Day 8. Aug 6: Silver Pass Lake to Bear Creek. 12 miles

Today would be a hike down to Mono Creek and then a long 1,900' climb back up to Bear Creek ridge.
The JMT followed the Silver Pass Creek down to a place called Mott Lake Trail and further down to Pocket Meadow.  Somewhere along the way down would be a stream crossing that was legendary amongst those that know their recent JMT history.
I knew it when a saw it.  For me it was dry.
In 2011 it was a life threatening hazard that PCT hikers managed to overcome.
Photo below from WIRED

My view 2013. Bone dry

The same view in 2011. Bone chilling

This is what Over-the-Falls would mean in 2011

At the bottom of the valley was MONO creek and another excellent metal bridge that was the start of the big climb up to Bear Creek.

Bridge across Mono Creek. My lunch spot.

Shady Trail up to Bear Creek

Bear Creek Campsite

A mellow dog named "Chance" near Mott Lake Trail

Daily SPOT Messages

Morning
Latitude:37.45606
Longitude:-118.92157
GPS location Date/Time:08/06/2013 08:10:43 PDT

Message:Leavin Campsite. Day 8 looks great. Clear sky

Click the link below to see where I am located.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.45606,-118.92157&ll=37.45606,-118.92157&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Evening
Latitude:37.36803
Longitude:-118.88724
GPS location Date/Time:08/06/2013 17:35:40 PDT

Message:Hello, I have reached my campsite for the day. All is well. I will report tomorrow morning.

Click the link below to see where I am located.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=37.36803,-118.88724&ll=37.36803,-118.88724&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1