Day 7
Edison Lake to Selden Pass
14.6 miles

I began the day a bit over zealous and blew right past the turnoff to the southbound JMT from the side trail that lead from Edison Lake. I ran into Lou, the fellow solo hiker that I had passed before, sitting by a too-familiar stream crossing, and realized what had happened. I turned around and got back on the southbound JMT by 10:45am. I didn't go much more than a mile out of the way but it was plenty for a good lesson to stay aware. I never lost the trail again.

The ascent from Edison up the 50-something switchbacks with a full pack from the resupply was arduous and fly-infested, and I arrived at the Bear Ridge trail junction at 12:45pm. During lunch by a wide stream my bandana slipped away and went tumbling through the fast-flowing rapids. I used that bandana for everything: towel / wash cloth / potholder / napkin / bug protection / sun protection, etc., and I wasn't about to let it go. I went leaping from boulder to boulder in dramatic fashion as if I was saving a drowning girlfriend. I tripped a couple times and cut myself, but finally traced it to where it was stuck 1 foot under water in a chute between giant boulders. Convinced it would come loose any second, I jumped to the boulder next to it, slipped, fell in the water, and was drenched. I got it back, though (and that's all that mattered for now—right?) The soaked shoes dried out eventually, but they were uncomfortable.

There are some nice waterfalls over bare rock and river confluence's, but today felt the most like simply trudging along. It would have been nice to use the resupply package as more of a care package for myself.

I reached stunning Marie Lakes in the early evening. The climb was very long and hard, and I wanted to stop before 6pm, but somehow I knew that if I just kept going, past 5:40, 5:50, 5:55 even, that there would be a reward, and these beautiful lakes came into view at 6pm! I stopped here to make dinner and continued on to the south side of the lake to camp. I set up at a spot overlooking the lakes and the range beyond. What an amazing view out my tent window! I feel as if I am looking out across an entire planet—an entirely unpopulated planet—in complete silence.

It's strange to be by myself again. Earlier today I passed several hikers along the trail that I had met at the resort—too many, really, and I was beginning to miss the anonymity. Now, it's a bit lonely I must say. This loneliness, however, is combined with a renewed appreciation of being alone. And this particular place of complete solitude, this complete wilderness, is exciting.

Just before going to bed, in the moonlight, I saw a near perfectly camouflaged coyote trotting across the mountain above my tent. I'm looking forward to the rest of the hike.