JMT Day 8: Marie Lakes

It turns out that we were not alone in our aerie of a campsite. Another couple of JMT southbounders had camped just above us and had actually come down last night to share dessert with us (a Snickers bar) but we had already climbed into our tents to escape the dusk mosquitos.

Scott, of Scott & Susan, returned in the morning to introduce himself and have a chat, which was very neighborly. And we leapfrogged each other for most of the day as we each happened to take a break at different times.

We finished the descent into and then along Bear Creek, taking our usual flower pictures and enjoying the view along the way.

The Bear Creek Crossing was another spot that had instilled fear in us - the water was waist-high, it was forceful enough to knock people over, etc, etc. Misty & Jo didn't even take their boots off to cross! I was leery of getting wet feet as I had low-cut shoes so I did put on my Crocs but it was no big deal.

(No, this wasn't the actual crossing!)

After that it was a slow climb towards Selden Pass but the scenery once again got prettier and prettier as we reached the treeline. 

Marie Lake looked so inviting that we even went for a swim!! Actually, it was only a brief dip as the water was so shockingly cold it was impossible to breathe but it was lovely to fully immerse oneself instead of having only bird baths for a change. Shannon came over from her campsite and joined us in the water and for a long talk on the granite beach. Her dad, Ed wandered over later and it was fun to hear about their JMT experiences so far.

Today's Miles: 6.8