PCT 2018 Day 54, June 15, Friday.
Start mile 1112.6, campsites at Phipps Creek
End mile 1137.9 campsite Miles walked: 25.3 Rotting in forest 
Bright green lichen 
Climbing up, I can see Lake Tahoe in the distance, better than my camera can. 
Looking at jagged peaks in distance, likely where I am headed. 
The path departs from the Tahoe Rim Trail, so I see fewer hikers. The trail does climb up on a high steep ridge. The wind is fierce, making the altitude seem higher than 9k. 
The ridge is part of a ski area boundary. 
I meet some PCT hikers going the other way, flip-flopping to give the Sierras time to thaw.
Finished audiobook Tess of the Durbervilles, by Thomas Hardy,
Climbing up a ridge, the next water is Aloha Lake. 
Climbing up another ridge, more lakes. 
Many more lakes– I won’t show them all.
The day ends back at 7.6k elevation. Many backpackers pass by today, doing parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Tootsie Roll passes, planning on getting to South Lake Tahoe today. 
Other hikers I met are headed to the same place. I only just resupplied 3 or 4 days ago, so I do not feel the need for a hostel stay yet, but I do need a grocery for 5 days of food. Assuming I get to the road to get to town early enough that I can get back before dark and camp. For a while the way is along high meadow, flat os gently descending. 
In the distance I can just see Lake Tahoe, I think. 
Then snow and more snow. You must be tired of snow photos by now. 
The climb down to Echo Summit has plenty of snow, but also cool lichen-accented mountain-side. 
I meet FlipFlop, Enigma, and one other on the way down. I do get to town, get groceries at Raleys (free wifi) and make meals, then have breakfast food at Dennys (free wifi), take the bus back to the “Y’ intersection, and return to the trail, all in just a few short hours.