trip down, remarking on how fervently grateful we were that we didn't have to haul our packs up that trail.

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