At 13,200' this is the highest point along the entire PCT. I had to use micro spikes for several miles on the approach because the trail was completely covered with snow. Just as I got to the base of the really steep part, a younger hiker trail named Sniper who carries an American flag on his pack caught up to me and suggested that we stick together for rest of the ascent. It really was quite treacherous, and I appreciated his willingness to stay with an older, slower hiker. When we finally made it up that thing, the view was amazing, but the northern exposed descent was even more snow.

While descending through all that snow on the north side, my right knee started to ache in a way I've experienced before.  I was worried that it was going to knock me off the trail. 

But then I met a very helpful young woman who just happened to have some extra KT tape who knew how to apply it.  I also learned all about IT bands, which was completely new term for me.  Anyway, whatever she did seemed to work really well as me knee slowly returned to normal over the next several days.

I was only able to get 17 miles that day.