13 miles of hiking • 2750' elevation gain •
The I90 corridor is my least favorite hiking area: it is crowded; casual hikers and dog walkers without manners treat the living forest like a commodity to be used and disposed of; the constant humming of tires from the expressway and jets roaring overhead, an ever-present reminder of man's self-destruction ingenuously referred to as progress; and, cell phone coverage, that bane of silence, peace, and tranquility. Fortunately, the weather again proved outstanding: clear blue skies (save for the jets spewing tails of polluting vapor), pleasant temps (down-right chilly in the forest), and brilliant sunshine. A pleasant forest walk with modest grades along a good trail easily encourages the hiker onward, glimpses of the mountains stretching beyond the trees offered at intervals. After meeting up with the Commonwealth Basin Trail, the PCT begins to steepen and guides you along a series of switchbacks. After a mile or so the forest becomes less and the ridge is attained, trees replaced by clearings, meadows, and rocks and boulders. The stones appear as a titan's rock garden, reminders that not all that is beautiful is soft and colorful. The sky lays like a mantle of fading blue upon the shoulders of countless mountains as you proceed along the western edge of Kendal Peak. Gaining elevation approaching the Katwalk, snow begins to appear, covering the trail in places. Though easily traveled over if one is mindful, traction devices and poles are welcomed accoutrements to the hiker this day. Anticlimactically, at least on this day, arrive at the Katwalk, free of obstructions (save fellow hikers) and the surrounding views were there for all who sought them to enjoy. After a nap beneath a brightly glowing October orb it was, alas, time to return to the reality of existence, though never forgetting the kiss of the sun and the caress of the breeze far above the chaos that is my reality.
