tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56967580607922875392024-02-18T23:23:00.359-08:00YogiHiker's JMT BlogSharing with you my 16 day thru hike of the John Muir Trailandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-57504368187823307952015-12-20T23:18:00.002-08:002015-12-20T23:25:33.732-08:00Pacific Crest Trail Update<div>
April 4, 2016. </div>
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That's the date we've chosen to start our thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Laurie and I are beyond excited for this adventure. </div>
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To share and document our journey with our friends, loved ones and nature lovers everywhere, we've created a new <a href="http://www.andyandlaurie.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </div>
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Please visit <a href="http://www.andyandlaurie.com/">www.andyandlaurie.com</a> and sign up via email to follow our adventure! We'll be journaling daily and look forward to sharing this experience with you. </div>
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We will also be posting over the next few months as we prep for this long hike. </div>
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Have a question or topic you want us to write about? Please comment to this post or email us. </div>
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Happy Trails,</div>
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Andy & Laurie<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-20090195443168842682013-04-20T14:07:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:25:19.156-07:002013 UpdateSpring is hands down my favorite season - especially the month of April. Wildflowers are in full bloom and snow is melting in the mountains. Millions upon millions of gallons of fresh water race toward the oceans, feeding incredibly beautiful waterfalls along the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuolumne Falls, Yosemite National Park. Photo credit - Ron Kelly</td></tr>
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April also marks the start of the thru-hiking season. Many adventurous souls will take their first steps on epic journeys on trails all over the world sometime this month. And while I will not be one of those folks, I look forward to mingling with all the thru-ers walking across the western spine of the United States on the <a href="http://www.pcta.org/" target="_blank">Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)</a>, at the <a href="http://www.siechert.org/adz/" target="_blank">kick off party</a>. <br />
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Many factors led to my absence from the trial this year, including:<br />
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<li>A car accident in September 2012; healing still ongoing.</li>
<li>Moving to beautiful San Francisco and starting a life there.</li>
<li>Not having saved enough money for post hike needs.</li>
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People with whom I shared my desire to hike the PCT in 2013 recently asked me if I am disappointed for not hiking the trail this year. <br />
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Truthfully, I am not disappointed at all because I love my life and accept that where I am is exactly where I <i>need</i> to be at this particular time.<br />
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I have learned A LOT about myself - through introspection, various events and people in the last year - and am at peace with my circumstances. <br />
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I trust that if I continue to heal, broaden my skill set, save money, train and grow as a person, I will be on the trail in the next few years. As long as I keep plugging away and mindfully doing the things I need to do day after day, I will get out there and hike. <br />
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And you can be sure that I will also to enjoy Spring and the beautiful show Nature puts on this time of year.<br />
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Happy Hiking! <br />
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"How lavish is Nature, building, pulling down, creating, destroying, chasing every material particle from form to form, ever changing, ever beautiful." ~John Muirandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-65101616386188703462012-10-15T11:31:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:25:44.256-07:00John Muir Trail AfterthoughtsTrail life is all about living simply. Imagine, if you will, opening your eyes every morning and finding yourself immersed in the splendor of Nature, inhaling crisp, clean oxygen, and knowing you will walk through stunning scenery, enjoy splendid views, chat with good peeps, take a dip in cold, refreshing water (maybe), eat good food and camp somewhere scenic. Friends, that is a recipe for happiness!<br />
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The challenge of course, is creating a similar recipe for everyday life in the city.<br />
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After I got off the trail, the tug of certain responsibilities, people and events were overwhelming at times. I clearly lacked balance and this caused me to become more withdrawn, tense, on edge, and irritable. </div>
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<b>Importance of the Transitional Period</b></div>
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I was back in Los Angeles the day after I stepped off the trail. The next day I attended a wake, and two days after that I had a job interview. At the same time, family and friends bombarded me, wanting to congratulate me and hear stories of the trail. I REALLY appreciated their love and support, but it was too much too soon. </div>
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I was not ready for it. It was a shock to my way of life for the past three weeks. Instead of easing into the madness, I dove right in and had a difficult time coping.<br />
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If I ever venture into the backcountry again for an extended period of time, I will make sure to include transition time after my trek to adjust back to city life. Three to five days lounging about in smaller towns, contemplating, and replenishing my caloric deficit should do the trick ;)</div>
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<b>Lessons from the John Muir Trail</b></div>
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Ever since I was little, I was the shy, quiet kid who kept to himself. My shyness resulted in low self confidence and an irrational need to rely on others early in my adult life - even though I knew I was capable taking care of myself. To this day, every now and then this habit rears its ugly head.<br />
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Case in point: In 2011, my friends and I hiked from Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney. I was confident in my abilities to navigate the trail and locate adequate camping spots for the group, but I relied on others (whom I perceived had more experience in the backcountry) and let them make a few decisions on my behalf.<br />
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Hiking the JMT solo forced me to break this habit for good. Though it was easy for me to return to my old ways and <i>want</i> to rely on others when I camped and hiked with a group, I constantly reminded myself to remain confident in my abilities and always made my own decisions. </div>
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In short, my biggest takeaway from the trail is how much I <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-5-expanding-my-comfort-zones.html" target="_blank">expanded my comfort zones</a>. As Neale Donald Walsch once said, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."<br />
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I want to forever learn and grow, and challenging myself physically is one way to do that. </div>
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On the John Muir Trail, hiking for 16 continuous days, being responsible for my safety, <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-4-tuolumne-lyell-canyon-and-big.html" target="_blank">finding creative solutions to problems</a> and <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-7-adapt-or-get-wet.html" target="_blank">adapting to change</a> expanded my comfort zones by leaps and bounds. It's extremely satisfying to know that you - and ONLY you - are responsible for achieving something. </div>
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And while this might not seem like a big deal to others, I don't know if I can put into words the immensity and importance of this journey to me. Suffice it to say that it's HUGE!</div>
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<b>Gifts of the John Muir Trail</b></div>
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Remember when I mentioned I was shy and reserved growing up? Well, I still am to a degree, but the trail tremendously helped me become more social. Sure there were times when I wanted to interact with others yet shied away and said nothing, but for the most part, I engaged in conversation with 98% of the people I met. More importantly, I was usually the one who approached others and started the conversations.</div>
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I'm happy to report that I'm still just as social now as I was on the trail. I'm still not sure how or why this transformation occurred, but I'm sure glad it did! </div>
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I believe this hike also enhanced my ability to focus and stay present. My mind seldom wandered when I consulted my map, calculated mileage, set up my tent or journaled on my phone - even after days on the trail when these tasks became routine. I was more aware on the trail than I had ever been in the city. </div>
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There were also many moments of great clarity when I got lost in thought. I was better able to think things through because my mind wouldn't rapidly transition from thought to thought as it usually does. (This is probably because there are fewer distractions in the wilderness.) My mind felt clearer, more relaxed and less scattered. It is a place I try to get back to everyday but it takes more mindfulness and effort since I'm once again exposed to the distractions of the city. </div>
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Social skills and clarity are great, but the most rewarding experience of all was the oneness I felt with Nature and other hikers. Although I was hiking many miles a day, I didn't rush through Nature with restricted senses, feelings or emotions. </div>
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Quite the contrary - I was more in tuned to Nature and welcomed her gifts with open arms. And I'm not exactly sure how to explain this without sounding woo-woo, but I felt a connection between myself, Nature and other hikers that I've never felt before. I felt their energy in my heart; and this energy gave me great strength and a considerable sense of peace. </div>
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One month after my hike, I experienced this same feeling in yoga class. It's happened a few more times since, both when I've been around others and when I've been alone, and I tell ya, I've felt AMAZING when that sensation has taken over me. It's lasted between 30 seconds and a few minutes each time, and never have I felt as balanced and relaxed. </div>
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Speaking of relaxed, the most delightful surprise of my entire John Muir Trail experience was the gratification I received post hike from my journal entries. I decided on day 3 of my hike that I would journal every night but wait until I finished the hike to insert pictures for each entry. (Taking photos with my camera and my phone, then searching for the photos at night to insert into each entry was extremely time consuming and not very fun.)</div>
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Reading my journal entries and scanning through the 1,200+ photos was very therapeutic - especially on the tough days. Flashbacks of <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-8-half-way.html" target="_blank">the evaporating vapor from morning dew</a>, <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-5-expanding-my-comfort-zones.html" target="_blank">the cold drops of rain</a>, the breeze atop the passes and the <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-10-evolution-valley.html" target="_blank">wonder-full people</a> I met, painted huge smiles on my face.</div>
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If you're on the fence about journaling on your hike, I say go for it. You won't regret it!</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts</b></div>
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If you're pondering a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail, you are in for an awesome adventure! No matter the month, the duration or direction you choose, your soul will thank you for the experience. Just do yourself a favor and pack your rain <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/p/gear-list.html" target="_blank">gear</a>. Cut weight elsewhere but don't neglect this essential piece of gear. </div>
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So what's next for me? At this point, I really don't know. And I'm totally okay with that. </div>
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I still have a burning desire to hike (and celebrate my 30th birthday on) the <a href="http://pcta.org/" target="_blank">Pacific Crest Trail</a> in 2013, but right now there are other matters in my life that require my attention. </div>
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Although I'm confident that my left Achilles is healed and my physical conditioning is excellent, I wouldn't feel comfortable hiking the PCT knowing I didn't do what I needed to do before stepping foot on the trail. </div>
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I'm certain that if I take productive action everyday, and be receptive to the magic of life, I will be exactly where I need to be come April 2013.</div>
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Namaste & Happy Trails<br />
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"You're off to Great Places!<br />
Today is your day!<br />
Your mountain is waiting,<br />
So...get on your way!"<br />
~Dr. Seuss<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-22983002237236864872012-09-24T14:25:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:26:04.240-07:00John Muir Trail Gear ReviewBelow you will find my review of the gear I used on my thru-hike of the John Muir Trail.<br />
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Bear in mind that with the exception of a few items, most of my gear was not purchased just prior to my hike; rather, I accumulated, tested and refined my gear to suit my needs over the last two years. Overall, I was very happy with most of my gear choices. I won't be providing a review for ALL the gear I used but I will touch upon the major items. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhUZ5TvyjAzq7TYM43X__Xroh2weniB6Rq4ZapU1YLGCiHxuF3oRhol_o131QFRyPuBjrO1sXH_a4Hjo0w0BLs0mvlJR6dwQ6fbckl8dlsucWLmCW5e2N_7wcWdwQXZ4edor2Jr2rEFQ/s1600/ula.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhUZ5TvyjAzq7TYM43X__Xroh2weniB6Rq4ZapU1YLGCiHxuF3oRhol_o131QFRyPuBjrO1sXH_a4Hjo0w0BLs0mvlJR6dwQ6fbckl8dlsucWLmCW5e2N_7wcWdwQXZ4edor2Jr2rEFQ/s200/ula.png" height="145" width="200" /></a><b>Backpack</b>: <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://ula-equipment.com/circuit.asp" target="_blank">ULA Circuit</a></span></b> - Hands down the best pack I've ever owned! I've lost a lot of weight (~20 pounds) since I first purchased this pack a year and a half ago, but with all the adjustment options of this pack, I've always achieved a comfortable fit. </div>
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The pack looks, feels and performs flawlessly. It is plenty durable and still has lots of life left. This pack also carries a 25 - 35 pound load effortlessly. Can't say enough about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZtf3MLO0rE4VQRwWPmbSey9-gQpALVcT8DMqN8hSvJJJxOke0Hgem3BrEnub9TIGJCfN8X3MwqiQb29cD1fTOk-DmPT9vUo2mdFIf3mCMfGaGeEpGW1WxFKfbCZghj13U6bo8hPAW_w/s1600/groundsheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZtf3MLO0rE4VQRwWPmbSey9-gQpALVcT8DMqN8hSvJJJxOke0Hgem3BrEnub9TIGJCfN8X3MwqiQb29cD1fTOk-DmPT9vUo2mdFIf3mCMfGaGeEpGW1WxFKfbCZghj13U6bo8hPAW_w/s200/groundsheet.png" height="133" width="200" /></a><b>Tent: <span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/" target="_blank">Zpacks Hexamid Solo With Beak</a></span></b> - In a word: SOLID! Super lightweight and very waterproof. It also dries very quickly in the sun. The beak is very functional and keeps rain out of the tent when pitched correctly. </div>
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My most favorite feature of this tent is that the interior doesn't get wet when setting it up in the rain. While other people struggle with keeping precipitation out of their double wall tents, the Hexamid stays dry because when laid flat on the ground, the tent protects the interior space. It feels great getting into a dry tent after a wet day of hiking. </div>
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<b>Ground Sheet: <span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/" target="_blank">Zpacks Solo Cuben Ground Sheet</a> (Spring 2011 model)</span> </b>- This groundsheet is simply awesome. It's tough and lightweight - an excellent combo! Sure it's pricey, but it is well worth it because I can see this ground sheet lasting a very long time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoxnFyn8ZepdG3FUy4_KBdLZOZz89qSE0YN1ikq2-LveXp4Ch6USQd-hkW8P2mMaNTK4wZgBzdY59xnDueFJOlAy15oahNTu57ljcSUnUvY_6rDjloWznoFMohCBwBfVoxyo8kUS3Ogk/s1600/sleeping+bag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoxnFyn8ZepdG3FUy4_KBdLZOZz89qSE0YN1ikq2-LveXp4Ch6USQd-hkW8P2mMaNTK4wZgBzdY59xnDueFJOlAy15oahNTu57ljcSUnUvY_6rDjloWznoFMohCBwBfVoxyo8kUS3Ogk/s200/sleeping+bag.png" height="179" width="200" /></a><b>Sleeping Bag: <a href="http://montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=796&p_id=2321139" target="_blank">Montbell U.L. Super Spiral Down Hugger #3</a></b> - If you're like me and can't sleep comfortably in mummy bags, this bag is what you need! It's stretchy and perfect for those of us who move more during the night and require more space in our bags. I can easily stretch out in this bag with one leg bent in tree pose! </div>
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In regards to warmth, I'm a warm sleeper and this bag is great down to the mid to high thirties. When the temperature has dipped below that - to ~27 degrees - I've been plenty warm in the bag while wearing my down sweater. I highly recommend this bag. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTjN0k-QhqUsUoeDZjosl6NpsG5MWlQwL_BgDYmfpErfhxv4lxwBo3oy7z403snZYvb_AD6_I19mf9jcj5QDTVzVRsqK-G14Y83n3Gzi3xM4tHct6f-HLpqZtF9eEdgzlY9qY5nNcwDc/s1600/sleep+pad.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTjN0k-QhqUsUoeDZjosl6NpsG5MWlQwL_BgDYmfpErfhxv4lxwBo3oy7z403snZYvb_AD6_I19mf9jcj5QDTVzVRsqK-G14Y83n3Gzi3xM4tHct6f-HLpqZtF9eEdgzlY9qY5nNcwDc/s200/sleep+pad.png" height="200" width="80" /></a><b>Sleeping Pad</b> - <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/828460/rei-stratus-insulated-air-pad" target="_blank"><b>REI Stratus Insulated Air Pad</b></a> - A bit on the heavy side, but I tend to beat my gear up so it was the wise purchase as this air pad seems to be more durable than the competition. All I know is that it sure can take a beating and keep on ticking. And, <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-15-these-legs-were-built-for-walking.html" target="_blank">when it got wet during a night storm</a>, I stayed warm and dry. Great product. </div>
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Like with other regular size pads, it's a bit on the narrow side, so unless you opt for a longer, wider version, you're gonna have to find a way to get comfy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XyimC0ii8xy0JgVOqqjPcqLW9rTFHB1IdwhmITEE-kTi35e7fG7QBAjDYpRHBS3m7g3hA_XXkSIDYBgQ0JQcVRZVdLE4BxWMPtF-oKPYp6rshRgGpovk-viT7-J3esYKXLUSMf_UaIs/s1600/pack+liner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XyimC0ii8xy0JgVOqqjPcqLW9rTFHB1IdwhmITEE-kTi35e7fG7QBAjDYpRHBS3m7g3hA_XXkSIDYBgQ0JQcVRZVdLE4BxWMPtF-oKPYp6rshRgGpovk-viT7-J3esYKXLUSMf_UaIs/s200/pack+liner.png" height="200" width="94" /></a><b>Pack Liner</b> - <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/accessories/dry_bags.shtml" target="_blank">Zpacks Pack Liner</a></span></b> - I experienced 6 days of rain on the trail and all of my gear stowed in this dry bag stayed dry. I've never been a fan of pack covers, and I was very happy with my decision to go with this pack liner. </div>
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Joe of Zpacks makes very high quality and durable products. This dry bag comes with the seams taped so you don't have to worry about anything - just insert into your pack and you're ready to go. Yes, it's pricey, but it's very durable, lightweight, and very waterproof. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhwFbKxOBcPfzXQSSnknRMMwTAwmBrhbj9PTfbFcXn1vC9bJlY7JUwMHpFtRgA87SRDkCVfc3iE4QOFBllR53BwfIeM9mxDtghkgveKd4xY-dmtjuYNl4ObxO5aAcnmdLOu7-hRiUuDo/s1600/down+jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhwFbKxOBcPfzXQSSnknRMMwTAwmBrhbj9PTfbFcXn1vC9bJlY7JUwMHpFtRgA87SRDkCVfc3iE4QOFBllR53BwfIeM9mxDtghkgveKd4xY-dmtjuYNl4ObxO5aAcnmdLOu7-hRiUuDo/s200/down+jacket.png" height="198" width="200" /></a><b>Down Jacket - <a href="http://montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=70&p_id=2301344" target="_blank">Montbell EX Light Down Jacket</a> </b>- I LOVE this jacket!! I wear a size medium and it keeps me plenty warm down to 30 degrees. It's very comfortable and a perfect fit for my body. It is a bare minimum jacket with no pockets, but it is very lightweight, quite durable and great for layering. I highly recommend this jacket. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wxd9WevqW1HZo4ydlDQyqoD9Xh3Ou_i1nZXWDhltztuDoYAFkf3UyF5rmSHRtzFkSKV2T7_Zj4ePLNEPXQbz13STsEQrWhMQSOJ4yVIVCXG9We25tU2YYXh9ml_5RSiKrpz6lgq99us/s1600/rain+jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wxd9WevqW1HZo4ydlDQyqoD9Xh3Ou_i1nZXWDhltztuDoYAFkf3UyF5rmSHRtzFkSKV2T7_Zj4ePLNEPXQbz13STsEQrWhMQSOJ4yVIVCXG9We25tU2YYXh9ml_5RSiKrpz6lgq99us/s200/rain+jacket.png" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="139" /></a><b>Rain Jacket - <a href="http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/mens-helium-ii-jacket.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Helium</a> </b>- Very lightweight, very durable, very comfortable. It's waterproofness was put to the test for 6 days on the trail and kept me totally dry. </div>
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It also subs as my wind breaker. This jacket has kept me dry from the Sierra Nevadas to the jungles of Laos. It works!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8niv69Q6UjIY0RjcEBJ5dv-gQFrPlTb60O5jSYRpKnQfXyyaVcq7aSfV6bP4vKyyKqqnoihvx6ctFlxYTHcQJwpYytB9DWcs4Vv7W6b_JcN7JhcfoL4fY3Q7e_O385964FFKIniOzzXU/s1600/rain+pants.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8niv69Q6UjIY0RjcEBJ5dv-gQFrPlTb60O5jSYRpKnQfXyyaVcq7aSfV6bP4vKyyKqqnoihvx6ctFlxYTHcQJwpYytB9DWcs4Vv7W6b_JcN7JhcfoL4fY3Q7e_O385964FFKIniOzzXU/s200/rain+pants.png" height="200" width="198" /></a><b></b><br />
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Rain Pants - <a href="http://www.froggtoggs.com/?outerwear/driducks#outerwear/driducks/DS1204/" target="_blank">Frogg Toggs Dri Ducks UL</a> </b>- Cheap, lightweight and awesome. They are fragile and you can easily put multiple holes in them - by sitting on a rock for example, but with some care and mindfulness they will last a while and serve you well! </div>
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Did I mention I beat up my gear? Well, I almost put a hole in them the first day I wore them when I sat on a sharp rock. Lesson learned and from then on I've been more careful with them. Excellent piece of gear that also subs as my wind pants. Sure you won't win any fashion awards wearing these, but hey, as long as they get the job done, they have a place in my pack. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Cy9jfeVlmcant-2a1QX9pWHmwhyphenhyphen9m98ZF2Piy9nS3OvKhUx6DwrcbVADJgFQIr5GB7NNe3jpTVndRggErAzDwD-Www54cMYTFNfv7Rgmuto48PZnTDDVw8i9tvBdsYor0btD306iJQ/s1600/nike+shorts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Cy9jfeVlmcant-2a1QX9pWHmwhyphenhyphen9m98ZF2Piy9nS3OvKhUx6DwrcbVADJgFQIr5GB7NNe3jpTVndRggErAzDwD-Www54cMYTFNfv7Rgmuto48PZnTDDVw8i9tvBdsYor0btD306iJQ/s200/nike+shorts.png" height="200" width="166" /></a><b>Shorts - <a href="http://www.buy.com/prod/nike-five-inch-inseam-men-s-dri-fit-reflective-running-shorts/220308411.html" target="_blank">Nike Running Shorts</a> </b>- I love these shorts because of their versatility. I wore them when I took dips in rivers and lakes, on laundry days when I washed my pants, whenever I didn't want to wear pants, and since they have built in undies, whenever I washed my undies. </div>
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Weighing under 4 ounces, this is one piece of gear I will never think twice about taking with me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE8AnBe-8ZU_9wRezRlZSon-BogIaD1nZUQ13i5i9EsshfRwwVhIhdAzTiiZG_huM4umyGUhyjgwBFSLaLkUgV0M5hFpPqvrq2chpuYej04Pv_apb4QSy2rjwpTfCotIKDTFAdHSax9w/s1600/socks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE8AnBe-8ZU_9wRezRlZSon-BogIaD1nZUQ13i5i9EsshfRwwVhIhdAzTiiZG_huM4umyGUhyjgwBFSLaLkUgV0M5hFpPqvrq2chpuYej04Pv_apb4QSy2rjwpTfCotIKDTFAdHSax9w/s200/socks.png" height="173" width="200" /></a><b>Socks - <a href="http://www.darntough.com/hike-trek-1905.html" target="_blank">Darn Tough 1/4 Cushion Wool</a></b> - Durable, breathable, comfortable, and dry very quickly. And, with a lifetime warranty, how can you go wrong? </div>
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Make no mistake - socks are one of the most important pieces of gear for any hiker, and I've tried many pairs of socks from various manufacturers prior to these. For my feet and hiking style, these socks are the best fit I've found so far. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguQHM_egn12phXqOZyKV6HpfIn_lag6CLd3hzXXMp-G3rUJvLxMoMxx9JHgpZXdllbzFielB-M4ya7dmcPX6skPoLET7c9_sN53FoAdgcqkhJkh0intb6Ui6cVRoqh37H9Z1RRImX-tw/s1600/beanie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguQHM_egn12phXqOZyKV6HpfIn_lag6CLd3hzXXMp-G3rUJvLxMoMxx9JHgpZXdllbzFielB-M4ya7dmcPX6skPoLET7c9_sN53FoAdgcqkhJkh0intb6Ui6cVRoqh37H9Z1RRImX-tw/s200/beanie.png" height="200" width="194" /></a><b>Warm Hat - <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/mountain-hardwear-dome-perignon-beanie" target="_blank">Mountain Hardwear Wind Stopper Beanie</a> </b>- awesome. Awesome. AWESOME. </div>
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This is one of my favorite pieces of gear! I'm bald and wear this beanie when hiking in cooler weather, when lounging about at camp, and when I sleep. I LOVE it! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mAifCnDHf6rtkYNVEcv4Kw9l80mkUKH_N2Davx9XdUqI768f00_PkFQZHPElvAS_uGU0J1HQ0keK6uFgswgJ49CS0-ys0Unby8BaPsF0UUeSlrY3NJdmDuTikOvnvbuRnsBvIKdEHTw/s1600/gloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mAifCnDHf6rtkYNVEcv4Kw9l80mkUKH_N2Davx9XdUqI768f00_PkFQZHPElvAS_uGU0J1HQ0keK6uFgswgJ49CS0-ys0Unby8BaPsF0UUeSlrY3NJdmDuTikOvnvbuRnsBvIKdEHTw/s200/gloves.png" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="145" /></a><b>Gloves - <a href="http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Power-Stretch%C2%AE-Glove/OM2860,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Gloves</a></b> - Not a fan of these gloves. My fingers get really cold when the temps drop below 50 degrees and these gloves don't warm my hands. </div>
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On colder mornings (temps ranging from 30 degrees to 45 degrees), my fingers take over a half hour to get warm - even while hiking. They're also not very durable. Again, I beat up my gear so take that statement with a grain of salt, but for my needs, they just don't get the job done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKRf7B834SqmkWHxwtR1nWSfzSnqH4BFxpqTCz08GUT0ISPCDHHKpVG74l4fsrIjZuTTBVu9WyORHNuBbcL3k6Z80CZI9J5-KuAr6dPlNRVMdrspRAYZW_KsAqYGinTUecddKDpcTozY/s1600/cargo+pants.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKRf7B834SqmkWHxwtR1nWSfzSnqH4BFxpqTCz08GUT0ISPCDHHKpVG74l4fsrIjZuTTBVu9WyORHNuBbcL3k6Z80CZI9J5-KuAr6dPlNRVMdrspRAYZW_KsAqYGinTUecddKDpcTozY/s200/cargo+pants.png" height="200" width="168" /></a><b>Hiking Pants - <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/827076/rei-sahara-cargo-pants-mens-32-inseam" target="_blank">REI Saraha Cargo Pants</a> - </b>Durable, comfortable, lightweight, breathable. This is one piece of gear I purchased just prior to my hike. They outperformed my expectations and definitely won me over. </div>
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They fit well and are very water repellant. The only recommendation I have for REI is to offer them with insect repellant already applied. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBiyUFPX4Uqqkei6hHvhmxtyzyP_ZV7fVgYvTVHjvb5iNTmb_aoqcgCsElBCwc3xsWm-3pzS5_5-P0TcmiERn79UNTmZ10e7GuoYqUKxrCAWHXk3PyD_SISECtJwSpZJ67p-Q4MjS_s0/s1600/wool+shirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBiyUFPX4Uqqkei6hHvhmxtyzyP_ZV7fVgYvTVHjvb5iNTmb_aoqcgCsElBCwc3xsWm-3pzS5_5-P0TcmiERn79UNTmZ10e7GuoYqUKxrCAWHXk3PyD_SISECtJwSpZJ67p-Q4MjS_s0/s200/wool+shirt.png" height="178" width="200" /></a><b>Hiking Shirt</b> - <b><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/mens/baselayer/m-s-microweight-crew-42.html" target="_blank">Smartwool Microweight Long Sleeve</a></b> - Feels great next to my skin, dries quickly, and is far less stinky than polyester shirts. I wore this shirt for the last four consecutive days on the trail, and - without washing it - on the fifth day, I wore it on the bus and train rides back home. The shirt didn't smell at all. </div>
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These shirts are amazing and their anti-microbial properties are great! Sure, when the shirt gets wet from perspiration, and you wear it day after day without washing it, you start to smell like a sheep, but once dry, it is as good as new. I Love this shirt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowC81xBX_VErVYoNbej-adeBqna7A8pwGvDxycdOLgXjxygeC7NSTtQkcI-KTRqAkY64YvmCgrgm4GgTvi1S2o2W8g4wvTkUnRED8KGl5_uU9eCvideS8zCVVycgjAq4sbG53B-cpOcE/s1600/shoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowC81xBX_VErVYoNbej-adeBqna7A8pwGvDxycdOLgXjxygeC7NSTtQkcI-KTRqAkY64YvmCgrgm4GgTvi1S2o2W8g4wvTkUnRED8KGl5_uU9eCvideS8zCVVycgjAq4sbG53B-cpOcE/s200/shoes.png" height="147" width="200" /></a><b>Shoes - <a href="http://www.montrail.com/Men%27s-AT-Plus%E2%84%A2/GM2082_S,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Montrail AT Plus</a> </b>- I put over 300 miles on a pair of these in the span of a year prior to hitting the trail. They are super comfortable, very breathable, quick drying and have great grip. During the first 7 days on the JMT, my feet were happy in these shoes, but after day 8 my feet became battered and bruised. I felt every rock I stepped on. That's not a knock on the shoes, but rather my need for shoes with thicker soles. </div>
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I do want to warn you though..from day one, these shoes had a rubber like stench that never dissipated with use as Montrail's customer service team said they would. And, when the shoes got wet during stream crossings, the stench was amplified. Overall, great trail runners that are more durable than other brands. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyBuSKp4q8q0KYNHqk_wJlKQD_w4Gklidqbx0RdG0sK86GWUCa4eaZeTV84B_SrDQL-NyFdhi8Y-sk9ex-UXiJzgD_xRnG5NOOq0-F0zzvNK8GBmLgf22S9hZ5iSy39pcrHYTJcie8WA/s1600/gaiters.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyBuSKp4q8q0KYNHqk_wJlKQD_w4Gklidqbx0RdG0sK86GWUCa4eaZeTV84B_SrDQL-NyFdhi8Y-sk9ex-UXiJzgD_xRnG5NOOq0-F0zzvNK8GBmLgf22S9hZ5iSy39pcrHYTJcie8WA/s200/gaiters.png" height="134" width="200" /></a><b>Scree Gaiters - <a href="http://www.simblissity.net/levagaiter.htm" target="_blank">LevaGaiters</a> </b>- My favorite piece of gear!! Super easy to use - no glue, no velcro, no mess, no string looping around the bottom of the shoe. Simple and very effective. From day hikes to multi-day outings, I wear these babies everywhere. </div>
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They dry super quickly and breathe very well. They exceeded my expectations from day one and I can't say enough about these gaiters. They are awesome! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq4mWOFPAAydqo-OhrQYqRxH2xnAca3DQ4DUtmM3O3J3d85Yc_J2eULFcKHliA68coMMgmifGbJU_oDN-2UKqmlDCbsCYHzvG1CN6yEKvOY45Ad24hcOz4D3Rh8xm9tfNFyp2lF6GbMw/s1600/hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGq4mWOFPAAydqo-OhrQYqRxH2xnAca3DQ4DUtmM3O3J3d85Yc_J2eULFcKHliA68coMMgmifGbJU_oDN-2UKqmlDCbsCYHzvG1CN6yEKvOY45Ad24hcOz4D3Rh8xm9tfNFyp2lF6GbMw/s200/hat.png" height="200" width="111" /></a><b>Hat - <a href="http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/sun-runner-cap.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap</a></b> - Dorky yes, but effective? Totally! I'm not on the trail to win any fashion awards so I don't mind looking a bit goofy - very easy to accomplish with this hat. I also don't use sunblock so this hat saves my skin from the hot sun because it covers most of my face and neck very well. </div>
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It also stays put in windy conditions, dries very quickly and doesn't stink too badly. Love this hat! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutXeNDURON3XkQne1Ttua2fqzvLprHFuV0w2eAC1cwID2o_T2UaLR5JKrlXK1HrHmsI7Ms0KYmmWrbtkl4ybawQlNYewxGeylpz_N7_WGCgRjIZxXmWwFtkesp73v7VHyScvFhnIrqz8/s1600/fingerless+gloves.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutXeNDURON3XkQne1Ttua2fqzvLprHFuV0w2eAC1cwID2o_T2UaLR5JKrlXK1HrHmsI7Ms0KYmmWrbtkl4ybawQlNYewxGeylpz_N7_WGCgRjIZxXmWwFtkesp73v7VHyScvFhnIrqz8/s200/fingerless+gloves.png" height="200" width="193" /></a><b>Sun Gloves - <a href="http://www.coolibar.com/07001.html" target="_blank">Coolibar Fingerless Gloves</a></b> - This was another last minute purchase and I am very glad with my decision to buy them and more importantly to use them. Because I don't use sunblock, my hands take a beating. <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">Last year, while section hiking the JMT</a>, my hands got sun-burned (yes I applied sunblock liberally) and became very dry. These gloves saved my hands on my JMT hike this year. </div>
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I wasn't sure how comfortable they'd be, but lemme tell ya - they are super comfy. They are also very durable and dry quickly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-e1-81CKSHkT80LmQeMhyphenhyphent1NfJpX03kvnvV3jlCGfMtGl086-6QPHjg9P_tTMS2oB-Tn5cqkKfD3Y9-2Vy2L_lfVUHGfVn6NAVeZcGOfhtJdHymPpJ9yjr1IeOkOtyo_99_T2hvOpKk/s1600/silk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-e1-81CKSHkT80LmQeMhyphenhyphent1NfJpX03kvnvV3jlCGfMtGl086-6QPHjg9P_tTMS2oB-Tn5cqkKfD3Y9-2Vy2L_lfVUHGfVn6NAVeZcGOfhtJdHymPpJ9yjr1IeOkOtyo_99_T2hvOpKk/s200/silk.png" height="200" width="145" /></a><b>Sleepwear - <a href="http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___68159" target="_blank">Terramar Thermasilk EC2 Long Sleeve Top</a> <a href="http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___68160" target="_blank">and Bottom</a></b> - These seem very brittle because they are super thin but they've lasted for two backpacking seasons and don't have a single hole in 'em yet! </div>
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They feel awesome next to my skin and I love wearing them in my sleeping bag. I've never hiked in them and don't plan to as they are solely part of my sleep system, but I love em and wouldn't wear anything else. They provide enough warmth for me as I'm a warm sleeper and the funk factor is very minimal. Great product. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1Aom6S850YsPR-7Vch_-TE5II2Qo1wLBzAmrZ64xrbzo5fw-wP0s1vm72RKqV4n9Od3VudIppGMeDioh5-0lcgX8a2Dw8MDxrgbI13tzAja510jdgfTlUS7TCsKpCwP4KUUUUvHPBhA/s1600/down+booties.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1Aom6S850YsPR-7Vch_-TE5II2Qo1wLBzAmrZ64xrbzo5fw-wP0s1vm72RKqV4n9Od3VudIppGMeDioh5-0lcgX8a2Dw8MDxrgbI13tzAja510jdgfTlUS7TCsKpCwP4KUUUUvHPBhA/s200/down+booties.png" height="177" width="200" /></a><b>Sleeping Socks -<a href="https://goosefeetgear.com/products/1-down-socks" target="_blank"> Goosefeet Down Socks</a> (+ 1 oz extra down, size large)</b> - I purchased these after a cold night of camping in Virginia last year. They are as light as a pair of thick wool socks but WAY warmer. Sure they are more expensive, but I did not have cold feet one night on the John Muir Trail. </div>
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The quality of these socks is exceptional and they are super comfortable. I'm very happy with this purchase. I have worn them down to 30 degrees and my feet have stayed very warm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA65UMId9zlWdGPAS-BXpzqQ7f4gOPvnaNJOcPbVQYOzJwy7jBCmzO8vqXyBQznhyphenhyphen_OwOFV3CLgVre5zHu3FFY7yJEAGHioDYrKKP5qfbwkVtASz-fLtsm11oZKBjCSfZn0ESwSiLjFI/s1600/trek+poles.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA65UMId9zlWdGPAS-BXpzqQ7f4gOPvnaNJOcPbVQYOzJwy7jBCmzO8vqXyBQznhyphenhyphen_OwOFV3CLgVre5zHu3FFY7yJEAGHioDYrKKP5qfbwkVtASz-fLtsm11oZKBjCSfZn0ESwSiLjFI/s200/trek+poles.png" height="200" width="68" /></a></div>
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<b>Trekking Poles - <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/leki-voyager-trekking-poles" target="_blank">Leki Voyager</a></b> - Not a fan of them on cold mornings, especially after rainstorms because they are very hard to unlock. </div>
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Otherwise, they are great poles and relatively lightweight for the price. The grips feel great and the poles are plenty durable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_DBiJR010UJDANrw3WSeQ44ZJ7lC9vmSdpMdalp29F21UhbloJo0ggJB-hw_od4fOkdYf2P2C8s2UlOQS3LSopsQzh8RAke2bMmKkJYYSdwKPIfOALCFvKotWl_wRHK1mFi5_SAd1A4/s1600/granite+gear+air+pockets+w%253Asil+net.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_DBiJR010UJDANrw3WSeQ44ZJ7lC9vmSdpMdalp29F21UhbloJo0ggJB-hw_od4fOkdYf2P2C8s2UlOQS3LSopsQzh8RAke2bMmKkJYYSdwKPIfOALCFvKotWl_wRHK1mFi5_SAd1A4/s200/granite+gear+air+pockets+w%253Asil+net.png" height="165" width="200" /></a><b>Ditty Bags - <a href="http://www.granitegearstore.com/Air-Pockets-P78C50.aspx" target="_blank">Granite Gear Air Pockets</a></b><a href="http://www.granitegearstore.com/Air-Pockets-P78C50.aspx" target="_blank"> <b>(Medium)</b></a> - I applied Sil Net to these weather resistant bags (equipped with water resistant zippers) in hopes they would keep my maps (outside my pack) and electronics (inside my pack) dry. </div>
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Glad to report that they worked flawlessly! The external bag got rained on for six days and held up very well - not a drop of water inside the bag! These bags are very lightweight, durable and well worth the $. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJc0cv-F5miTgZHyBIMcfFAAKLRhy4G5kqGc5zQmVGNYPSt0o1IK4CporK1YbR82cxie1SJmnfrrpolqpkHRa2Cg-7DQWk0PMu3knFLhX8JLc4mQWI_VJ127-9pEURQuv0O889IYAO8o/s1600/water+bottle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJc0cv-F5miTgZHyBIMcfFAAKLRhy4G5kqGc5zQmVGNYPSt0o1IK4CporK1YbR82cxie1SJmnfrrpolqpkHRa2Cg-7DQWk0PMu3knFLhX8JLc4mQWI_VJ127-9pEURQuv0O889IYAO8o/s200/water+bottle.png" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Water Bottles - <a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/platypus/water-bottles/plusbottle/product" target="_blank">Platypus 1 Liter PlusBottle With Push Caps</a></b> - These bottles are my favorite for the trail. They are light, pack up small when not in use, plenty durable and easy to clean. What more can you want from a bottle? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuuxdZFyJuy9rcHaO-lrWuez0ORlTrBkpgy0zhygGH9dxdcHU_w43mH5spNv2FN9fq6jtwZobhxijG7iOkS7xWhnaqtHSRGBO5n7jHbRNowV5OghZyVQ1Z8FMtKX44TGnaSplyLdjXbA/s1600/jar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuuxdZFyJuy9rcHaO-lrWuez0ORlTrBkpgy0zhygGH9dxdcHU_w43mH5spNv2FN9fq6jtwZobhxijG7iOkS7xWhnaqtHSRGBO5n7jHbRNowV5OghZyVQ1Z8FMtKX44TGnaSplyLdjXbA/s200/jar.png" height="200" width="121" /></a></div>
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<b>Food Pot - <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000893&N=&Ntt=750+ml" target="_blank">Decor 750mL Round Screw Top Container</a></b> - This BPA free, plastic container is very durable, lightweight, and surprisingly watertight. I packed teflon tape to apply to this container but never used it as nothing ever leaked from this container. Very happy with this purchase. This is my preferred container of choice on stove less trips. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaZVppBhyCrjDCiRkAYKmmIgFmgjAcWMjGhAcUaMIhnZok4BrskFDgns0Z8u1wzlNZtpwdhLkoqG2_y1SU7azqag1NFLq3JOwT50vSFgnYTP0c1ZWFPxk_53Uzu01y9GoYJlo5NqwWtg/s1600/nutrasilver.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaZVppBhyCrjDCiRkAYKmmIgFmgjAcWMjGhAcUaMIhnZok4BrskFDgns0Z8u1wzlNZtpwdhLkoqG2_y1SU7azqag1NFLq3JOwT50vSFgnYTP0c1ZWFPxk_53Uzu01y9GoYJlo5NqwWtg/s200/nutrasilver.png" height="200" width="80" /></a><b>Water Treatment - <a href="http://www.nutrasilver.com/blogs/water-purification-remedies" target="_blank">NutraSilver Colloidal Silver</a> </b>- This product peaked more interest from others on the trail than my diet/food or any other piece of gear. Hands down, this product is the best, most efficient and easiest water treatment system available, period! The last thing I want to do on the trail is filter up to 5 liters of water each day. I'm too lazy for that. With this awesome product, all I have to do is add 1 drop to 1 liter of water, wait 15 to 20 minutes, and enjoy. </div>
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NutraSilver does not alter the taste of the water at all, although it does turn the water a yellow color. It also stains my Platypus bottles but those are non-issues for me. What matters to me is that I have NEVER gotten sick in the backcountry while using this product. It's super lightweight, super compact, super effective. I LOVE it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldrZ8fLUjGl2PJ6GlN59O4Mi955mJ0hyphenhyphenf9kZyaZULHJc2Mu3WpEYw5v4XVS4-zqvWmY66KGAsGM4Qpm3LPOaWOb6gQsLb-Xi-2Mw9rLS_gg3CJEyaBM2h8ea-kLDXgkrVllg0HQgg18s/s1600/bearikade.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldrZ8fLUjGl2PJ6GlN59O4Mi955mJ0hyphenhyphenf9kZyaZULHJc2Mu3WpEYw5v4XVS4-zqvWmY66KGAsGM4Qpm3LPOaWOb6gQsLb-Xi-2Mw9rLS_gg3CJEyaBM2h8ea-kLDXgkrVllg0HQgg18s/s200/bearikade.png" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
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<b>Bear Canister - <a href="http://www.wild-ideas.net/the-weekender/" target="_blank">Bearikade Weekender</a> </b>- This bear can is lightweight, spacious and very user friendly. But as I found out on the John Muir Trail, it is not waterproof. Water does enter through the screws. Not a major issue though.</div>
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If I have to use a bear can, I prefer this one every time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt3c2kQ3M-HLcjBkvbkIBmXSnYVIZzlbFuKkQwP4RutyVdMcWYah3-AFaqsigtJ6hOk8U2aGg3MOf2FVmmb1Zxp_1FzATHj3cDWjgxpAqUZBDERwoY3XSm9QeW9jxD7TvwEIpbkiBjs4/s1600/camera.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtt3c2kQ3M-HLcjBkvbkIBmXSnYVIZzlbFuKkQwP4RutyVdMcWYah3-AFaqsigtJ6hOk8U2aGg3MOf2FVmmb1Zxp_1FzATHj3cDWjgxpAqUZBDERwoY3XSm9QeW9jxD7TvwEIpbkiBjs4/s200/camera.png" height="145" width="200" /></a><b>Camera - <a href="http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-SZ7K" target="_blank">Panasonic SZ7</a> </b>- This is a great camera at a great price with many great features. It's best feature is the wide angle lens. For the price, you can't beat it. It even takes panorama photos. </div>
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But be very careful. It is not a waterproof camera and you have to be very careful not to get it wet. I experienced 6 days of rain on the trail and my camera paid the price. I did take pictures the first day I hiked in the rain and after that day, the camera developed a black spot in the lens. Lesson learned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmiUU9oPDpLhV33RDctYf68qtfqx_O3K0hepFJ-79_sXIMdjOfiMdyp6e3pMJVL6x4vRuueRnTczmLKqd65XBCiejT_QDhonz9zzi4Q2-UFEVpAd9-UmhAlyNg0_upCzu6XLxmDUaQvo/s1600/battery+pack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmiUU9oPDpLhV33RDctYf68qtfqx_O3K0hepFJ-79_sXIMdjOfiMdyp6e3pMJVL6x4vRuueRnTczmLKqd65XBCiejT_QDhonz9zzi4Q2-UFEVpAd9-UmhAlyNg0_upCzu6XLxmDUaQvo/s200/battery+pack.png" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Battery Pack - <a href="http://www.ianker.com/Anker-Astro-5600mAh-External-battery-External%20Baterry/goods-40.html?&cat_id=17&line_id=114" target="_blank">Anker Astro 5600mAh</a></b> - Fantastic product! I charged my phone (equipped with an extended battery) twice and my camera 4 times on the trail and it still had 25% juice left. </div>
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It is very durable, well made and super easy to use. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvGadAtnzNQCqDKlBCKQJbvRFj0TK1VIk4KzYCVmpU1Bp0kjQTmxiMMQhyR9ARDSMEDniCY6hY7dgV5uRS9KWmE_3QZnNpXeQgV6q2FzJiGZSqJX3GajGBgoFSpVYrLJtTOC6PNX-3xU/s1600/spot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvGadAtnzNQCqDKlBCKQJbvRFj0TK1VIk4KzYCVmpU1Bp0kjQTmxiMMQhyR9ARDSMEDniCY6hY7dgV5uRS9KWmE_3QZnNpXeQgV6q2FzJiGZSqJX3GajGBgoFSpVYrLJtTOC6PNX-3xU/s200/spot.png" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
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<b>Satellite Communicator - <a href="http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116" target="_blank">SPOT Connect</a> - </b>In a word - unreliable. I sent messages everyday from the trail and only about 60% of them were received. IMO, it's not worth the $$ for the unit and the $ for the annual subscription for something that works part of the time. </div>
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I never used the SOS feature so I can't report on that function, but for updating people on your whereabouts, its not very reliable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUfKDJ7XizKykijGHFee8tJb9X031oZFSGtRcnTTkFjSQjcvABR6yRyS9uHIYC6IBTPVc3-f9Ky6va6FI7ilJHPMFLc3QKOh7XC9VFSXlHp0cqqFwpPb5llFROoXIEUYe40tFFyQb53M/s1600/atlas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUfKDJ7XizKykijGHFee8tJb9X031oZFSGtRcnTTkFjSQjcvABR6yRyS9uHIYC6IBTPVc3-f9Ky6va6FI7ilJHPMFLc3QKOh7XC9VFSXlHp0cqqFwpPb5llFROoXIEUYe40tFFyQb53M/s200/atlas.png" height="200" width="130" /></a><b>Maps</b> - <b><a href="http://johnmuirtrailmap.com/" target="_blank">Blackwood Press JMT Atlas</a></b> - Very good atlas. Many people besides myself benefited from this atlas on the trail and at resupply points. From Post Office information, to shorter distances between two points, to the elevation profile of the entire trail, this atlas has it all. It makes planning your trip and your day very easy.</div>
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Yes, it is more expensive than the Harrison Map pack (which I also had but hardly used), but it is well worth the $. </div>
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**If there's anything I didn't cover from <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/p/gear-list.html" target="_blank">my gear</a> that you're curious about, <a href="mailto:johnmuirtrail2012@gmail.com" target="_blank">drop me a line</a> and I'll review it.**</div>
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-22265880355178655052012-09-22T09:29:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:26:14.028-07:00JMT Fun FactsBelow are a few (fun) facts from my John Muir Trail thru-hike. I found it fun and therapeutic to keep track of these things at night.<br />
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*Nerd Alert* Prior to getting on the trail, I created an excel spreadsheet of the things I wanted to keep track of, printed it out, and stapled it to my JMT Atlas.<br />
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Ok, here goes...<br />
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Total Miles Hiked: 232<br />
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Total # of Days Hiked: 16<br />
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# of Days Off: 0<br />
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Shortest Day: 4.3 miles<br />
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Longest Day: 19.4 miles<br />
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# of Times I Used A Toilet On Trail: 3<br />
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Consecutive Days Without a Shower: 4<br />
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Lake/River Showers: 7<br />
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Consecutive Days Without Laundry: 3<br />
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Lake/River Laundry: 5<br />
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Days Hiked Solo: 11<br />
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Nights Camped Solo: 7<br />
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Got Lost/Took Wrong Turn: Once (<a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-5-expanding-my-comfort-zones.html" target="_blank">Day 5</a>)<br />
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Rainy Days/Nights: 6<br />
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Blisters/Hot Spots: 3<br />
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# of Times I lost My Temper: Once (<span id="goog_155201583"></span><a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-12-sore-feet-sore-body-great-spirits.html" target="_blank">Day 12</a><span id="goog_155201584"></span>)<br />
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Items Lost On Trail: 1 (Sunglasses on <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-8-half-way.html" target="_blank">Day 8</a>)<br />
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Damaged Gear: 1 (Camera that got wet, developed black spot in lens)<br />
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Weight Lost During Hike: 0 Lbs. (That's right, I didn't lose ANY weight!)<br />
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<br />andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-75586312997294130012012-09-14T10:08:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:26:26.127-07:00Day 16: Mt. Whitney<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Thursday, August 15, 2012<br />
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Guitar Lake (mile 217.2) to Whitney Portal (mile 232).<br />
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Today's miles: 14.8<br />
Trip miles: 232<br />
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Last night, around 8 pm, it began to sprinkle. I thought, ”here we go again.” But, the skies cleared shortly after.<br />
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Around 11pm, the wind picked up and I thought, ”here we go again.” The wind howled all night long, but no precipitation accompanied the cooler temperatures.<br />
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At 4 am, I woke up, got dressed, broke camp, topped off my water, ate two bars for breakfast, and was on the trail by 4:54 am. It was a chilli, slightly windy, starry morning - perfect for hiking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ready to summit!!</td></tr>
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The hiking was rather uneventful with my headlamp on, but that all changed after 5:45 am.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the show is about to begin</td></tr>
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I could not have had a better day to summit Mt. Whitney. Blue skies dominated as the storm clouds took the day off. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitchcock Lakes and Mt. Hitchcock </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUleoB33F8RL_1ezIcNqn0_q3pUECaKxJjHyDEaXGnY7f8oC1NdnNqFNTgCqx1TGzKs1GfBxUtWY-hbLIkvbddx340YTlzrwOWoz0OG4M1YxBuqtjGYj_3mbZnVJNRThJLOZqBYnyTkXY/s1600/P1010685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUleoB33F8RL_1ezIcNqn0_q3pUECaKxJjHyDEaXGnY7f8oC1NdnNqFNTgCqx1TGzKs1GfBxUtWY-hbLIkvbddx340YTlzrwOWoz0OG4M1YxBuqtjGYj_3mbZnVJNRThJLOZqBYnyTkXY/s640/P1010685.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">surreal trail up to Mt. Whitney trail junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8cyxSABUm8sF0AWhfbvfrlny8F99NnizRJAnxy915dKlQguyIKncIedIkCSOT-YysIDamDZ7Zdbo2QlifXvmCE76gD_wDTgXnvmGVwXr2HBA37SQ_K8pR6IgBSl20XGCVU6Vvto4HNM/s1600/P1010688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8cyxSABUm8sF0AWhfbvfrlny8F99NnizRJAnxy915dKlQguyIKncIedIkCSOT-YysIDamDZ7Zdbo2QlifXvmCE76gD_wDTgXnvmGVwXr2HBA37SQ_K8pR6IgBSl20XGCVU6Vvto4HNM/s640/P1010688.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very well maintained trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0TBLbOwP00ICrB2eaQwtEOTXeaIOFHmNI_8NVM15jp6Gxrqol6lNcoqS38Kbs-S6sWCItGrjLuBO54aCQtW2BeDmVYAfRxNmQLXcyzhG0a7oU8Q63v16unO6m6ubebaqyzv4f5zEktY/s1600/P1010690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0TBLbOwP00ICrB2eaQwtEOTXeaIOFHmNI_8NVM15jp6Gxrqol6lNcoqS38Kbs-S6sWCItGrjLuBO54aCQtW2BeDmVYAfRxNmQLXcyzhG0a7oU8Q63v16unO6m6ubebaqyzv4f5zEktY/s640/P1010690.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guitar Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbOC17eNWejZwZs7ILlsFAWHIpZYgbV53f9oKh6nUlYci-_OftxYUi6-Y4gwAQ_amot0lK9CyLZgAIvEMV4FzVcjeWDLKyAiXa21NJ4ttO6VyTe7Ty9ThXCJAaciDjNpQxZATe-0pOyo/s1600/P1010691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbOC17eNWejZwZs7ILlsFAWHIpZYgbV53f9oKh6nUlYci-_OftxYUi6-Y4gwAQ_amot0lK9CyLZgAIvEMV4FzVcjeWDLKyAiXa21NJ4ttO6VyTe7Ty9ThXCJAaciDjNpQxZATe-0pOyo/s640/P1010691.JPG" height="214" width="640" /></a></div>
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At 6:38 am, I made it to the Mt. Whitney junction, where I dropped off my pack, took my daypack - essentially my clothing drysack stuffed with food, water and clothes, and made my way towards Mt. Whitney.<br />
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The trail to Whitney is super scenic, other-worldly, slippery and at times very sketchy - requiring some boulder hopping. This trail definitely makes you earn your summit. In fact, the entire trail makes you earn it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivTe81dIb-ii-7PpfIUjfEg53BB1f07BIC7Ht36dbYRnPf5opTn7wZr2s_0iBE8k4p3clLmBcdnUx7lPhudXpag8tztadRGxcPktq2JDKaVtT-xWgcvocRw27k4LNBI8bwbDUVMUejl0/s1600/P1010693.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivTe81dIb-ii-7PpfIUjfEg53BB1f07BIC7Ht36dbYRnPf5opTn7wZr2s_0iBE8k4p3clLmBcdnUx7lPhudXpag8tztadRGxcPktq2JDKaVtT-xWgcvocRw27k4LNBI8bwbDUVMUejl0/s640/P1010693.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just before 8 am I summited Mt. Whitney. It was VERY cold with the wind chill making it even colder. My fingers were frozen solid in a matter of minutes. I took a few celebratory pictures at the summit, or shall I say, asked my new friends Laurie and Richard to take my photo, and was outta there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH5724z-ZAEl82KW-c3xUnaVIG6CXG87NHomyBQRXCi_F4J-m2l35Bd3wxXUu1W-sGXvtOPCfnfJbzZxgvecB8c0sbhBpBPBCxiJZNXW0pE5ynL-vmakmeLid3v44sB3Nz8wH_X7-768/s1600/P1010694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH5724z-ZAEl82KW-c3xUnaVIG6CXG87NHomyBQRXCi_F4J-m2l35Bd3wxXUu1W-sGXvtOPCfnfJbzZxgvecB8c0sbhBpBPBCxiJZNXW0pE5ynL-vmakmeLid3v44sB3Nz8wH_X7-768/s640/P1010694.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Needles...almost there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XnNHYL9IMg0QMfnXB_BtrQNk2mCt9p7uyhAjKiv8x4amPz7ht3WUx5XI87Ag6md4sMc_GCB4cg1NoN-oK6VzWGEdhV9cfTvSmw7_aHYPy-zN6EZ8scEXSuHMiEaMW-2bgFIL2UqocAo/s1600/P1010697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XnNHYL9IMg0QMfnXB_BtrQNk2mCt9p7uyhAjKiv8x4amPz7ht3WUx5XI87Ag6md4sMc_GCB4cg1NoN-oK6VzWGEdhV9cfTvSmw7_aHYPy-zN6EZ8scEXSuHMiEaMW-2bgFIL2UqocAo/s640/P1010697.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no caption required</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs8mWLWpopb6t9luHUFIjeHHL2Y3xsqdORnXVK0QsjDU64Xh1jYZtjbmxTiYKdbuwIDZDqLXgjR8FWdBf44eWibVntp9QXbN8SvZzVxB85NeTRTeDnrtMlBqN02M-RT3-9ElK9LOmW3I/s1600/P1010698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs8mWLWpopb6t9luHUFIjeHHL2Y3xsqdORnXVK0QsjDU64Xh1jYZtjbmxTiYKdbuwIDZDqLXgjR8FWdBf44eWibVntp9QXbN8SvZzVxB85NeTRTeDnrtMlBqN02M-RT3-9ElK9LOmW3I/s640/P1010698.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEAUTIFUL day to summit a grand mountain! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd1kJ99_ylfXCsT-ZoFouVLCX7OPs7FZkWi86_byDmE_MjQB3OzIM9cH8ENSkj1I_RvFncipOcgtHyeCiSGnrz8ItyTlqbLJUE-DaLcrqlg8o5xOWIAE39-LUfY-_dnhOrDV0Ru75tsk/s1600/P1010700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd1kJ99_ylfXCsT-ZoFouVLCX7OPs7FZkWi86_byDmE_MjQB3OzIM9cH8ENSkj1I_RvFncipOcgtHyeCiSGnrz8ItyTlqbLJUE-DaLcrqlg8o5xOWIAE39-LUfY-_dnhOrDV0Ru75tsk/s640/P1010700.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">weather station atop Mt. Whitney with register just left of center</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZxgz7Te997KzJA7z2Dz1LGYerGE2SvZ64riKFiI_6Q2zUd8n4FN4_ymh5iHsOlJ69AGtwqYVUekmuBomMa2S3peL6VXd_XZlGykyVFxjb3KGhSTN5DPoEG0Usd0YQ3Ks6YYMoXndzzw/s1600/P1010701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZxgz7Te997KzJA7z2Dz1LGYerGE2SvZ64riKFiI_6Q2zUd8n4FN4_ymh5iHsOlJ69AGtwqYVUekmuBomMa2S3peL6VXd_XZlGykyVFxjb3KGhSTN5DPoEG0Usd0YQ3Ks6YYMoXndzzw/s640/P1010701.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no door = too cold to hang out in the hut</td></tr>
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During the descent which literally had the wind pushing me off the mountain, I ran into Dwight and Chris. Great guys. Congrats to them on their successful hike of the John Muir Trail.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRJZ0suPeYvyDYDPYwGGWh0r3HvHNCn2n2KrvTXP3Y5VtD23-97OBDZ1SACk-dQd_yBP2ldtbUg6Um9-4umcsP_Y5_3N0RAlOmPunVUVuvsXExHIPMX3SnDpPvhz_ErB0J2P2gASOt0g/s1600/P1010702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRJZ0suPeYvyDYDPYwGGWh0r3HvHNCn2n2KrvTXP3Y5VtD23-97OBDZ1SACk-dQd_yBP2ldtbUg6Um9-4umcsP_Y5_3N0RAlOmPunVUVuvsXExHIPMX3SnDpPvhz_ErB0J2P2gASOt0g/s640/P1010702.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left to right: Chris, me, Dwight</td></tr>
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I hurried to catch up to Laurie after chattin with the boys for a few freezing minutes because I enjoyed talking away the miles with her. Laurie made the 11 mile, knee shattering descent to Whitney Portal pleasureable :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnsoqRXBrvcvp5WwwuoOLTLuUgDHy7h57SyU3WBAtTGUDuDDjKrth7TWONKjxMhMHPLzoB2_hGngP7S0ZF4GfBZW6XgOUC3I-9SPJFjHNb9d_ApzBjshh10vcYf_u4ei7gQSxTA3pV80/s1600/P1010703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnsoqRXBrvcvp5WwwuoOLTLuUgDHy7h57SyU3WBAtTGUDuDDjKrth7TWONKjxMhMHPLzoB2_hGngP7S0ZF4GfBZW6XgOUC3I-9SPJFjHNb9d_ApzBjshh10vcYf_u4ei7gQSxTA3pV80/s640/P1010703.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guitar Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOtWCgzwZK1zzH3gXhFhRzCe7QzxGHDLEqnvmetVTgQtGNeokPdWj55ch4WzwtMoKh0t2yc4z2ruhEpYBxwQuK7zJy0Nnk7hux_s2kFWGNarAZNmsgA9HRr3Z21BCbdtc0aIyUPaxnRo/s1600/P1010704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOtWCgzwZK1zzH3gXhFhRzCe7QzxGHDLEqnvmetVTgQtGNeokPdWj55ch4WzwtMoKh0t2yc4z2ruhEpYBxwQuK7zJy0Nnk7hux_s2kFWGNarAZNmsgA9HRr3Z21BCbdtc0aIyUPaxnRo/s640/P1010704.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Whitney junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19Izg9T9mGW8YaZWuIHkHTB12rCLhXXFGgWDKetqNWpctuKePPQMaj2buo5ZoetmFMjTL6Wq0qmFavM7eIbGy2Jq1GimG9zc-Q6A1M90J-V80q4gn0tYqH25EeX9-kewejpUnRm9tRcI/s1600/P1010705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19Izg9T9mGW8YaZWuIHkHTB12rCLhXXFGgWDKetqNWpctuKePPQMaj2buo5ZoetmFMjTL6Wq0qmFavM7eIbGy2Jq1GimG9zc-Q6A1M90J-V80q4gn0tYqH25EeX9-kewejpUnRm9tRcI/s640/P1010705.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards Lone Pine with Consultation Lake right of center</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQyvLvAxLUL2DPr6Xd8oZ70a9Haij-sgiu4Z_Do6QKRpFpyU2EZOXGQCcnqCSd1OlC1G4-KkussW52AW5JcLTDVqBP6685PkszQkUZYBTIGfO5ucuaGM7Ni-98vawKFKDrZfldQ9b_9o/s1600/P1010706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQyvLvAxLUL2DPr6Xd8oZ70a9Haij-sgiu4Z_Do6QKRpFpyU2EZOXGQCcnqCSd1OlC1G4-KkussW52AW5JcLTDVqBP6685PkszQkUZYBTIGfO5ucuaGM7Ni-98vawKFKDrZfldQ9b_9o/s640/P1010706.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rugged but beautiful mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6kI5kMqoyP0zMeHx3hwC9OjimlRPzHhzhgJpxC2AKrXpl2yo2mbQu3fpC0BcUyEYESKqsru53L2-DhVwhOtOBQqUcwZN1JXC_PDKmpQmoZUNRZOTIbmywHw562bXt5sY8jgYmw1iy_0/s1600/P1010707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6kI5kMqoyP0zMeHx3hwC9OjimlRPzHhzhgJpxC2AKrXpl2yo2mbQu3fpC0BcUyEYESKqsru53L2-DhVwhOtOBQqUcwZN1JXC_PDKmpQmoZUNRZOTIbmywHw562bXt5sY8jgYmw1iy_0/s640/P1010707.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the infamous 99 switchbacks</td></tr>
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We even stopped off at Lone Pine Lake where she took a dip and I soaked my feet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOCpNXEkI3Dg1NZqIN6HKhrhgsVWtBgCK-hB563N8bwe9yhADZqXZhW1zvMXQqqMwg-TO9EwZmdS8a1SSiTdnrI8z0GoUYqzDan54H2du7K-qSld_mG9LSHd_PZZctDzWA5Xd_KWm2RA/s1600/P1010710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOCpNXEkI3Dg1NZqIN6HKhrhgsVWtBgCK-hB563N8bwe9yhADZqXZhW1zvMXQqqMwg-TO9EwZmdS8a1SSiTdnrI8z0GoUYqzDan54H2du7K-qSld_mG9LSHd_PZZctDzWA5Xd_KWm2RA/s640/P1010710.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lone Pine Lake </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxC3Ue19xIDUwNU4QiX1oA_7HyVrs9g6A1F9JQB6jAyHsju5JjF0bmSVlwnBiYrkFW1ys4qeSjglCBEx2W4u51H31PYgo7ZBQTEoAwLRgD-P30zBnlo7-gHDrHr35Am4bpfFLkYAKhlM/s1600/P1010711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxC3Ue19xIDUwNU4QiX1oA_7HyVrs9g6A1F9JQB6jAyHsju5JjF0bmSVlwnBiYrkFW1ys4qeSjglCBEx2W4u51H31PYgo7ZBQTEoAwLRgD-P30zBnlo7-gHDrHr35Am4bpfFLkYAKhlM/s640/P1010711.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone Pine Lake - one of my favorite lakes in the Sierras</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurie and I making our way to Whitney Portal after leaving Lone Pine Lake</td></tr>
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At Whitney Portal, we ran into Chris and Dwight again who were enjoying a generous serving of cheese fries and washing it down with cold beers. <br />
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I too splurged and ordered fries (no cheese) and enjoyed a beer. It's a shame that just as my fries were ready, Richard and Laurie had to leave. I didn't get their contact info or a picture. Bummer.<br />
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I needed to hitch into Lone Pine to crash there for the night, and Dave, friends with Chris offered me a ride. Thanks Dave!<br />
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I checked into the Dow Villa Hotel and immediately took a shower. It felt so good to have hot water touch my skin for the first time in 16 days. That was without a doubt the longest shower I have ever taken.<br />
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There hasn't been much time for reflection as I spent most of the evening chatting with patrons of the hotel, and figuring out my ride situation back to Los Angeles tomorrow. Not to worry though, because that will happen in due time. <br />
<br />
For now, I'm tired and need to sleep. It's hiker midnight and even though I'm in a hotel room and not in the woods, I'm still on mountain time.<br />
<strike>-----</strike> <br />
”Your footsteps may not always be loud, but your footprints leave a silent message of where your soul has traveled.” ~Samantha Strosberg<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-16806455861193036582012-09-13T12:01:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:26:34.708-07:00Day 15: These Legs Were Built For Walking<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Wednesday, August 22, 2012<br />
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1.5 miles south of Center Basin Creek (mile 198.6) to Guitar Lake (mile 217.2).<br />
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Today's miles: 18.6<br />
Trip miles: 217.2<br />
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Today started out as a frightening, restless, wet day but blossomed into yet another fabulous, fulfilling day of hiking.<br />
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When I went to bed last night, the skies had cleared and the universe displayed millions of its finest stars for my viewing pleasure. It was beautiful. But that all changed around midnight. The ol' saying goes: "It never rains at night in the Sierras during summer." Someone forgot to tell that to the vicious storm that soaked us from 3 am til 6 am. But the rain and wind weren't the only factors..the lightning and thunder were downright scary!<br />
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I'll let the videos provide the details.<br />
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Needless to say, I got a late start as the rain didn't stop til just after 6 am. I hit the trail at 8 am and felt great. So too did my legs and feet, despite a restless night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJX6TjWn73fghNFFFg46Et7pjVsAHg9diuKcVu3t8ssxGKbIOOE6FhCr8n9uoKHO71zd9MTl3Fx3GWsV4bYqDMRKL26MUVRKoHAkbVgaxfz0WzkCtrND8Ex_i7fMID6jlV6tNd486HQo/s1600/P1010623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJX6TjWn73fghNFFFg46Et7pjVsAHg9diuKcVu3t8ssxGKbIOOE6FhCr8n9uoKHO71zd9MTl3Fx3GWsV4bYqDMRKL26MUVRKoHAkbVgaxfz0WzkCtrND8Ex_i7fMID6jlV6tNd486HQo/s640/P1010623.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold morning after a wet night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rough trail headed to Forester Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rugged and beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ae0s9ufGvsme6GCAfdwj_AiAqVzIT8Lr5oW2HTfjyBHDBBLjnxUSIyiE4H2oXEj11-TtJ4L3HC4oVrBGxoV5INOpPzcz96gFCIp8jLABZWXCyACnhq-ikhZnjeNrhXY2dWMNylo__0s/s1600/P1010633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ae0s9ufGvsme6GCAfdwj_AiAqVzIT8Lr5oW2HTfjyBHDBBLjnxUSIyiE4H2oXEj11-TtJ4L3HC4oVrBGxoV5INOpPzcz96gFCIp8jLABZWXCyACnhq-ikhZnjeNrhXY2dWMNylo__0s/s640/P1010633.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trail leading to the clouds</td></tr>
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At 9:40 am, I reached Forester Pass, the tallest pass on the John Muir Trail at 13,200 feet. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forester Pass - Highest pass on the John Muir Trail</td></tr>
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I ate my cereal, took a few photos, met an AT alum - trail name Goose, and at 10 am sped down the trail. After the first 15 or so switchbacks, the trail was the most gentle of the entire JMT, allowing me to hike faster than my usual pace without beating up my feet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgAYt6v-iS4mMzbsvzwGh4gxo9B07V8djjAQ28ussjn5HqK1jWvDS32zZ-Pk6sHfosMVEwra6WwE8299wZotuhiFC_zE8wYWQK1na8GPB_MvRlMZRSmCyPXrzWnaDCDj3yqEmaLKfiek/s1600/P1010638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgAYt6v-iS4mMzbsvzwGh4gxo9B07V8djjAQ28ussjn5HqK1jWvDS32zZ-Pk6sHfosMVEwra6WwE8299wZotuhiFC_zE8wYWQK1na8GPB_MvRlMZRSmCyPXrzWnaDCDj3yqEmaLKfiek/s640/P1010638.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flat, smooth trail with incredible 360 degree views</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTqhZUEl9lJog6NNbE2havPnYhOMpZ5AHkNpi4BD63w_fLe-rd_PQ0iwo9uc33d7c5Uh6eS1FOP7mindgVBycFXIOkGC2o5M0_uDgd2lOg_FUnSjMyiWVmxHZ8rZCUipjdFhP7fFualY/s1600/P1010641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTqhZUEl9lJog6NNbE2havPnYhOMpZ5AHkNpi4BD63w_fLe-rd_PQ0iwo9uc33d7c5Uh6eS1FOP7mindgVBycFXIOkGC2o5M0_uDgd2lOg_FUnSjMyiWVmxHZ8rZCUipjdFhP7fFualY/s640/P1010641.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful landscape south of Forester Pass</td></tr>
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Past the Shepherd Pass Trail Junction, the views became very dramatic. There were many storms in the area and from vistas like the Bighorn Plateau, they seemed very surreal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1RzjMGrwTX3RW78N-xh-mwjnpab5L9XS9maQHI8aCWSWLdmxX4cpbc8Z9M9iUkSPQ-LqN3x5kv546-FnmVGQwb1uTP-lehr5-DGSJ2l1GR5k7dZlX8zkAXuXQgkvy0GVbkbu1-g6cuU/s1600/P1010648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1RzjMGrwTX3RW78N-xh-mwjnpab5L9XS9maQHI8aCWSWLdmxX4cpbc8Z9M9iUkSPQ-LqN3x5kv546-FnmVGQwb1uTP-lehr5-DGSJ2l1GR5k7dZlX8zkAXuXQgkvy0GVbkbu1-g6cuU/s640/P1010648.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">showers in the distance...luckily I'm not headed that way!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuTYnOlNeEKIAcNfHPjqbRAksULeIaooKONklRA17FHRm6qIbB64kTgcCV404tBzfUuKvqZTHYH0cuxONwDfmmwGI4PU_5GMNK-3kbq1CaZ4pbcuDGaRWyTdFyxrEG-dx4H3IonTvYpU/s1600/P1010650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuTYnOlNeEKIAcNfHPjqbRAksULeIaooKONklRA17FHRm6qIbB64kTgcCV404tBzfUuKvqZTHYH0cuxONwDfmmwGI4PU_5GMNK-3kbq1CaZ4pbcuDGaRWyTdFyxrEG-dx4H3IonTvYpU/s640/P1010650.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">headed right into it</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinWIeBe4DwthtidXndg_VxmYJ3dsTPjsrzH38dA-RY_JG_Ws2KSx0JnADAvXE9mFzDv563yNqCcM94neTbatvmwc0VENmVUtdtDsD8trQHvGunY6Z2hUO2fX6RzC4x7JQid5UGCzBMMs/s1600/P1010655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinWIeBe4DwthtidXndg_VxmYJ3dsTPjsrzH38dA-RY_JG_Ws2KSx0JnADAvXE9mFzDv563yNqCcM94neTbatvmwc0VENmVUtdtDsD8trQHvGunY6Z2hUO2fX6RzC4x7JQid5UGCzBMMs/s640/P1010655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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By 3:30 pm I had covered 15:5 miles and still felt amazing. I felt I could summit Whitney if I wanted to.<br />
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Just then, the clouds broke apart and the bright, warm sun came into view. This was my chance. I sprang into action. I unloaded by pack and started drying everything - including my sleeping bag, air pad, tent and clothes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ynCdi0FxHxSnuZ-CaPnM38yHjVo3h3FDiZFg7gYGZ7SZA10mO2AquHQY774Ja1NUeU3WRuIePzg29ew79PYNv_MZ50uaidnv2CZj3503qbWsSDxXlcGJ5xAXAAP53VoFOOdx2fRIlFw/s1600/P1010662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ynCdi0FxHxSnuZ-CaPnM38yHjVo3h3FDiZFg7gYGZ7SZA10mO2AquHQY774Ja1NUeU3WRuIePzg29ew79PYNv_MZ50uaidnv2CZj3503qbWsSDxXlcGJ5xAXAAP53VoFOOdx2fRIlFw/s640/P1010662.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chatted up hikers who passed by, sat around eating, and even wrote notes to the wolfpack and the T.O. trio, which I taped to the trail sign.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11vS7IL92NLbHHPC89BY1V2JSMOqL6eYWmT7ghRr34hB2QndSbIq9C8dFxxq-vmbRe3p2K_AFSww51dB-9iBBvXwR6buehmjgiX9dqoqtQ0dvsB658BRdVCN5XoGbJ-wGjZ9KJpTJ1nM/s1600/P1010665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11vS7IL92NLbHHPC89BY1V2JSMOqL6eYWmT7ghRr34hB2QndSbIq9C8dFxxq-vmbRe3p2K_AFSww51dB-9iBBvXwR6buehmjgiX9dqoqtQ0dvsB658BRdVCN5XoGbJ-wGjZ9KJpTJ1nM/s640/P1010665.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">message in a ziploc bag</td></tr>
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Finally, around 4:45 pm, I collected my belongings and hit the trail once more. But I felt gassed. My legs wouldn't move, but my spirits were still high. Though the last few miles were tough, I slowly made my way up the trail, stopping by to pick up my 'toilet on the go' a.k.a. the wag bag. Because I felt sluggish, I opted to skip the visit to the pit toilet at Crabtree Meadow, but had a smile painted on my face as I recalled last year's visit to that awesome toilet. The scenery and some cool trees also kept my spirits high all the way to Guitar Lake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5QruaxYxFoOqQJsqKT1TrJooo6WADERYtHdW-jvN1at3bmeS0pveghDopgytkXxQB0qB7QxdeNQ9MvBVTxfNbb1IKGnO-VJ3g413JQzn9-shE4OsJSHjnvU7_xs8EFwfKNkSVaeHBuQ/s1600/P1010669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5QruaxYxFoOqQJsqKT1TrJooo6WADERYtHdW-jvN1at3bmeS0pveghDopgytkXxQB0qB7QxdeNQ9MvBVTxfNbb1IKGnO-VJ3g413JQzn9-shE4OsJSHjnvU7_xs8EFwfKNkSVaeHBuQ/s640/P1010669.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pack it out!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpHqAqqO6e-sJbFIZGbUox28GV_FRKbghXwVv7ve_byLjScNoTm1uH8PE_ELEEW0kEW3aZUDh1vOznZrNTQkajkZGc1rc7PQYj_fG1KPSrsEvwfz8U_EbpQSbK-2yrfJRrlnita0qfV4/s1600/P1010670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpHqAqqO6e-sJbFIZGbUox28GV_FRKbghXwVv7ve_byLjScNoTm1uH8PE_ELEEW0kEW3aZUDh1vOznZrNTQkajkZGc1rc7PQYj_fG1KPSrsEvwfz8U_EbpQSbK-2yrfJRrlnita0qfV4/s640/P1010670.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very cool, symmetrical tree</td></tr>
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I arrived at Guitar Lake at 6 pm and quickly set up my tent. Then, I made a beeline to the lake for dinner and a soak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guitar Lake</td></tr>
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Walking back to my camp, I ran into Chris and Dwayne, the fellas I met at Rae Lakes two days ago. We chatted for a bit and then retreated to the comfort of our tents as the temperature dropped significantly.<br />
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Before I went into my tent I decided to stretch for a few minutes and boy am I glad I did. The alpenglow caused by the setting sun was remarkable. For most of the evening, the sun hid behind the clouds, but at the very last moment, it treated us to a sight I will never tire of.<br />
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Once in my tent, I began to think about all the miles I've covered thus far. I can't believe that I have walked over 200 miles! Looking at my <a href="http://johnmuirtrailmap.com/?utm_expid=36221827-0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fblackwoodspress.com%2Fblog%2Fmaps-and-guidebooks%2F" target="_blank">JMT atlas</a>, only pages 42 and 43 remain. When in Yosemite weeks earlier, I couldn't even fathom covering all of those pages, yet here I am. It feels amazing to be here, on this trail, at this very moment.<br />
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It's almost hiker midnight and I plan to rise at 4 am and be on the trail by 5. Summit day tomorrow and the last of my trip!<br />
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Hoping to stay dry tonight.<br />
<strike>-------</strike><br />
”The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-20162121836843970602012-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:26:53.171-07:00Day 14: One Foot In Front Of The Other<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Tuesday, August 21, 2012<br />
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Lower Rae Lake (mile 182.4) to 1.5 miles south of Center Basin Creek (mile 198.6).<br />
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Today's miles: 16.2<br />
Trip miles: 198.6<br />
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I wanted to be up by 6 am this morning and moving by 7, but I was so warm and comfortable in my sleeping bag, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. Luckily I had some help from mother nature.<br />
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Like many places along the John Muir Trail, the Rae Lakes area certainly requires more time for exploration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Rae Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow trout in Upper Rae Lake</td></tr>
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I include in the above statement Sixty Lake Basin. A friend who hiked the John Muir Trail a few years ago told me it was worth the detour, and he was right! I only ventured 2 miles into the Sixty Lake Basin and am convinced I will return one day to explore further. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QlclyTFQ_RQggWwuIFNfXxKlNThRfpiquENj57hQOcYxHHdn41E-Oh9c2MqLrIkck9iquQNoRZ6BREbKcltCHlbwwZWGs0bbB6LqtylcLShc2zF4DxdNAE77KMRxPKnGZk_5cHT8BHU/s1600/P1010531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QlclyTFQ_RQggWwuIFNfXxKlNThRfpiquENj57hQOcYxHHdn41E-Oh9c2MqLrIkck9iquQNoRZ6BREbKcltCHlbwwZWGs0bbB6LqtylcLShc2zF4DxdNAE77KMRxPKnGZk_5cHT8BHU/s640/P1010531.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMAZING</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another gorgeous lake in the Sixty Lake Basin</td></tr>
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Just as I made my way back to the JMT, I ran into none other than the Trio from T.O. - Scott, Bryan and Mark. (Though Bryan isn't from Thousand Oaks, CA, he doesn't mind being an honorary member.) Really glad I got to see them because I didn't think I would as they plan to finish the trail two days after I do. We chatted for a while and then we were off for Glen Pass.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west headed towards Glen Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View north looking back at Rae Lakes</td></tr>
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Going up the pass I began having intense food and drink cravings. I craved fresh coconut water straight from the coconut. My next craving was the meat of the coconut. Then I craved a big bowl of salad, followed by every kind of fruit you can think of, except durian. <br />
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Once at the summit, I was greeted by a guy who was sitting there painting the landscape. Mark was right on my tail and summited a few minutes later. After taking in the view, we noticed a hang line of multicolored napkin like articles placed between the rocks. Upon further inspection, Mark stated they were Tibetan(?) prayer flags. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hangin out at Glen Pass - elevation 11,924 ft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view south from Glen Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer flags at Glen Pass </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of prayer flag</td></tr>
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The painter exclaimed that they were religious pollution and didn't belong there. He wanted us to be sure we knew he was an atheist. To each his own. <br />
<br />
A few minutes later, Scott and Bryan also made their way up. We finally took a group photo at the pass. I lounged about at Glen Pass for 45 minutes, and at noon, began the long descent into the canyon below. But before I left, a national parks employee showed up and inquired if we had placed the prayer flags there. Once again, the painter went off about the flags being religious polluton. The employee stated that they were pollution and removed them because it would lead others to do the same. Personally, I agree that leaving anything but one's footprints is polluting the land. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xNfh4ZTL674" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
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The further we descended from Glen Pass, the better the views became. Charlotte Lake and the canyon below were really beautiful. It did sprinkle now and again, but nothing too bad. I do appreciate all the menacing clouds for the shade they provide and for the dramatic photos I've been taking for the past 10 days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNykWjRsgW6rSCDeVzUwz8ZdsjXuucGc_W5BEvNrO0nCPRpFmkk4fLZMxZw_zR4pYzciIaDNOK4zZ6ovggt7Mw3_RcmH7Er7WiIfFdFkbzCusfxwHDkG71VeGW82cAtAiv2q-wd_j3iis/s1600/P1010574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNykWjRsgW6rSCDeVzUwz8ZdsjXuucGc_W5BEvNrO0nCPRpFmkk4fLZMxZw_zR4pYzciIaDNOK4zZ6ovggt7Mw3_RcmH7Er7WiIfFdFkbzCusfxwHDkG71VeGW82cAtAiv2q-wd_j3iis/s640/P1010574.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte Lake</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTaoqqDwyt7cFhfJUoKnvkG2vfBCMvYqHYWOj4VYv5VmUW4RJ7KcRTUeDURR3RgGETlv-NHZzJu9LA7gAMWqj8I7CimdGEffAcM-Ed-IA2KOaVHZ9x8Ye4t8NCN1EpSeib_XudDTpJdI/s1600/P1010572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTaoqqDwyt7cFhfJUoKnvkG2vfBCMvYqHYWOj4VYv5VmUW4RJ7KcRTUeDURR3RgGETlv-NHZzJu9LA7gAMWqj8I7CimdGEffAcM-Ed-IA2KOaVHZ9x8Ye4t8NCN1EpSeib_XudDTpJdI/s640/P1010572.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another cool rock</td></tr>
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Around 2 pm, I reached the junction for Bullfrog Lake. From this point south, I hiked the <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">John Muir Trail to Mt. Whitney in 2011</a>. It was a very high snow year and I'm curious to see how different the trail is this year compared to last year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY0DEjEOpRjGf70ew5y6IQCln_FCf-nCX98BQr1GcRbimeN2SWssxnLWX5ty5l2pR7lAxKqlUeg4vpt7sjeXworB95XNceAPU6A_OUvRmmpQ6okm3ubQKKzSDbQzFoqs2oOg8DOS3Za4/s1600/P1010595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY0DEjEOpRjGf70ew5y6IQCln_FCf-nCX98BQr1GcRbimeN2SWssxnLWX5ty5l2pR7lAxKqlUeg4vpt7sjeXworB95XNceAPU6A_OUvRmmpQ6okm3ubQKKzSDbQzFoqs2oOg8DOS3Za4/s640/P1010595.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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At Vidette meadow, there were sunglasses at the trail marker that I was really tempted to take (<a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-8-half-way.html" target="_blank">having lost mine 6 days earlier</a>), but with all the cloud cover and being only two days from Mt. Whitney, I figured someone else might need them more than me and left them as they were.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-9egI9Qt9-Fh8UwG4rCYDLYp5QSbdqxUnypFNJhHI3NT1DW63TFwu5jOKvWl7IvZsSsEOVvFw-6c0TplDdjAaHz5UC_Zdj0iE74C9jPMlgq30XBP5fZHq7jtw9Xp0xOej-wEZcbtzmY/s1600/P1010582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-9egI9Qt9-Fh8UwG4rCYDLYp5QSbdqxUnypFNJhHI3NT1DW63TFwu5jOKvWl7IvZsSsEOVvFw-6c0TplDdjAaHz5UC_Zdj0iE74C9jPMlgq30XBP5fZHq7jtw9Xp0xOej-wEZcbtzmY/s640/P1010582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few minutes after reaching the junction, it began to hail. Nothing major though, just bb size pellets falling to the earth for 5 minutes. Fifteen minutes later, it began to sprinkle, which after about 10 minutes turned into hail again for another 5 minutes. The rain and hail didn't warrant rain gear, though they did cool me down and make the rocks slick enough for me to pay closer attention to the trail.<br />
<br />
I reached Center Basin Creek at 3:47 pm and couldn't believe the difference in the flow of water this year compared to last. It still had good water flow, but last year it was swollen to more than twice the size.<br />
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It was early when I reached the creek and the clouds were breaking, so I kept hiking. I wanted to reach Bubbs Creek 2.9 miles due south, but stopped short of that as I passed tree line and the winds grew stonger. I figured if I kept going, it would undoubtedly get colder, so the wise choice was to stop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">above treeline north of Forester Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View south, north of Bubbs Creek, south of Center Basin Creek </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt1GrLVrR5oV8iK6dBPu1ZiiD6LgpYqWeuv7FdW5VcVNdiQ0aKdbLkEEOW2hA5fouXKlgmLKF7Wq4UysSjfyzsrDUoSpGAsU1bFagbpyCPCuFg1tcXkY9b6m2DIJNCpY7fJ-zcSTARB8/s1600/P1010602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZt1GrLVrR5oV8iK6dBPu1ZiiD6LgpYqWeuv7FdW5VcVNdiQ0aKdbLkEEOW2hA5fouXKlgmLKF7Wq4UysSjfyzsrDUoSpGAsU1bFagbpyCPCuFg1tcXkY9b6m2DIJNCpY7fJ-zcSTARB8/s640/P1010602.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite 2.9 miles north of Forester Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfVEuPIL1Ao573CCy-Z5iIHUqZxVpkzUYa5wO-ZmjYBMe2VYI8WsJCR-8RTP119eHVP7SUHBZBA2BgVyIH85Lruddxw8HLN7WEvDpnteDCdplKV4k24C6RnkhI5fCRjrlPWJW5Mugo9w/s1600/P1010606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfVEuPIL1Ao573CCy-Z5iIHUqZxVpkzUYa5wO-ZmjYBMe2VYI8WsJCR-8RTP119eHVP7SUHBZBA2BgVyIH85Lruddxw8HLN7WEvDpnteDCdplKV4k24C6RnkhI5fCRjrlPWJW5Mugo9w/s640/P1010606.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful sunset north of Forester Pass</td></tr>
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With only two more nights out here (tonight included), my mind has been in the clouds, daydreaming of this-and-that and making post-hike plans, as if it were a forgone conclusion that I will summit Mt. Whitney in a few days. I kept telling myself there's lots of hiking to do yet and nothing is for certain every time I caught myself chasing a daydream.<br />
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The three near slips and falls today somewhat helped me stay present and focus on where I plant my foot next, but they weren't enough of a deterrent to stop me from daydraming. This must happen to every hiker, especially those hiking solo like myself. When I hiked with others, I didn't daydream as much, but most of today I hiked solo, and being close to the finish is making me excited!<br />
<strike>-------</strike> <br />
”When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ~Ansel Adams<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-63058018941651005102012-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:27:05.556-07:00Day 13: Perfect Day On The Trail<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Monday, August 20, 2012<br />
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South Fork Kings River (mile 165.2) to Lower Rae Lake (mile 182.4).<br />
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Today's miles: 17.2<br />
Trip miles: 182.4<br />
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Today was a long, but beautiful day on the trail. Not because of all the miles I had to cover, but because of two other reasons. Before I get to those reasons, I have to mention just how spectacular the scenery was today. I started hiking at 8:10 am and arrived at camp at 6:45 pm, enjoying every second of it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf0dL0d42WZ6CnRDUJvCtEXT6Q3caAiRaRENme33JeLwlsE7MM4kmzyG2rGjrhb-lsawntBg3HD3A4IjxrK_jWIn_i6m_re9mRVBsNTrU2LbnCUjsCVIwihQwJuwZ6uVET4XeC7G2lFc/s1600/P1010410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf0dL0d42WZ6CnRDUJvCtEXT6Q3caAiRaRENme33JeLwlsE7MM4kmzyG2rGjrhb-lsawntBg3HD3A4IjxrK_jWIn_i6m_re9mRVBsNTrU2LbnCUjsCVIwihQwJuwZ6uVET4XeC7G2lFc/s640/P1010410.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view north</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZbhIRxnHMt-BcPtwfikyBD-MO0VfKbTH_B3-sirm_RCRxzWBbGL4hpYCpMrsdf6fXoepYD0ZVhW8ZG0YP6zHlX-wPl5EemSvLkLFRE5kdX8Ah4AmlurfHgvMTnDowhrXKt5s759VLic/s1600/P1010417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZbhIRxnHMt-BcPtwfikyBD-MO0VfKbTH_B3-sirm_RCRxzWBbGL4hpYCpMrsdf6fXoepYD0ZVhW8ZG0YP6zHlX-wPl5EemSvLkLFRE5kdX8Ah4AmlurfHgvMTnDowhrXKt5s759VLic/s640/P1010417.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another view north further up the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzyYYZdllbZBmNMy44unBtpOESp2y4OE631A1rvMgSJQNhpb554Qpdd4u_S8MZy4qInZSkY1HwZu5VysCimtJJCGKKDScpgWh4hV1nC5WcHLG-v9aPorTN_-Io5aCp1vEH2NPWTz-Gx0/s1600/P1010424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzyYYZdllbZBmNMy44unBtpOESp2y4OE631A1rvMgSJQNhpb554Qpdd4u_S8MZy4qInZSkY1HwZu5VysCimtJJCGKKDScpgWh4hV1nC5WcHLG-v9aPorTN_-Io5aCp1vEH2NPWTz-Gx0/s640/P1010424.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Marjorie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbqX3YMbonqsvHtpijKU8f3l5urZpguXfaquKBm91vkIr5Y3z6DmDWVh6AeubdDhF7Xy5pIQgnBl61xxyPJGTisJ-_c2xQmMTHSgEUiPqZykAxqk368unmQ0_qM7V-IxKNucIDAdex-0/s1600/P1010433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbqX3YMbonqsvHtpijKU8f3l5urZpguXfaquKBm91vkIr5Y3z6DmDWVh6AeubdDhF7Xy5pIQgnBl61xxyPJGTisJ-_c2xQmMTHSgEUiPqZykAxqk368unmQ0_qM7V-IxKNucIDAdex-0/s640/P1010433.JPG" height="182" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Marjorie (right) and unnamed lakes (left)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E62Go7fq93pXxn0O5ZwqgNMqXNrg1idWzVVJT_q6cSTQVZlxt11XAAMBhO7j0UarwKKdhrfqHOaT3485NuN5U-nw5b0c4XU-j-4y3lyS3dsk0rMZxuMUKZ9gAfGw_cGQ5Qjk_2e3lwA/s1600/P1010438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E62Go7fq93pXxn0O5ZwqgNMqXNrg1idWzVVJT_q6cSTQVZlxt11XAAMBhO7j0UarwKKdhrfqHOaT3485NuN5U-nw5b0c4XU-j-4y3lyS3dsk0rMZxuMUKZ9gAfGw_cGQ5Qjk_2e3lwA/s640/P1010438.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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First reason for this long day was the elevation gained, lossed and gained once more. Last night I camped at 10,054 ft and tonight I'm camped at 10,570. That seems like a very flat 17.2 mile walk right? But, I'm on the rollercoaster ride at the Johm Muir Amusement Park, so that was not the case. From camp, I hiked to Pinchot Pass at 12,086 feet in 4.8 miles. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOB3qDCmQi2SalkmSxTM1RyA-X1159JMhQTP2LRKx4YgZ3oqWUMy8FmFoeg7glsTHJ_4Umtz6xyA1RX7F-PR2H4yYcsVmuW9STjd9mOjMTiKL_YEI5iOEqvodGV0sVr2BzlTD1Y2KrcU/s1600/P1010443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOB3qDCmQi2SalkmSxTM1RyA-X1159JMhQTP2LRKx4YgZ3oqWUMy8FmFoeg7glsTHJ_4Umtz6xyA1RX7F-PR2H4yYcsVmuW9STjd9mOjMTiKL_YEI5iOEqvodGV0sVr2BzlTD1Y2KrcU/s640/P1010443.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view south from Pinchot Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3LcQcFXTVbnt0pCuOzevZqUEvc1gnXQ7MdN_TXEwEIFOXCywnjMqqvhIDTSKICWBdN9R3P5bNRcz8xocBXGwKG4LluudiX5uF0nsLUnKvyi2s9zQlS0ufd3i6L2DHqwFY9n92e-q7eg/s1600/P1010445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3LcQcFXTVbnt0pCuOzevZqUEvc1gnXQ7MdN_TXEwEIFOXCywnjMqqvhIDTSKICWBdN9R3P5bNRcz8xocBXGwKG4LluudiX5uF0nsLUnKvyi2s9zQlS0ufd3i6L2DHqwFY9n92e-q7eg/s640/P1010445.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chipmunk at Pinchot Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting at Pinchot Pass</td></tr>
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Then, in the next 6.9 miles, I hiked down to 8,547 feet, only to gain ~1,500 feet to get to my destination for the night. <br />
If it sounds like I'm mad or upset, I'm not. I knew the elevation profile of this hike long before I set foot on the trail. Check out my '<a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/p/jmt-info.html" target="_blank">JMT Info</a>' page for more on the elevation profile for the John Muir Trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokeOs1O2jNSrgaUvFMUojk3wVUjzndBKB2B717fD5lnwiXCojHWZidI_3NArk7B0TOxpydYIyQpMimBIGsC2O7tVf5YPpGiwbrcBY-9MOt-5ixcRKFitzX2TpLBYm1wUJfgOY8-xUY4U/s1600/P1010453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokeOs1O2jNSrgaUvFMUojk3wVUjzndBKB2B717fD5lnwiXCojHWZidI_3NArk7B0TOxpydYIyQpMimBIGsC2O7tVf5YPpGiwbrcBY-9MOt-5ixcRKFitzX2TpLBYm1wUJfgOY8-xUY4U/s640/P1010453.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving Pinchot Pass..due south</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2c_h3l-4I8K8ZHZQsvxHVxwZ5iwBscv-vGXQMCReFRBXRvs6d80WfU-U8tkX3oSwslL3KDxUtRLARgp3PvC4tudMFqn-ib7TEU0b1bwXkaUpPRmfFHVZ1dobUToUCDFwPlJlel7ZbH8/s1600/P1010454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2c_h3l-4I8K8ZHZQsvxHVxwZ5iwBscv-vGXQMCReFRBXRvs6d80WfU-U8tkX3oSwslL3KDxUtRLARgp3PvC4tudMFqn-ib7TEU0b1bwXkaUpPRmfFHVZ1dobUToUCDFwPlJlel7ZbH8/s640/P1010454.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very rugged landscape above 11k ft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful scenery south of Pinchot Pass</td></tr>
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The second reason for this long day was because I listened to my body and gave it what it needed. It wanted rest, so I gave it rest - and lots of it. Last night I slept almost 10 and a half hours! I don't do that at home! I knocked out around 8:30 pm and woke up at 6:50 am. Sure I tossed and turned and woke up a few times, but I slept really well. <br />
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During the day today, I also took long breaks. I spent 90 minutes at Pinchot Pass resting, stretching, drying clothes, drinking green tea and snacking. Later, I took two - shoes off - 30 minute breaks during the downhill stretch to let my feet breathe and rest. <br />
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It sure was a relaxing day of hiking. I feel great and couldn't have had a better day. The rains stayed away and the clouds provided plenty of shade. The water tasted amazing and was very refreshing (as always) and the scenery - spectacular. <br />
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The people were great too. I hiked a bit with yonger Bryan and dad Bryan. Probably won't see them anymore as they will exit out of Kearsarge Pass tomorrow. I also met two guys who work for the U.S. Geological Survey at Pinchot Pass. They are out here for 7 days with two others studying the feeding grounds of bighorn sheep in the area. Sign me up for that gig! <br />
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At the Road's End trail junction - a popular entry/exit point for hikers doing the Rae Lakes Loop, I came across this beautiful bridge.<br />
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The views only got better as I headed up the trail towards Rae Lakes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">many of these signs on the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view northbound </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meadow and Fin Dome just left of center </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful Dollar Lake</td></tr>
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At Lower Rae Lake, just after I had finished soaking my feet and having dinner, I met Dwayne from New York and Chris from Colorado - buds hiking the JMT who also want to finish in 3 days time.<br />
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This trail is not easy, but the views, and the people make the miles (and days) fly by. Speaking of flying, it seems that the Sierras are the preferred training grounds for fighter jets because I have heard and seen them fly overhead everyday I've been out here. It's 9:20 pm as I finish composing this journal entry and another jet is flying overhead. They are so loud at these high elevations. I wonder what the animals think of all the noise.<br />
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Oh, while we're on the topic of flying, I saw a bat while stretching around 8pm. First of the trail. <br />
<strike>------</strike><br />
”There is a love of wild nature in everybody, an ancient mother-love showing itself whether recognized or no, and however covered by cares and duties.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-33835118629111805112012-09-09T09:26:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:27:16.560-07:00Day 12: Sore Feet, Sore Body, Great Spirits<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Sunday, August 19, 2012<br />
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Middle Fork Trail (mile 148.4) to South Fork Kings River (mile 165.2).<br />
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Today's miles: 16.8<br />
Trip miles: 165.2<br />
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Last night's camp spot was really awesome. Secluded, friendly locals (squirrels, chipmunks, birds, deer), and a cold, refreshing river 20 paces due south.<br />
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I slept well, but my body ached and was talking to me all night. It required rest, so I slept in, crawling out of my sleeping bag at 7 am. I had planned to hit the trail at 7 because Mather Pass was 11 miles and 4000 vertical feet away and rain was a likely possibility again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruised and battered feet, with 2 blisters and 1 hot spot. At least they're clean! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I listened to my body and rested an hour longer. As I was breaking camp, Scotty, Bryan and Mark from Thousand Oaks, CA rolled in. I first met them near Muir Trail Ranch. Good people. Always a fun time chatting with them.<br />
<br />
After they left, I went to the river, washed up and was on my way. But my legs hardly moved. My shoulders protested the weight of my pack and my knee protested the incline of the trail. I took it slow and motored along gingerly. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslNhyphenhyphen_Nd2Xqc8l20DouEgCHYEaG8AAPSEpR41hwYjcPTe3wOUi6K66bmIb1Wx7lky4d40RzldQyISwzGIm1Z1unngUTNKnbrB-cnRritdTMIIRkuZPXMp9y-2C1AB_XvOUK7OU3LMzew/s1600/P1010319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslNhyphenhyphen_Nd2Xqc8l20DouEgCHYEaG8AAPSEpR41hwYjcPTe3wOUi6K66bmIb1Wx7lky4d40RzldQyISwzGIm1Z1unngUTNKnbrB-cnRritdTMIIRkuZPXMp9y-2C1AB_XvOUK7OU3LMzew/s640/P1010319.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the views, the wildlife and the flora and fauna helped me motor along</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After about 4 and a half miles, I reached the Golden Staircase. Still not feeling to well, I contemplated resting for a while, but as I looked at the sky and the gathering dark clouds, I knew I had to keep going. The Staircase is an amazing feat of engineering. I can't begin to imagine the work involved in constructing that stretch of trail. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0G6sSsQWrZItvPr47EIQoURRKiMjwci0VeZX4xvBRbNs47N0LN1HhNuIhtvAY9XnaUVqHSwidUv1cxj2kQIq8rIv2CC6H8OsUxbClYnFrocaE9bpkYRAgo28YSGTYR772wNwknEmITA/s1600/P1010327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0G6sSsQWrZItvPr47EIQoURRKiMjwci0VeZX4xvBRbNs47N0LN1HhNuIhtvAY9XnaUVqHSwidUv1cxj2kQIq8rIv2CC6H8OsUxbClYnFrocaE9bpkYRAgo28YSGTYR772wNwknEmITA/s640/P1010327.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Golden Staircase is surreal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZLTkKxeHbg2sD-xwYtNteNwxMAes_d7VD9e6AtKthudMLp4qobOPcvlY7pdQc89PgnjfWpF1NAhS8tr6ADDXnqloHkoHQD-Uq37ztJilOyQ6e5BQJiuzHzRCGvJ9ie0Rm4nnVvLy-2U/s1600/P1010328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZLTkKxeHbg2sD-xwYtNteNwxMAes_d7VD9e6AtKthudMLp4qobOPcvlY7pdQc89PgnjfWpF1NAhS8tr6ADDXnqloHkoHQD-Uq37ztJilOyQ6e5BQJiuzHzRCGvJ9ie0Rm4nnVvLy-2U/s640/P1010328.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the Golden Staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvcKMzqOZSuzYpLX7uu-2xCpjOw2vnYIYm1BPyG8wLjXpmFa8Ni63TY0q8DtInttsVIgjHwH_xu8v2pUu1nhkDS40PUrd0ZoaI3u5FXfawD_F52tkIbyebbbIDVzcJUCI2V8PdP3rnys/s1600/P1010333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvcKMzqOZSuzYpLX7uu-2xCpjOw2vnYIYm1BPyG8wLjXpmFa8Ni63TY0q8DtInttsVIgjHwH_xu8v2pUu1nhkDS40PUrd0ZoaI3u5FXfawD_F52tkIbyebbbIDVzcJUCI2V8PdP3rnys/s640/P1010333.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">almost atop the Golden Staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Golden Staircase was the toughest climb of the hike so far. It was tedious and never-ending. I felt miserable and wanted to be done with it! Having said that, the view to the north where I had come from uplifted me every time I looked back.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKI6khbz8fuT4SWJvxxXvDrBP2uvIw2tAxlWmVhvR61Gp-tooq8qu1CtunF9_F3oA86J75SWNcpA3_aPF2e5Px9b6jJ_u9oziKX-yqzDkF67kSoDpmilEFfSDjpr-94Kpzq9BCufj1M/s1600/P1010316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDKI6khbz8fuT4SWJvxxXvDrBP2uvIw2tAxlWmVhvR61Gp-tooq8qu1CtunF9_F3oA86J75SWNcpA3_aPF2e5Px9b6jJ_u9oziKX-yqzDkF67kSoDpmilEFfSDjpr-94Kpzq9BCufj1M/s640/P1010316.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to the north</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I reached Lower Palisade Lake not a moment too soon. My body was yelling at me, demanding rest. I dropped my pack on a slick granite rock and laid down with my eyes closed for a few moments. I then got up and admired the beauty of the lake. Lower Palisade Lake is gorgeous!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5VrsK8HqwOlOifvpnDcTehh9kle76Hn21wyyRaeNkCJ3nu2FjTF8T7vSHwQDk0q-vbCiBjrTEDScFnewqNnIbm60QXSKeVdH4ych3tdeAG12S5QknTFhcOBGPfeEt5cg2kPXG7WpkUA/s1600/P1010337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5VrsK8HqwOlOifvpnDcTehh9kle76Hn21wyyRaeNkCJ3nu2FjTF8T7vSHwQDk0q-vbCiBjrTEDScFnewqNnIbm60QXSKeVdH4ych3tdeAG12S5QknTFhcOBGPfeEt5cg2kPXG7WpkUA/s640/P1010337.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Lower Palisade Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know im beginning to sound like a broken record but it is my favorite lake so far. The jagged peaks that surround this crystal clear, blue body of water, and the abundance of playful fish easily visible to the naked eye make this lake truly spectacular. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBpaApb9Nkp7VdSJxBm9vV5TGKv2dPvmMMxT0GVuSgH7R-oo9YX-lQrDaFkv4B1IeP4wlPSbjejD8Qxf_1zJs_T9CTlzfDw7Sj2OWljeujpKQdt-NbWdXjeTuSJep9z_A9YkSrWuDd_Q/s1600/P1010340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBpaApb9Nkp7VdSJxBm9vV5TGKv2dPvmMMxT0GVuSgH7R-oo9YX-lQrDaFkv4B1IeP4wlPSbjejD8Qxf_1zJs_T9CTlzfDw7Sj2OWljeujpKQdt-NbWdXjeTuSJep9z_A9YkSrWuDd_Q/s640/P1010340.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Appreciating the lake's beauty, eating more wholesome, good food and resting for 30 minutes made all my pains go away. I was recharged and ready to go. <br />
<br />
The clouds were getting darker but I decided to head for Mather Pass anyway. The climb was ruggedly beautiful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8lzC96Xzkr3g-Fa627VarWrnfVSE4m0iBh49ZFPap5gXxjplEiufT4goXItpI4bq66FoJO1jdh1hyHt-DzT5GuBqci1Fe6v9KpRYaP3iBJgZ8BFAxJISDJf5FDuEiv1pq2wdIZRlHqM/s1600/P1010351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8lzC96Xzkr3g-Fa627VarWrnfVSE4m0iBh49ZFPap5gXxjplEiufT4goXItpI4bq66FoJO1jdh1hyHt-DzT5GuBqci1Fe6v9KpRYaP3iBJgZ8BFAxJISDJf5FDuEiv1pq2wdIZRlHqM/s640/P1010351.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Palisade Lake, also beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmRnfnNsLALOx2XcfoGbgjhGiF_hc77UVOTIBcaAFgvBz-RZmBadEmkz9zCwUhqxH116dQJqiCgBZbmfLmPQyV-feXPFygQ6mV0VVK9lpS2fX-8sQnKxz6i0kGNkQHOtFAa8g7YISIyM/s1600/P1010356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmRnfnNsLALOx2XcfoGbgjhGiF_hc77UVOTIBcaAFgvBz-RZmBadEmkz9zCwUhqxH116dQJqiCgBZbmfLmPQyV-feXPFygQ6mV0VVK9lpS2fX-8sQnKxz6i0kGNkQHOtFAa8g7YISIyM/s640/P1010356.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trail southbound toward Mather Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9IjFKBpAYdwXV3B4N-FgSqgYArmp47Q6rzN2lbNZA77ZmOtAY-v7PI7szpn_f_nBICdeGMuFOoFxk6PTaz686Bhh8dInPvKl7TgVYW_diy433bc4aAaetHcHcpovP9-Ubb1FAe2FA3w/s1600/P1010363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9IjFKBpAYdwXV3B4N-FgSqgYArmp47Q6rzN2lbNZA77ZmOtAY-v7PI7szpn_f_nBICdeGMuFOoFxk6PTaz686Bhh8dInPvKl7TgVYW_diy433bc4aAaetHcHcpovP9-Ubb1FAe2FA3w/s640/P1010363.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heart shaped lake west of the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2C-lRCapeIN0h4EJiAa9raUbhKKa5uKfE-XV1_hNlRVc52lPJc19owgwj8f13gXIbZfcBao0wPZX8C3NAOFlWIU8-4QcS5hwD8Vmon_gEeiYKh3TWV3lOm_JzkPFy2uFjV_dEPWSrMg/s1600/P1010366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2C-lRCapeIN0h4EJiAa9raUbhKKa5uKfE-XV1_hNlRVc52lPJc19owgwj8f13gXIbZfcBao0wPZX8C3NAOFlWIU8-4QcS5hwD8Vmon_gEeiYKh3TWV3lOm_JzkPFy2uFjV_dEPWSrMg/s640/P1010366.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another cool rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXsri1uXbl0n-2kcfZay4p4iGGXsf5K1nRs_nxe43LUTwSEc4WOyw4CLiAYqy9SWaZ7-oOu7xkEOr2HPt_I-4HCb33jOF18wf4_xwtBmJD3aifouYiG12NXbANK_paJu1_2JCS2WTbM0/s1600/P1010368.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXsri1uXbl0n-2kcfZay4p4iGGXsf5K1nRs_nxe43LUTwSEc4WOyw4CLiAYqy9SWaZ7-oOu7xkEOr2HPt_I-4HCb33jOF18wf4_xwtBmJD3aifouYiG12NXbANK_paJu1_2JCS2WTbM0/s640/P1010368.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The climb seemed never ending, but I did not mind as the views were spectacular.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH0OfIcP6hX19PY1R2tdoIPXq6OaQ3PErPkRNK8eYTV1ZpAgjp9y6h4nPPPu4cFsiqs_s7cktrevWtO8BBS-l184UsF01AKxxXCtZ6c13TzKzln4V1n1qwWzdiqLS2-7-xqf3nZvEEJ8/s1600/P1010370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH0OfIcP6hX19PY1R2tdoIPXq6OaQ3PErPkRNK8eYTV1ZpAgjp9y6h4nPPPu4cFsiqs_s7cktrevWtO8BBS-l184UsF01AKxxXCtZ6c13TzKzln4V1n1qwWzdiqLS2-7-xqf3nZvEEJ8/s640/P1010370.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rough, rough trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIH5Dg0F2kZ-Vqt9A2OeqUs-0WYKtndPDA3L7s7n8863wVijaloJIe5or1F-dr_VrPCNheBpg4OXPSr7VqooTfgWpx6Hzgl0yMRFx_R_3zfnDigu-3MADOGLMu2XsRqviIEXUlJsul9Y/s1600/P1010372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIH5Dg0F2kZ-Vqt9A2OeqUs-0WYKtndPDA3L7s7n8863wVijaloJIe5or1F-dr_VrPCNheBpg4OXPSr7VqooTfgWpx6Hzgl0yMRFx_R_3zfnDigu-3MADOGLMu2XsRqviIEXUlJsul9Y/s640/P1010372.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more rough trail, but spectacular </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh27fe7cvHNaKVvHIbb3A2Vk967CIVAgnzsadFbuihyphenhyphenB-6vZ26LPWLrPubTLy8XQhF6w-1jKSJVT4s-TEFAWyuqzBTkCXiR5l8_x2a-3flB6Wi8lHSpXicJ-5RPYUmMDSH33opAQGdd8/s1600/P1010373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh27fe7cvHNaKVvHIbb3A2Vk967CIVAgnzsadFbuihyphenhyphenB-6vZ26LPWLrPubTLy8XQhF6w-1jKSJVT4s-TEFAWyuqzBTkCXiR5l8_x2a-3flB6Wi8lHSpXicJ-5RPYUmMDSH33opAQGdd8/s640/P1010373.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking back at Upper Paradise Lake and beyond. Beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0iRt5nR98swzQBw1dRIagge8tXqFk2PSp06KvI_TkNb2p1YvAR6kqaQexAEtzAPai_lVJ88uQan3vIC4RcytBhvTTyeAkIVShJua4grlK80OWKpKg9fOvNAWsn1Nucxai2PsqbMufb4/s1600/P1010374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0iRt5nR98swzQBw1dRIagge8tXqFk2PSp06KvI_TkNb2p1YvAR6kqaQexAEtzAPai_lVJ88uQan3vIC4RcytBhvTTyeAkIVShJua4grlK80OWKpKg9fOvNAWsn1Nucxai2PsqbMufb4/s640/P1010374.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north just shy of Mather Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 2 pm, I reached Mather Pass at 12,100 ft above sea level, took my shoes off, and rested.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNti2Ba4n0_Ip8lBons_PGx81LKd8UswW0L40ZQK1CCEJtp7FpzgnBZCiqtGXzybeR5kdMvzASWzIlzUuc9IQg4ITyyhZzj7bB3nCkE2DWOTAAHuj6RAgtguqM54J-MUH8y9Xm5asuHE/s1600/P1010376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNti2Ba4n0_Ip8lBons_PGx81LKd8UswW0L40ZQK1CCEJtp7FpzgnBZCiqtGXzybeR5kdMvzASWzIlzUuc9IQg4ITyyhZzj7bB3nCkE2DWOTAAHuj6RAgtguqM54J-MUH8y9Xm5asuHE/s640/P1010376.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin out at Mather Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVri2RKDcXg1mAfOY4XloVf3KXe-wgBbwx2gw_Z3u8A2CSJdD6Urp9MMarubOWZ7JgcH898K4Cikbcna4n3k1w4R1xmWFftvm1jCUGB2iDU2BoGecOMxXSfqB1BNOIREWCIbDYHvsYcBs/s1600/P1010378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVri2RKDcXg1mAfOY4XloVf3KXe-wgBbwx2gw_Z3u8A2CSJdD6Urp9MMarubOWZ7JgcH898K4Cikbcna4n3k1w4R1xmWFftvm1jCUGB2iDU2BoGecOMxXSfqB1BNOIREWCIbDYHvsYcBs/s640/P1010378.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really? a cigarette butt at Mather Pass? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bryan - the young man carrying a <a href="http://www.backpackerguitar.com/" target="_blank">backpacker guitar</a> was already there. Today however, he was carrying both the guitar and the mandolin. I met him and his father, also named Bryan, on the trail heading from Purple Lake toward Lake Virginia. We passed one another today all the way up to the pass. <br />
<br />
At Mather Pass, we finally had a second to chat. I inquired about the guitar, so young Bryan showed it to me, then played some tunes for us. It was surreal. Bryan played a great tune, in a great setting. I couldn't believe that we (Scott, Bryan, Mark, dad Bryan and I) were being treated to such a great time. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yoob-YaUQas" width="640"></iframe></div>
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Needless to say that by now all my aches and pains were gone. I felt wonderful and ready to hike. But I had a 2000 ft decline ahead of me over 5.5 miles so I wasn't too confident in my feet and how they would hold up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizss0ggyuSdPhDMGHsnOFUmeGKWf0p3D4XbGBD5GgPawDfKlvY6uhxNvZnjCGiS5Md1BFe2vCPhQZLRQveakKS6i4UtbTwBHxzPfHsUeXB35Ne9umsJlcb8se_rnuy651RaRHxOP2Gmoo/s1600/P1010379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizss0ggyuSdPhDMGHsnOFUmeGKWf0p3D4XbGBD5GgPawDfKlvY6uhxNvZnjCGiS5Md1BFe2vCPhQZLRQveakKS6i4UtbTwBHxzPfHsUeXB35Ne9umsJlcb8se_rnuy651RaRHxOP2Gmoo/s640/P1010379.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan, Steve, Bryan and Mark descending from Mather Pass</td></tr>
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Thankfully, this stretch of trail lacked the big steps of previous downhills and was mostly smooth dirt or gravel. And, it never rained which also made the hiking easier. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnGSapuamhMkw7P71QrU5j1iF_eeBI42uupLdHkUtc-Dpm4pW_yrWoKEn7RqG7GYRq9GrqQs3D-i1J1pNpvcNwcRzCiq4fzchykcjaGTagjhnvR9Eqmk4tPk0VKrqfOdH8pCurg8nj_Y/s1600/P1010381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnGSapuamhMkw7P71QrU5j1iF_eeBI42uupLdHkUtc-Dpm4pW_yrWoKEn7RqG7GYRq9GrqQs3D-i1J1pNpvcNwcRzCiq4fzchykcjaGTagjhnvR9Eqmk4tPk0VKrqfOdH8pCurg8nj_Y/s640/P1010381.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Basin, south of Mather Pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAAz2bNWDzsB0oV5ZBH7jSgSfjIVKqVZlTf6wA5O2kJXsilvjPbCiqa0hk9KLwA1Sm2kXkT-9I553YY4f0P6WQJ6jFK63F2-cBVgmMpqesaO1uLmcZJoWC7CzGAokYqOpkx1sWIvEd90/s1600/P1010383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAAz2bNWDzsB0oV5ZBH7jSgSfjIVKqVZlTf6wA5O2kJXsilvjPbCiqa0hk9KLwA1Sm2kXkT-9I553YY4f0P6WQJ6jFK63F2-cBVgmMpqesaO1uLmcZJoWC7CzGAokYqOpkx1sWIvEd90/s640/P1010383.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Upper Basin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sN4oCpB831wP6MpEK1rqL2ph9e6YNjIuocgr1-ZbOlnZPCtHhCDQmZFHU4z6UoDkA1pS_MycRexQ44306fx_N8dsNV3ugOAo3vpwPW8-0K1CMju1IxixvoKNWMRquTQlWyPJhjRKU8o/s1600/P1010384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sN4oCpB831wP6MpEK1rqL2ph9e6YNjIuocgr1-ZbOlnZPCtHhCDQmZFHU4z6UoDkA1pS_MycRexQ44306fx_N8dsNV3ugOAo3vpwPW8-0K1CMju1IxixvoKNWMRquTQlWyPJhjRKU8o/s640/P1010384.JPG" height="240" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Basin panorama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMSmRsACWLIHO122pg-qPMXk-gm6_OCMDj3y9zQi0BZtgdWeKcKjZ3xgp3-d4_3x5_Q92Oer7Rv38wvN14dPNpbK2D3LdVxaemS9gJArx3ChEmBYDaQT119UQ0zpkdhcl8Ryki3fltsw/s1600/P1010385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMSmRsACWLIHO122pg-qPMXk-gm6_OCMDj3y9zQi0BZtgdWeKcKjZ3xgp3-d4_3x5_Q92Oer7Rv38wvN14dPNpbK2D3LdVxaemS9gJArx3ChEmBYDaQT119UQ0zpkdhcl8Ryki3fltsw/s640/P1010385.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wonderful soft trail. great for the feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My feet did begin to protest a half mile before camp, so I practically slowed to a crawl because there was no need to push any harder. I quickly found a flat spot way away from the trail, set up my tent, took my dinner and headed for the river to eat while I soaked my feet in cold water yet again. <br />
<br />
While there, I noticed an abundance of red currants - or what look to be red currants - on both sides of the river. I'm not exactly sure what they were because these little guys had fuzz on the fruit, while the ones I've eaten do not. Also, I couldn't recall the shape of the leaves, so I avoided them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgromURxnnh4xbRD_hO__pk456fCRryo6mSlXFgwWkj3-BbT6e9H2McbmFa6UZjhDrqUhh51yBSj0kIkj1KwIuuVgEHsw2Y_hyniuZmaNWVhhb61LYi7lReSjN7UqU3a6APW8wRWpBJYdc/s1600/P1010404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgromURxnnh4xbRD_hO__pk456fCRryo6mSlXFgwWkj3-BbT6e9H2McbmFa6UZjhDrqUhh51yBSj0kIkj1KwIuuVgEHsw2Y_hyniuZmaNWVhhb61LYi7lReSjN7UqU3a6APW8wRWpBJYdc/s640/P1010404.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">currants? probably not. Oh I don't know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIGfmXcR7cVOSlnEYehiGVziw5TEpETkTjg-YQEtmpRkYaCMaGn15VOiUQMDcSkf_o34g4IMfck6hPlBT2c42YRMGDjIMJq7b4kWZzFsT5Gjk9lisNjiAdZLeGnOEPnmnDWm4RtDNOU8/s1600/P1010407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIGfmXcR7cVOSlnEYehiGVziw5TEpETkTjg-YQEtmpRkYaCMaGn15VOiUQMDcSkf_o34g4IMfck6hPlBT2c42YRMGDjIMJq7b4kWZzFsT5Gjk9lisNjiAdZLeGnOEPnmnDWm4RtDNOU8/s640/P1010407.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In all, it's been another terrific day on the trail. It's 8:30 pm as I finish ”penning” this entry and I am ready for bed. No yoga tonight as my body just wants to rest. So rest it shall receive. <br />
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Good night.<br />
<strike>-----</strike><br />
“The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.” ~John Muir<br />
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posted from <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.przemelek.android.blogger">Bloggeroid</a><br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-22697588600673927562012-09-08T11:16:00.002-07:002014-10-03T10:27:25.840-07:00Day 11: Evolution Basin, Blisters, and a Bear<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Saturday, August 18, 2012 <br />
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North Evolution Lake (mile 130.1) to Middle Fork Trail (mile 148.4).<br />
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Today's miles: 18.3<br />
Trip miles: 148.4<br />
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We experienced out first chilli night last night. It was windy too until midnight, also a first. Despite the colder temperatures and the wind, I slept very well - only waking up 3 or 4 times during the night.<br />
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Although I had over 18 miles to cover today, I was in no rush as the last 12 miles were downhill. The wolfpack and I broke camp and started walking through beautiful, rugged, other-worldly Evolution Basin towards Muir Pass at 7:30 am.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_600vxUe5cmilyjBp4-hBQTtQqYnU4cFUFhgtXKF-QRSYqd5geQwqM26sZrR42bQt7TRXE2QfbnGe7NGkxJho6iO2wsUThIBY8YyUAZ_3fck8BVzVBBgZKVB87dU90p9rXJ4MinQO1M/s1600/P1010168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_600vxUe5cmilyjBp4-hBQTtQqYnU4cFUFhgtXKF-QRSYqd5geQwqM26sZrR42bQt7TRXE2QfbnGe7NGkxJho6iO2wsUThIBY8YyUAZ_3fck8BVzVBBgZKVB87dU90p9rXJ4MinQO1M/s640/P1010168.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Evolution Lake</td></tr>
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Evolution Basin is one of the most popular destinations along the John Muir Trail - and for good reason. The scenery is spectacular. The alpine peaks and abundant alpine lakes are magical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvYzDPvHmj67MYhgw6XViTochC-w6S0c3D81TasiW3I6n2Ov7A7BHUixW0K6Sh8HMT8MQdvUoOMCiy5aTQ64TJcQukvuvC9WZk12z7o5EojiWOLBtg5LFU8o03rspmJUYhc1JKKgdZHc/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvYzDPvHmj67MYhgw6XViTochC-w6S0c3D81TasiW3I6n2Ov7A7BHUixW0K6Sh8HMT8MQdvUoOMCiy5aTQ64TJcQukvuvC9WZk12z7o5EojiWOLBtg5LFU8o03rspmJUYhc1JKKgdZHc/s640/P1010175.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS0yLs0Tcdqv1_27FYkvTAP0m7SjQD_PNBdDN6063Yr-OczgKA7MkQ1JRnZweu_GMdFakw5pIdEvnxerYxOvbasvwmlfmFcE3niSlqIK4KE3dzP_e9N3OIa9hsGL7f92GByQeqhFGbq8/s1600/P1010189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjS0yLs0Tcdqv1_27FYkvTAP0m7SjQD_PNBdDN6063Yr-OczgKA7MkQ1JRnZweu_GMdFakw5pIdEvnxerYxOvbasvwmlfmFcE3niSlqIK4KE3dzP_e9N3OIa9hsGL7f92GByQeqhFGbq8/s640/P1010189.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frogs at Wanda Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweoXMRPh-v3IhFRFZwFjka4TpL-x2zu26ZsC0ecoQK7O2CmuYXC4pCIN_h8DShyphenhyphenrIYg7HxeKw1FiZbFlN40DAEnd5gLt7YjGjxABH0C6aFSCyhW7SXQN9RzCbVd-PJLw-cWspeQro4eg/s1600/P1010196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweoXMRPh-v3IhFRFZwFjka4TpL-x2zu26ZsC0ecoQK7O2CmuYXC4pCIN_h8DShyphenhyphenrIYg7HxeKw1FiZbFlN40DAEnd5gLt7YjGjxABH0C6aFSCyhW7SXQN9RzCbVd-PJLw-cWspeQro4eg/s640/P1010196.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the shoreline at Wanda Lake was riddled with frogs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12wvOIzK7fHThWwE-JhdIf3IG03EE25Pc-0gOiPNfJr4gDp33gigNY83NfVYQKCzQsHdl2vov2cqKpcIgqD6HpQNvyqIXDBqNQXl1ceLWURbCCPopySVfRw3kvhGFUF_z42uS0XDRTus/s1600/P1010197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12wvOIzK7fHThWwE-JhdIf3IG03EE25Pc-0gOiPNfJr4gDp33gigNY83NfVYQKCzQsHdl2vov2cqKpcIgqD6HpQNvyqIXDBqNQXl1ceLWURbCCPopySVfRw3kvhGFUF_z42uS0XDRTus/s640/P1010197.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanda Lake South - should be called frog lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaLZWJkwRxjvgJUlJYfEhhjkUdtQiRKJaF6e9MV3-mnyUvClvcqaO85SVbp4Dsbef54_unQ6StsNiHUWcbeNkWRZWE1kxoiwA7mHdQMa8MwFFaTckgoqFho-8qb9NilXx90QEaOo4jNY/s1600/P1010200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaLZWJkwRxjvgJUlJYfEhhjkUdtQiRKJaF6e9MV3-mnyUvClvcqaO85SVbp4Dsbef54_unQ6StsNiHUWcbeNkWRZWE1kxoiwA7mHdQMa8MwFFaTckgoqFho-8qb9NilXx90QEaOo4jNY/s640/P1010200.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swimming frog at Wanda Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8w8aWDEqLRcDlgYVqy2dLis04YQTTj_Zqd85MQuBtCDDYTo9zX4TWZfWnbQpdqm96991IpPsY4YvS0gV6akSp6yJT0jGOecn3rYIpwtrUujQ8d4UXwzoV1-kj9hgUBmjSojl26mAlko/s1600/P1010207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8w8aWDEqLRcDlgYVqy2dLis04YQTTj_Zqd85MQuBtCDDYTo9zX4TWZfWnbQpdqm96991IpPsY4YvS0gV6akSp6yJT0jGOecn3rYIpwtrUujQ8d4UXwzoV1-kj9hgUBmjSojl26mAlko/s640/P1010207.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north while ascending to Muir Pass</td></tr>
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We reached Muir Pass at 10:45 am and took a well deserved break at the Muir Hut. When the entire group arrived, the wolfpack and I finally took a group photo. After today, it's likely we won't see each other again. Hope those guys have a great end to their trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGkehqK4LrZU5_XUg4FoP95CFT4RE26i1EGF5vyKzv9eWhtiIjHN6PAEopvvWEvYOX_mWJhkZcehFO_4AvYGhHiuARvwLfJjNULGdzmDePD9wyQ88y1kxmyvEjPP_JFlzVzv5nptByNY/s1600/P1010208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGkehqK4LrZU5_XUg4FoP95CFT4RE26i1EGF5vyKzv9eWhtiIjHN6PAEopvvWEvYOX_mWJhkZcehFO_4AvYGhHiuARvwLfJjNULGdzmDePD9wyQ88y1kxmyvEjPP_JFlzVzv5nptByNY/s640/P1010208.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muir Hut at Muir Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHcTnaUZPbA7q-cfeaU5quTGOnHtcbDvFoDJVfhFkNoMZRavz-fuIwkYI682n6gDmFPhZypsceD-tk9swOvcF9h483F5j6uj4xYaJEL_CMS1YNUzxOYR6rpBgs8ZSLdJRKYye_WcC958/s1600/P1010214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHcTnaUZPbA7q-cfeaU5quTGOnHtcbDvFoDJVfhFkNoMZRavz-fuIwkYI682n6gDmFPhZypsceD-tk9swOvcF9h483F5j6uj4xYaJEL_CMS1YNUzxOYR6rpBgs8ZSLdJRKYye_WcC958/s640/P1010214.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Muir Hut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnee4EGKFUqCJ91F63tlO4OgtY05wguAfD1kWKR5Ei_RsqUlcBPJOAK5r_zn-7M1Qn6fJQDWwJCwzTJms2xP8Ty2JaP1aRNQM11h8twilgMXkZvoirNX0L3a1VxeH9UfqxIDSe1YtiHo/s1600/P1010217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnee4EGKFUqCJ91F63tlO4OgtY05wguAfD1kWKR5Ei_RsqUlcBPJOAK5r_zn-7M1Qn6fJQDWwJCwzTJms2xP8Ty2JaP1aRNQM11h8twilgMXkZvoirNX0L3a1VxeH9UfqxIDSe1YtiHo/s640/P1010217.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wolfpack (from left to right: Tyler, Jake, Jeff, Colin) and me at Muir Hut </td></tr>
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The trail south of Muir Pass is quite rugged, but superbly beautiful. I managed to stay safe there, but further down the trail, I slipped and almost fell on my face. My knuckles got banged up a bit, I tweaked my left knee, as well as my neck and the muscles in my right upper mid back area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVEZTmpGndfJG8jtokUwOWqpS7hViVM8lpeB-DNDrAn1iBvn6BGVL4R0hxW9gbple-yd8XlZkKB_s22SL4srNmA0miJSR2zqgHeKvC8nKbpT2XHfWg-ziLwmYKGSVIR0G5_yQOzIrRCU/s1600/P1010250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVEZTmpGndfJG8jtokUwOWqpS7hViVM8lpeB-DNDrAn1iBvn6BGVL4R0hxW9gbple-yd8XlZkKB_s22SL4srNmA0miJSR2zqgHeKvC8nKbpT2XHfWg-ziLwmYKGSVIR0G5_yQOzIrRCU/s640/P1010250.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heading south into Le Conte Canyon</td></tr>
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Nothing broken, spirits still high - on we go! Just have to be more mindful to not take pictures when it's sprinkling, the rocks are wet, and I'm hiking downhill.<br />
<br />
Dropping down into Le Conte Canyon was really beautiful, even in the rain. Yes, it rained again today, albeit for only 90 minutes. I still enjoy hiking in the rain. In fact, at times I look forward to it because everything instantly smells better when the drops start falling. Only drawback is that the rocks on the trail become super slippery. This particular stretch of trail had even more distractions though. Dinosaur rock and more wildlife made it difficult to focus on the trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFihrswjsb0aiysxzBpNB0iXzvfpe2R9vtggJ9n9n1oFtQgIAH9nwDsXhe53JokikYqbwRrZ_xqm5X54tTPBD-2FmUFVX9LwciVzZqwXch6JmkmV-61KS5mYbhmb-N9-z6e-eU-bXOUBI/s1600/P1010256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFihrswjsb0aiysxzBpNB0iXzvfpe2R9vtggJ9n9n1oFtQgIAH9nwDsXhe53JokikYqbwRrZ_xqm5X54tTPBD-2FmUFVX9LwciVzZqwXch6JmkmV-61KS5mYbhmb-N9-z6e-eU-bXOUBI/s640/P1010256.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinosaur rock...really cool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH6n3CGhEQ3PH0tbbWyIYpFMd3-IEopAouRwCbSgHUxKiTim4vaJO5xjPaZG1MOwiqZDnuDOCSoNlu0Dq4qxUTjiTx4kqbPr0IFtJla88Vkw5YdyunuXmtlsiKVahK4SW1zvjx9lXy5E/s1600/P1010260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH6n3CGhEQ3PH0tbbWyIYpFMd3-IEopAouRwCbSgHUxKiTim4vaJO5xjPaZG1MOwiqZDnuDOCSoNlu0Dq4qxUTjiTx4kqbPr0IFtJla88Vkw5YdyunuXmtlsiKVahK4SW1zvjx9lXy5E/s640/P1010260.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">going in for a closer look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNOFoIu-KGgbBPWQSDB8GWv5CjGWqVHjZeVAg_yUDftKRmmcm21HzMTvCurvpOEDzcxfLm3YAGipwurgc8Sca7hTyAXKjyqOumPPB_aJwhVGTodkGgkm2r1aoEqFMhd68t5pgNToMqJc/s1600/P1010261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNOFoIu-KGgbBPWQSDB8GWv5CjGWqVHjZeVAg_yUDftKRmmcm21HzMTvCurvpOEDzcxfLm3YAGipwurgc8Sca7hTyAXKjyqOumPPB_aJwhVGTodkGgkm2r1aoEqFMhd68t5pgNToMqJc/s640/P1010261.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curious deer in Le Conte Canyon</td></tr>
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I stopped at the Le Conte Ranger Station to say hello, but no one was home. Sign said the ranger was out patrolling. That made me smile because he was out doing what he outta be doing instead of stuck inside those log walls. I did run into George, the backcounty ranger, down the trail and chatted him up a bit. He's in his 70s but is lively and in great shape. Ranger George, you are an inspiration sir!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpdxloKijU1HEtL3-thnGNmrZ9kYtQyW8lcnWNbiM9G6WURwlytyLws85A61wJXDSdfUH1AP-qgjey_QyZZ45GbBpK0itf5tSezvHPfWpEXumUv74M4YnLLwH-9v1bKRIFLt477reFgc/s1600/P1010275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpdxloKijU1HEtL3-thnGNmrZ9kYtQyW8lcnWNbiM9G6WURwlytyLws85A61wJXDSdfUH1AP-qgjey_QyZZ45GbBpK0itf5tSezvHPfWpEXumUv74M4YnLLwH-9v1bKRIFLt477reFgc/s640/P1010275.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Conte Canyon Ranger Station</td></tr>
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Continuing down the canyon, I felt another hot spot coming on. This was the third one, and they have all occurred on long downhill sections of trail. I immediately stopped, applied second skin to the wounded area and continued walking. I must make note to be more mindful and take it a bit slower on the long, brutal downhills. My feet got battered and bruised the last few days and are now showing signs of overuse with not enough care.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUopS7FKQ60mJ0jENzmEN-m2cfmI8FGO4jThdH35Q9-_AY3f2RXSlTQi6T8RRZBy_G3YFJsFskQtccHdpZDsqm__cp-06NArw9ExvIW02GbpjiJBO3mzjvdz5yq-6VsexC26g8uK_Nj28/s1600/P1010289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUopS7FKQ60mJ0jENzmEN-m2cfmI8FGO4jThdH35Q9-_AY3f2RXSlTQi6T8RRZBy_G3YFJsFskQtccHdpZDsqm__cp-06NArw9ExvIW02GbpjiJBO3mzjvdz5yq-6VsexC26g8uK_Nj28/s640/P1010289.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amazing views such as this get me in trouble on the trail.</td></tr>
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I rolled into camp at 4:52 pm. There's another party camped near me, so after I dropped my pack and trekking poles off at my chosen campsite, I went to say hello. The older fella was brushing his teeth so I waived hello and proceeded past him. He turned around and with foam coming out of his mouth mumbled, ”can I help you?” <br />
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”Just came by to say hello” I replied. ”I can't talk while brushing my teeth” he responded back with a tone. ”I understand, that's why I was walking over towards him” I replied with a smile as I pointed in his son's direction. Though not very friendly, I chatted them up for a bit and walked back to my camp. Just as I turned my head towards the river, I saw a black bear on the opposite side of the river from the not-so-friendly campers. I ran back to their campsite and alerted them of the bear, which had already made its way down the river bank. <br />
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Sore feet, sore knee, sore neck...all gone in that instant as adrenaline consumed my body.<br />
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I came back to my campsite, erected my tent, took my dinner and went to the river for another dinner and soak. I can't describe to you how good it feels to dunk my feet into the cold river water. In fact, it felt so great I decided to take a 30 second shower. I feel so refreshed. Afterwards, I stretched for 20 minutes and feel amazing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwrCLI0nXoIn5P-bDcM33wtV4nDp-_4eR3gKJJczXd8mV33S3TjrLMMPj2ZJqJh4YPyh5y60vv8tdOYRrEN3jUoFhcndPrlh3brINCo2xwE47lkr1VFsQ6Y0qxDqOiNe1m84BZd6cwRw/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwrCLI0nXoIn5P-bDcM33wtV4nDp-_4eR3gKJJczXd8mV33S3TjrLMMPj2ZJqJh4YPyh5y60vv8tdOYRrEN3jUoFhcndPrlh3brINCo2xwE47lkr1VFsQ6Y0qxDqOiNe1m84BZd6cwRw/s640/Picture+2.png" height="362" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quick river shower after dinner...very refreshing</td></tr>
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One thing I haven't mentioned yet is how my food plan is working out thus far. In short, I LOVE how I planned and executed everything. Cereals taste great and I look forward to them as I eat two bars and hit the trail early. Snacking on the variety of bars throughout the day keeps me going, and my dinners are delicious! Today's rice noodles with basil pesto, mushrooms, grilled onions and carrots was fabulous. I am never hungry throughout the day and because I have to make an effort to eat all of the days' food, I don't really crave anything, except fresh fruit. <br />
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Yet another glorious day on the trail. Feel like I definitely belong right here, right now, doing exactly what I am doing. I learn tons everyday (about these mountains and about myself) and meet many wonderful people who are just as happy to be out here. <br />
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It's almost hiker midnight and I'm getting drowsy. Goodnight.<br />
<strike>------</strike><br />
“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-33305813146483061152012-09-07T10:35:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:27:44.116-07:00Day 10: Evolution Valley<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Friday, August 17, 2012<br />
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Campground outside Muir Trail Ranch (mile 114.2) to North Evolution Lake (mile 130.1).<br />
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Today's miles: 15.9<br />
Trip miles: 130.1<br />
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Woke up today at 7 am and decided to head over to the Ranch to check my email before hitting the trail. But before I could get going, a couple approached Chris and I and inquired about how to lighten their packs. We had a great conversation and shared tons of knowledge with the inquisitive couple.<br />
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Around 8:30 am I finally walked into the Ranch. Upon entering, Pat, the wonderful old lady who helped me yesterday, walked toward me and started shaking her finger at me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOjcr8xdzPusz2BUQEZA5efe5kuwNpmPcxqxhSRT0TfdD3-ucA0BLR5yDMR71SGgGnNcFj5xqNVzenEob4ZqkyPqyBROjPCz6mnrstBTzgmIGoezuNOF7ChZTqzuJtDE8jyGxkPRwtjU/s1600/P1010076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOjcr8xdzPusz2BUQEZA5efe5kuwNpmPcxqxhSRT0TfdD3-ucA0BLR5yDMR71SGgGnNcFj5xqNVzenEob4ZqkyPqyBROjPCz6mnrstBTzgmIGoezuNOF7ChZTqzuJtDE8jyGxkPRwtjU/s640/P1010076.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat and I in front of the store @ Muir Trail Ranch</td></tr>
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”I come in peace”, I said with a smile. Pat laughed and asked for my address. Strange, yes, but I told her anyway. She smiled and told me she grew up and went to school in Glendale, CA - my hometown. Small world!<br />
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On my way into the store to use the computer, I ran into Donna and Paul again. Donna asked me how my swimming lessons were going. They are really wonderful people and I hope they have a wonder-full and memorable trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCSijcJXNQjpelsQuKBSrhszfHdjXB2wWS9LDuRB32oJmOrR-G_kGmoNyLOcfx6h4CBjkONZK2dFsyKZBhg4EAa7i0aKIaYP24kZRZyndhBXxpM51RsLIzgLrDkgcWs1bx8-jplwMrjo/s1600/P1010077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCSijcJXNQjpelsQuKBSrhszfHdjXB2wWS9LDuRB32oJmOrR-G_kGmoNyLOcfx6h4CBjkONZK2dFsyKZBhg4EAa7i0aKIaYP24kZRZyndhBXxpM51RsLIzgLrDkgcWs1bx8-jplwMrjo/s640/P1010077.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: me, Donna and Paul</td></tr>
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By the time I checked my email, chatted with other hikers, and foraged through the hiker buckets again for more goodies and sunglasses, it was 9:30 am. I quickly filled up my water bottles from the spring and left the Ranch. Unfortunately I didn't run into the wolfpack (the boys from Reno) to say hello. <br />
<br />
The clouds had already gathered so I knew we were in for some foul weather today. Not on any other day had the clouds looked this threatening this early in the day.<br />
<br />
My hike through Evolution Valley was beautiful and under cloud cover, making it very enjoyable. A few miles south of the Ranch, I came across a hut. It was the Muir Hut, built by the Sierra Club in John Muir's honor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhGpybTkPiPvE3jYgZ8JHMHVemFvyWRMsF5g2cWlacIC8ueiB-Lw3zkQiEZFB6_Jf0gfYgKxT2GvMe85RrPCFOhgT3LIh91n3KtNWAeizbxolXGo9w2nsTGZPVp6vQzONVuwO7-xfwsg/s1600/P1010080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhGpybTkPiPvE3jYgZ8JHMHVemFvyWRMsF5g2cWlacIC8ueiB-Lw3zkQiEZFB6_Jf0gfYgKxT2GvMe85RrPCFOhgT3LIh91n3KtNWAeizbxolXGo9w2nsTGZPVp6vQzONVuwO7-xfwsg/s640/P1010080.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Muir Trail Hut exterior</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96y-iCi4rEZOAreIPQlcAWRmZf5k3CqdnyWhyphenhyphenymvhnwQSrzpJoUWZaXzbC2U89J-uWhvGa-ZYqnyG3CFraPjOL9SD2i-jFkkqBn_rH6BfJM8tc8IPMkSWd2K2CmzUWzopqC8OwHohSl8/s1600/P1010082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96y-iCi4rEZOAreIPQlcAWRmZf5k3CqdnyWhyphenhyphenymvhnwQSrzpJoUWZaXzbC2U89J-uWhvGa-ZYqnyG3CFraPjOL9SD2i-jFkkqBn_rH6BfJM8tc8IPMkSWd2K2CmzUWzopqC8OwHohSl8/s640/P1010082.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hut interior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjCkaoQ-1_YiVgZYl_pN9b39qRHriE7i354cvPDDxK15HQ16oRq43wZoXVRCm5nxP2-AktbtcMGJ3aheo4k-Yx19GSDI1wvinpukSRjLR9AKUAwLNPZlKtEVIz7hEP1dBek9yY2PErDU/s1600/P1010087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjCkaoQ-1_YiVgZYl_pN9b39qRHriE7i354cvPDDxK15HQ16oRq43wZoXVRCm5nxP2-AktbtcMGJ3aheo4k-Yx19GSDI1wvinpukSRjLR9AKUAwLNPZlKtEVIz7hEP1dBek9yY2PErDU/s640/P1010087.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">marvelous bridge crossing at Piute Pass Trail junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW1BCK_nFDRMPRwoWjj5qmdwu1UXo33SzA5E_usrhS7qSnnjfb9iTaI-GbOeKtSpNwtxlueZZlMV-J7Aj5YJ5qCd6EoX6dAPZk8Yf-chLg3JHHruWae-dhNn7PmAVtY5tmABHZckXdz0/s1600/P1010089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW1BCK_nFDRMPRwoWjj5qmdwu1UXo33SzA5E_usrhS7qSnnjfb9iTaI-GbOeKtSpNwtxlueZZlMV-J7Aj5YJ5qCd6EoX6dAPZk8Yf-chLg3JHHruWae-dhNn7PmAVtY5tmABHZckXdz0/s640/P1010089.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Evolution Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-f6LZ3xMXdJYMsDAShUqG0koofd-0HXsOqfzG9mpKKUj_1eUQKi6tAZQVmNhDiG1iyP5_xMaFil39CRiSJQ7IwB5kGWSf8QzJJR8Q1o-mH9at2RCVfv2wvklfjwiQI9l3srhnwFODmA/s1600/P1010096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-f6LZ3xMXdJYMsDAShUqG0koofd-0HXsOqfzG9mpKKUj_1eUQKi6tAZQVmNhDiG1iyP5_xMaFil39CRiSJQ7IwB5kGWSf8QzJJR8Q1o-mH9at2RCVfv2wvklfjwiQI9l3srhnwFODmA/s640/P1010096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">awesome footbridge crossing over the San Joaquin River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA44QTicVwmm5GdYLxiwUm03ZBGDL8y8QLfH7Y8fHNbj-TPet453OFoOBbWem32GTsFP_ikcs9_e_OTSOv7n8KhH53puGpAyfAtW9duUbDMqjWcfd0UhGTF5g0mk34c-bILeBg_QTL6q0/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA44QTicVwmm5GdYLxiwUm03ZBGDL8y8QLfH7Y8fHNbj-TPet453OFoOBbWem32GTsFP_ikcs9_e_OTSOv7n8KhH53puGpAyfAtW9duUbDMqjWcfd0UhGTF5g0mk34c-bILeBg_QTL6q0/s640/P1010099.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful footbridge - this one at the Goddard Canyon Trail junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGY4kP4M4BXYugVVjS1ejmlijQFF4v00uau6k82aSjkWZ8eOvZLjF4mkCrX4YJrVN84CQTtcGv1of3eR-SENvPj6U4Si31jpWv-mDnvt5AkRGHaBIJNiNW5OjX1yxb96lkG3P8V7L36I/s1600/P1010103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGY4kP4M4BXYugVVjS1ejmlijQFF4v00uau6k82aSjkWZ8eOvZLjF4mkCrX4YJrVN84CQTtcGv1of3eR-SENvPj6U4Si31jpWv-mDnvt5AkRGHaBIJNiNW5OjX1yxb96lkG3P8V7L36I/s640/P1010103.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Evolution Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being a low snow year, Evolution Creek was only shin deep - an easy ford. In fact, it was easier than the ford required <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-9-spa-day-at-muir-trail-ranch.html" target="_blank">last night to get to the hot springs</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bqiFCX4VOlbrq0FxaDRWd1eULO4Ro4-x0SSbC41NrvBOvQOrn0Z03UwA016YQwaIXLvDLH9SJ7k4qT1o3tKQNwnMve_8P4OhN3Ld4GSL9VEYaolzM8BK5CHbaYYovYCP14Cj22hjl5o/s1600/P1010113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bqiFCX4VOlbrq0FxaDRWd1eULO4Ro4-x0SSbC41NrvBOvQOrn0Z03UwA016YQwaIXLvDLH9SJ7k4qT1o3tKQNwnMve_8P4OhN3Ld4GSL9VEYaolzM8BK5CHbaYYovYCP14Cj22hjl5o/s640/P1010113.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolution Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 1 pm, lightning struck, thunder blared, and the skies opened up. The shower lasted about an hour, but the dark storm clouds hung around and spat from time to time. All this rain does make for pretty waterfalls!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_hiZajdHy1unXNniZBsLiWo1drw6TDpa_R_geZsgt9mjIf-ZaqHL1zFGPzIYQjuy_Sk7I_kOQsTMCnc7YvVKiim7S0bCJBGhgoOG1NfQaJJ4F9DWwVzuQfQZ1-zbLxTqzpw7E-OAl4U/s1600/P1010116.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_hiZajdHy1unXNniZBsLiWo1drw6TDpa_R_geZsgt9mjIf-ZaqHL1zFGPzIYQjuy_Sk7I_kOQsTMCnc7YvVKiim7S0bCJBGhgoOG1NfQaJJ4F9DWwVzuQfQZ1-zbLxTqzpw7E-OAl4U/s640/P1010116.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
At McClure Meadow, I swung by and said hello to backcountry ranger Dave. Nice guy. Wonder what he does all day in that hut by himself. I would have inquired further and asked to check out the ranger station, but it was pouring rain and I wanted to keep moving.<br />
<br />
About 2 miles from North Evolution Lake, I caught up to the wolfpack. They too plan to stay at North Evolution Lake tonight. After a set of steep switchbacks, we took a break at a creek. The smell of wild onions consumed the air. We were surrounded by wild onions here. Tyler picked a few and so did I.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RwDum3BVF_TH0xi8d5MONMeZUj_dd4bnSC-irOn11rtdXq_zH1tpbAsPcx7w_u4SX9crMZDsiTNXiHs3d61sg63zE_CA_xY2AMsWp6ueLdCPQOCIqX1veaIIav8XY8Nz5PHkPQYGVM4/s1600/P1010121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RwDum3BVF_TH0xi8d5MONMeZUj_dd4bnSC-irOn11rtdXq_zH1tpbAsPcx7w_u4SX9crMZDsiTNXiHs3d61sg63zE_CA_xY2AMsWp6ueLdCPQOCIqX1veaIIav8XY8Nz5PHkPQYGVM4/s640/P1010121.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler picked wild onion from its root. Cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIDcOI-TDj4KWDVzo8oNHJDB9BDmcOK0Yb_pDOEIyKzrWPWN5bt5Y2mWqall2nLM9sJufslL8SmvfEH5fuwQJas4oswbBQHtomYZdjpipBPAlm78vO5-H1Jsxl-qQtpCL0wVasmKXnWU/s1600/P1010123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIDcOI-TDj4KWDVzo8oNHJDB9BDmcOK0Yb_pDOEIyKzrWPWN5bt5Y2mWqall2nLM9sJufslL8SmvfEH5fuwQJas4oswbBQHtomYZdjpipBPAlm78vO5-H1Jsxl-qQtpCL0wVasmKXnWU/s640/P1010123.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all those tasty onions! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I munched on one while I hiked, and I kept another one for dinner later. When we arrived at camp, I diced the wild onions into my lentil soup. It was by far the best dinner I've had on the trail! The soup was outrageously good, and the onions made it that much better. My taste buds and tummy were very happy :))<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx9-umJUraRuJ7ibkoBQWufEAEPOblgRPYDvDFPC-8cLjZAjxNMakzstmA6a4qQE-UrofvnUP838TmAoVevDZ0oYxIx_HgT_ok4TnUZch6nCpHfs85QtMCGgTXs0gfXffSJHx-dx2sPY/s1600/P1010131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx9-umJUraRuJ7ibkoBQWufEAEPOblgRPYDvDFPC-8cLjZAjxNMakzstmA6a4qQE-UrofvnUP838TmAoVevDZ0oYxIx_HgT_ok4TnUZch6nCpHfs85QtMCGgTXs0gfXffSJHx-dx2sPY/s640/P1010131.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentil Soup with veggies and wild onions - SO GOOD!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
North Evoution Lake is absolutely beautiful and one my favorite lakes of this trip. The outlet of the lake drops off like an infinity pool into the canyon below. Spectacular views around every corner here. And the fishing isn't to shabby either. The guys caught a few golden trout after dinner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8F5v2kSFIJdvMTkYu81uRgfJ7FiiWym9P9To6g7sVte3UrfCd65d5XVQoznpu8ifu3PeEQ3r-VS4hwphvLgQdH9gUQ-vqxjQ3ezGyobM8xE7CKbqss_lS6JHKx240TOTbxsl_ORwgEo/s1600/P1010128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8F5v2kSFIJdvMTkYu81uRgfJ7FiiWym9P9To6g7sVte3UrfCd65d5XVQoznpu8ifu3PeEQ3r-VS4hwphvLgQdH9gUQ-vqxjQ3ezGyobM8xE7CKbqss_lS6JHKx240TOTbxsl_ORwgEo/s640/P1010128.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning North Evolution Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASvTzsKzDV5bKjpZwKtHrf8MWYOeLCkKFr1AuRRGC08q5zvxj5XnjHTu0YwQr846j2dmtIMIYYY41ibhK-7nd2qrAAuoHmJd8VIo_RJuWuZ3IJjtjdLjBRWDcVSGZELp283J2S0D1wnQ/s1600/P1010137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASvTzsKzDV5bKjpZwKtHrf8MWYOeLCkKFr1AuRRGC08q5zvxj5XnjHTu0YwQr846j2dmtIMIYYY41ibhK-7nd2qrAAuoHmJd8VIo_RJuWuZ3IJjtjdLjBRWDcVSGZELp283J2S0D1wnQ/s640/P1010137.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Evolution Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEZxNNXFJtOPRtsim33Z9rIJNp7T2c7Wf6NwXE5Fa3piPZ8IYjbYvZDC_gfaegXvwL6YV4H1HC9wHilhobi4Sjird4k8CTschlk1tuKvsT5UsihBjyPKFxMOtYHkORE36NVM7K2l02Io/s1600/P1010141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEZxNNXFJtOPRtsim33Z9rIJNp7T2c7Wf6NwXE5Fa3piPZ8IYjbYvZDC_gfaegXvwL6YV4H1HC9wHilhobi4Sjird4k8CTschlk1tuKvsT5UsihBjyPKFxMOtYHkORE36NVM7K2l02Io/s640/P1010141.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outlet of North Evolution Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqZIiTYl57JjoDi0XzmRd_eklqATbIlb8QvpQXRogbiuus0cNI4B7imT0KAmNvna1M-anirCntk1N4N63bsq0NoJLLh5jztHCuHJP6yXjedr4mvMAa_Gmvs7ShhcC_J8fmDo_RaJkMuk/s1600/P1010142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqZIiTYl57JjoDi0XzmRd_eklqATbIlb8QvpQXRogbiuus0cNI4B7imT0KAmNvna1M-anirCntk1N4N63bsq0NoJLLh5jztHCuHJP6yXjedr4mvMAa_Gmvs7ShhcC_J8fmDo_RaJkMuk/s640/P1010142.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outlet of North Evolution Lake 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunset however, was most spectacar. The alpenglow and the many shades of red and pink were amazing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozWpzRT7PcWmTe_AE_d9qncvKkp59oiE6ad0fZgKxoTYFEkrFcFtPm5WqJbkHb7kU_xUKJL4Ev45knaOa8CpePFfT7kczWYtAACBJpW0J8gh3BJ7mKZSZz7Y8z0LbhkXaem-_0BFdFPo/s1600/P1010155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozWpzRT7PcWmTe_AE_d9qncvKkp59oiE6ad0fZgKxoTYFEkrFcFtPm5WqJbkHb7kU_xUKJL4Ev45knaOa8CpePFfT7kczWYtAACBJpW0J8gh3BJ7mKZSZz7Y8z0LbhkXaem-_0BFdFPo/s640/P1010155.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Evolution Lake Aplenglow </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vAgDheUziIu52v3Gv140pB49xmo0VcMUO92oALuq-2aZD4uR4KoZK2QvHK1DDtN5hzp9urNzO_8lqt7HSa-QvWFd8w8bGoXuFQiFPg8NisFUCb44NT3MEB7xbMVMcuPEJqlDhV7Ap9g/s1600/P1010158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vAgDheUziIu52v3Gv140pB49xmo0VcMUO92oALuq-2aZD4uR4KoZK2QvHK1DDtN5hzp9urNzO_8lqt7HSa-QvWFd8w8bGoXuFQiFPg8NisFUCb44NT3MEB7xbMVMcuPEJqlDhV7Ap9g/s640/P1010158.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Evolution Lake Aplenglow 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BjAXcfO3INPGu-qrfXbDm-tB-pWuK0JBibmCxjKHQXvV6dOlsInvUEnn77px-jCA6mKpepV2vFzubJFzckBEoDWyL3MNL96mUjhgznC1z1yWO9xqYI8SfWdp16izFMy_B-oCSC6VOqQ/s1600/P1010159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BjAXcfO3INPGu-qrfXbDm-tB-pWuK0JBibmCxjKHQXvV6dOlsInvUEnn77px-jCA6mKpepV2vFzubJFzckBEoDWyL3MNL96mUjhgznC1z1yWO9xqYI8SfWdp16izFMy_B-oCSC6VOqQ/s640/P1010159.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Evolution Lake Aplenglow 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We stretched for a few minutes, stargazed for about a half hour around 9 pm and then it was off to bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgo7Lgk7i7D7Zi1uSzGEAbOuco8DCvmhwhzF03naJOSQZcelAIQG1vRGx8081mrDVOTFLyhplgtLrNp1D-8h0LvP8SE_PTyNWd6beSy5G49tRYudQx8tkUAWkWVLWsxHm1jKT1g4fKFg/s1600/P1010160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgo7Lgk7i7D7Zi1uSzGEAbOuco8DCvmhwhzF03naJOSQZcelAIQG1vRGx8081mrDVOTFLyhplgtLrNp1D-8h0LvP8SE_PTyNWd6beSy5G49tRYudQx8tkUAWkWVLWsxHm1jKT1g4fKFg/s640/P1010160.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wolfpack in inverted pigeon</td></tr>
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Another glorious day on the trail.<br />
<strike>-----</strike><br />
“[It’s] wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not passed, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-63715248711910803052012-09-06T10:36:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:28:00.477-07:00Day 9: Spa Day at Muir Trail Ranch<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Thursday, August 16, 2012<br />
<br />
Marie Lake (mile 106.2) to Muir Trail Ranch (mile 114.2).<br />
<br />
Today's miles: 8<br />
Trip miles: 114.2<br />
<br />
Soggy start to the day as it was very humid last night and I was camped out in the open (sans tree cover). There was lots of condensation inside my tent, and I was sliding to the right slightly (not the most level campsite I've ever chosen). <br />
<br />
I slept in and got a later start as I knew I had fewer miles to cover today. I love <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/08/thru-hiker-lingo.html" target="_blank">nero days</a> because I can let my laziness shine and hike even slower than I usually do.<br />
<br />
I hit the trail around 7:30 am and enjoyed glorious views of Marie Lake, Heart Lake, and Sallie Keyes Lakes. As I was drying out my tent, sleeping bag, and air pad at Sallie Keyes, Jake rolled through. He was hauling it to Muir Trail Ranch to see about reserving a couple rooms as Colin and Tyler were both suffering with Achilles issues. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i17joYCNqzChoAF9ZThP6P5PYR2TMTAkZFAPBDtbDumFyobzHxMM5osNbT7b5_cM9A2WnrfQcUT058EBKKlMo2HjChZz-EbtrE49D8ZsbYuEfBDfkCPJcRMrchnFqNwR9mOAT8ErDPc/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i17joYCNqzChoAF9ZThP6P5PYR2TMTAkZFAPBDtbDumFyobzHxMM5osNbT7b5_cM9A2WnrfQcUT058EBKKlMo2HjChZz-EbtrE49D8ZsbYuEfBDfkCPJcRMrchnFqNwR9mOAT8ErDPc/s640/P1010010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Marie Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic17fKJT-CVPzjW7jowIdbVudKiq8YDrfMffebo-wYu2E2fKTCWgtI-IRGxBYcYHjhvQMJ3NTzeM0UDsCh53PkjktcCTjiFLaJv3OiJMezBVS7EFwB1Hpzr0zphViEjK70MyyvS2LbCTo/s1600/P1010012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic17fKJT-CVPzjW7jowIdbVudKiq8YDrfMffebo-wYu2E2fKTCWgtI-IRGxBYcYHjhvQMJ3NTzeM0UDsCh53PkjktcCTjiFLaJv3OiJMezBVS7EFwB1Hpzr0zphViEjK70MyyvS2LbCTo/s640/P1010012.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Lake from Selden Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UkzM1pEO4iNdFGSE4XVQMNZBWZMFlOG7SYLYV0-t1pPKoyYEqohsrWiDl_xBGFshbMSAhxIyE2F7WWExL1ElWkw75ZF4XkXG41WT0rq-oqwV7YQQLkPFKQpTDpghi7scNl-LyOkMZmQ/s1600/P1010024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UkzM1pEO4iNdFGSE4XVQMNZBWZMFlOG7SYLYV0-t1pPKoyYEqohsrWiDl_xBGFshbMSAhxIyE2F7WWExL1ElWkw75ZF4XkXG41WT0rq-oqwV7YQQLkPFKQpTDpghi7scNl-LyOkMZmQ/s640/P1010024.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sallie Keyes Lakes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRirScN_2zPP3H-I7tPTT40aR171ak6FrYH7REFULfLNCdqFMZoBOop5ZIMvSLMx_T8F4uPayJeSkpVt1YVsgMZzbCFM9xIcSsvC-HMdHALayUpJR779vpoUiqAdm_UYK7G3GowHqDaI/s1600/P1010026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRirScN_2zPP3H-I7tPTT40aR171ak6FrYH7REFULfLNCdqFMZoBOop5ZIMvSLMx_T8F4uPayJeSkpVt1YVsgMZzbCFM9xIcSsvC-HMdHALayUpJR779vpoUiqAdm_UYK7G3GowHqDaI/s640/P1010026.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another trailside used gear sale</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbVhkam8_FARMMxMguKn2K4lfguFJE-8BuMWZFZF1qzKLu9DZ94vUcZNn63hOpwPt0rZ1yn2cM2_lYOcsDVTNfKaiH63UnmgcnyhDGYhcMWOEDuRPvidRCrcaKeNpUiaOxCTNjOqOCC0/s1600/P1010027.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbVhkam8_FARMMxMguKn2K4lfguFJE-8BuMWZFZF1qzKLu9DZ94vUcZNn63hOpwPt0rZ1yn2cM2_lYOcsDVTNfKaiH63UnmgcnyhDGYhcMWOEDuRPvidRCrcaKeNpUiaOxCTNjOqOCC0/s640/P1010027.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGbFypUPYgeQu-yOCmcbyG5UoOvXfVY2ZyPvz-gZ341tEu_hNBT7r9oOsru0ZuBaOr7MfLEJXfYRoVuakB1lcd8ev4GI8KIBqk_j3tA1wlzKaGdmviV555iEnu7WaLliUU9Np0lDIkU/s1600/P1010033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGbFypUPYgeQu-yOCmcbyG5UoOvXfVY2ZyPvz-gZ341tEu_hNBT7r9oOsru0ZuBaOr7MfLEJXfYRoVuakB1lcd8ev4GI8KIBqk_j3tA1wlzKaGdmviV555iEnu7WaLliUU9Np0lDIkU/s640/P1010033.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loooooong downhill to Muir Trail Ranch</td></tr>
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We made good time to the Ranch, where our resupplies were also waiting for us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityB92t-2Xz4EBOA3a43JfKGro4Bd0dBLwqH5y6Mzl2usM8zp-BTVPz3916XUKt_F727SmzPeCKpJLKP3KPeiQBgi3cx2DbU9pFGJkRoPTSKf6D2YYyOsrCtE6p5qLxbuUG5sHMEXRzJk/s1600/P1010038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityB92t-2Xz4EBOA3a43JfKGro4Bd0dBLwqH5y6Mzl2usM8zp-BTVPz3916XUKt_F727SmzPeCKpJLKP3KPeiQBgi3cx2DbU9pFGJkRoPTSKf6D2YYyOsrCtE6p5qLxbuUG5sHMEXRzJk/s640/P1010038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILp0t13HjO23xP8SFiXDXcIVX6XOYV3VWGavz8kWNdwM9ipKjtc6cB4ruCpnhx4KUKfyBr7VmOLO7mFwtbwj-bnAks_fjnUBDSgm3-6ZeFXvSLawPw3rK9Ku6xQ2glxysCagrfK97Pf0/s1600/P1010039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILp0t13HjO23xP8SFiXDXcIVX6XOYV3VWGavz8kWNdwM9ipKjtc6cB4ruCpnhx4KUKfyBr7VmOLO7mFwtbwj-bnAks_fjnUBDSgm3-6ZeFXvSLawPw3rK9Ku6xQ2glxysCagrfK97Pf0/s640/P1010039.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say about 1000 buckets are shipped to the Ranch each year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24jC58KTn8DvN5kqk0CShCHsU0UIvH6zU2RRWb3EbFN-UJdpKH_xFd3sfAZAc1v7wHA7hVsd-EHRBhvQoUadSfEyF_AMtQBF2e17hqO-TcIoN8Qm7qrFZdJ2XfF6GRfoynrCzudFcflg/s1600/P1010040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24jC58KTn8DvN5kqk0CShCHsU0UIvH6zU2RRWb3EbFN-UJdpKH_xFd3sfAZAc1v7wHA7hVsd-EHRBhvQoUadSfEyF_AMtQBF2e17hqO-TcIoN8Qm7qrFZdJ2XfF6GRfoynrCzudFcflg/s640/P1010040.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door to the bucket hut..which only international hikers get to sign </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-hd_WeCWhf0ZcUBd6-cTgyKQcL4yCtoB8vLV-5jbjJTAm0OH-47c9plsgGwiN6Um_UXCsIfQODqtPfklzZQXh6H2kvrBSK0qjBCQobaoDZcE1Rdiv1V1uP2se-3JWfsGGuNyviNqFuQ/s1600/P1010041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-hd_WeCWhf0ZcUBd6-cTgyKQcL4yCtoB8vLV-5jbjJTAm0OH-47c9plsgGwiN6Um_UXCsIfQODqtPfklzZQXh6H2kvrBSK0qjBCQobaoDZcE1Rdiv1V1uP2se-3JWfsGGuNyviNqFuQ/s640/P1010041.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most important storage shed for a hiker! </td></tr>
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As we walked in, a sweet old lady took our claim checks and went about retrieving our resupply buckets.<br />
<br />
I was REALLY hoping the store on the property would have apples for sale but unfortunately, they had no food for sale, just hiking related stuff. <br />
<br />
The Muir Trail Ranch is a wonderful place with very friendly staff. They treated me very well and inquired about my trip. This stood out to me because with all the hikers that roll in, one might tire of inquiring about people's adventures, but not them. They really love the outdoors and it shows.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo_g4NTsXbPmeE-1fNUW2bPgaOx9VMp1Bz0sllfta8kkjsmmpZ-WIohKLEciFs1tDq6JqmaGHEKbAY2BqO6woO1ryiObClDRsR6BwUaAd2rqIprUEhJPyZ5UUy1RRi7hW_D19JVE2cXQ/s1600/P1010059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo_g4NTsXbPmeE-1fNUW2bPgaOx9VMp1Bz0sllfta8kkjsmmpZ-WIohKLEciFs1tDq6JqmaGHEKbAY2BqO6woO1ryiObClDRsR6BwUaAd2rqIprUEhJPyZ5UUy1RRi7hW_D19JVE2cXQ/s640/P1010059.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pack horse stalls at the ranch </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwzkBMLJlUiSrZYJRNt_BikS-b-QmMp3EemruPOYSOhPN4bssxULgmJEzvVaCdEeczVLaA2tmhCh4pivStCWub0miKih6EiS2haaX5FgmyEGz8IxWd1I9cW6i9FilRsheVmm4-C6QCYE/s1600/P1010061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwzkBMLJlUiSrZYJRNt_BikS-b-QmMp3EemruPOYSOhPN4bssxULgmJEzvVaCdEeczVLaA2tmhCh4pivStCWub0miKih6EiS2haaX5FgmyEGz8IxWd1I9cW6i9FilRsheVmm4-C6QCYE/s640/P1010061.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-9l6x4BYWKNpWPgvzD5mYgIlbUas-koSPV8W71uXmE6_Qu-6zokXGeVFohEXddiLFbb1KjJCB8fMyjl5khz29-oBUr_oLZAUciKYi8BErgBMeXT4v5bWK1J7OdoDPVFAzAK9Mn8kzSk/s1600/P1010062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-9l6x4BYWKNpWPgvzD5mYgIlbUas-koSPV8W71uXmE6_Qu-6zokXGeVFohEXddiLFbb1KjJCB8fMyjl5khz29-oBUr_oLZAUciKYi8BErgBMeXT4v5bWK1J7OdoDPVFAzAK9Mn8kzSk/s640/P1010062.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The store @ the Ranch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo24b6KXdE0022mr9c2QoKlzoyWIis23Z5Ryb-KvA6pPNDPFlqWwi2H7bqB_eF359pyjM8FNN1YCEQUTSSeCtMGtOrLRcyZS_09zlt4uC7nFQD74OywisP-9UJ9U2dH9-cM_1U8kCbB2c/s1600/P1010063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo24b6KXdE0022mr9c2QoKlzoyWIis23Z5Ryb-KvA6pPNDPFlqWwi2H7bqB_eF359pyjM8FNN1YCEQUTSSeCtMGtOrLRcyZS_09zlt4uC7nFQD74OywisP-9UJ9U2dH9-cM_1U8kCbB2c/s640/P1010063.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranch cabins and lounge in the distance</td></tr>
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Next to the shed that houses the resupply buckets are many buckets full of food other hikers have left behind. We are free to go through them and take what we want. I looked for sunglasses but didn't find a pair. But, Tallulah, a fellow hiker who packed way too much food had just unloaded dehydrated apples and peaches. SCORE!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbaS_5e7yT9FOoTzlexjTMp68zhC7RmtnuxYWVdbgeQHC7kOr5_gCO_QWNikBbHsKgPMQKuUG1CKD34onTeqdvtgZ6Z8Q-ypl9xhXWQEKoOcniGpuVGsbZVNqHDo71s7OEhIMalGqYVE/s1600/P1010042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbaS_5e7yT9FOoTzlexjTMp68zhC7RmtnuxYWVdbgeQHC7kOr5_gCO_QWNikBbHsKgPMQKuUG1CKD34onTeqdvtgZ6Z8Q-ypl9xhXWQEKoOcniGpuVGsbZVNqHDo71s7OEhIMalGqYVE/s640/P1010042.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hiker buckets full of free stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXVxTOW7THBUXoVAIdpJ1IlNFZtTRrtLWT7nFf5BV-6VWATDRTDYLfEhFqoaGjaiQVktF6oETNDBteyVmlM_fJOZFQ7QJSmS7KhewlaB5D-cB5t_RdscUKdVh9wp0hURW7tRdEVCQ6U/s1600/P1010045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXVxTOW7THBUXoVAIdpJ1IlNFZtTRrtLWT7nFf5BV-6VWATDRTDYLfEhFqoaGjaiQVktF6oETNDBteyVmlM_fJOZFQ7QJSmS7KhewlaB5D-cB5t_RdscUKdVh9wp0hURW7tRdEVCQ6U/s640/P1010045.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">organizing my bearcan and trying to make it all fit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I9lv8eAj8MU4SzfWqUx5bv1iMKGkb4jBxrSarKT5wlNH85mQOy1mnyYgNAWfmr9LbUuGqXFUPszouRe40KQ_5lJP24N0YuWg3rLwQj5K1rEb-Fllq-V5XN3aSdcTilB7VH8Widb500I/s1600/P1010047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I9lv8eAj8MU4SzfWqUx5bv1iMKGkb4jBxrSarKT5wlNH85mQOy1mnyYgNAWfmr9LbUuGqXFUPszouRe40KQ_5lJP24N0YuWg3rLwQj5K1rEb-Fllq-V5XN3aSdcTilB7VH8Widb500I/s640/P1010047.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dehydrated apples have never tasted better!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She, Will, John and Chris were great company and a fun group of people. We all foraged through the buckets, and found foodstuffs we craved, wanted and didn't know we wanted. I took 5 assorted organic tea bags and hemp seeds. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKdI7cfhgOx_y0oXkb3kub0zatP-d2Kqq4p3vEJReaY4uqV45ZlUUu30yGDMQTdzoTck9nKXJD8uy04AiwWFBx1DWo6TOXs0J32zq8zJ80r1NcFjCwi9chJct3IXMMFy1peq1eJbNy6Y/s1600/P1010055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKdI7cfhgOx_y0oXkb3kub0zatP-d2Kqq4p3vEJReaY4uqV45ZlUUu30yGDMQTdzoTck9nKXJD8uy04AiwWFBx1DWo6TOXs0J32zq8zJ80r1NcFjCwi9chJct3IXMMFy1peq1eJbNy6Y/s640/P1010055.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left to right: me, Tallulah, Will, Chris, John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then tried to somehow fit my seven days worth of food into my bearproof food canister - something I wasn't able to accomplish at home before I shipped my food to the Ranch. With slight force and lovely words of encouragement, it all fit..eventually.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCRTXyW6YvgkFfiLYCJCHbM_ZY-qPv-AjxT5QA0n8YCZMWA23MdLsSz2TBEqPJ0uVExvwucYfVtE52_OIxYe1Dj3fUNltn-C1-HPhFn9IINqQyKQNLCGKOknv_kwqBzeRG_9X75IbxqQ/s1600/P1010048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCRTXyW6YvgkFfiLYCJCHbM_ZY-qPv-AjxT5QA0n8YCZMWA23MdLsSz2TBEqPJ0uVExvwucYfVtE52_OIxYe1Dj3fUNltn-C1-HPhFn9IINqQyKQNLCGKOknv_kwqBzeRG_9X75IbxqQ/s640/P1010048.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">will it all fit?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94zr6CRy5UZ2CTQTSkdT6KOuONB2e3NlNvWH8VUwwI7PV1kyWStBnZ8WihTnHNqhLkGHShZ7p4wAcqpziKwtG55B2K4qGo4h30u0tHxqSC0NKrKT7DoZCXXemvYKWQadQL6VuWzQEb-Y/s1600/P1010066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94zr6CRy5UZ2CTQTSkdT6KOuONB2e3NlNvWH8VUwwI7PV1kyWStBnZ8WihTnHNqhLkGHShZ7p4wAcqpziKwtG55B2K4qGo4h30u0tHxqSC0NKrKT7DoZCXXemvYKWQadQL6VuWzQEb-Y/s640/P1010066.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you bet it will fit...one way or another</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fully loaded with 2.5 liters of water, 7 days of food and all my gear, my pack weighed in at 29 pounds. Not too shabby although in my opinion the scale at the ranch is slightly off. I think my pack weighs slightly more.<br />
<br />
All the while we were fooling around with food matters, I was also charging my phone and camera.<br />
Once they were charged, Chris - aka Rogue Photonic - and I were ready to leave the ranch property to find a place to camp. As we were walking out, I saw a woman who looked familiar to me. It was <a href="http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=13438" target="_blank">Donna from Australia</a> hiking the JMT with her partner Paul. It was great to meet her in person as we'd been following each others' journies on trailjournals.com. Hope they have a great hike!<br />
<br />
Chris and I finally left the ranch and after 10 minutes of walking, we had our gear down, and tents were doing up. Fifteen minutes later we were on our way to Blaney Hot Springs. Oh how refreshing, soothing and relaxing the clothing optional hot spring was. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUAhjDTSYIl6_ErmujjWrYlC7vNjcjhOEjgF_YRjr25LhpuP0-y0yvfRyeSYxGGuMnOK7qHQl3vlV7N-DQCcpwaY5yHv9TYshxkBeiWcdb0_CcmpWOUP8OixThlXMgp3MpEIFK3m0XEU/s1600/P1010067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUAhjDTSYIl6_ErmujjWrYlC7vNjcjhOEjgF_YRjr25LhpuP0-y0yvfRyeSYxGGuMnOK7qHQl3vlV7N-DQCcpwaY5yHv9TYshxkBeiWcdb0_CcmpWOUP8OixThlXMgp3MpEIFK3m0XEU/s640/P1010067.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crossing the river to get to the hot springs...longest ford of any river on the trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were a few people enjoying themselves when we got there, but they left soon after and we had the place to ourselves. Shortly after, Elizabeth and Veronica joined us, great gals out hiking the Sierras for a week. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpGAhWsPrMckb3Q92Jl3ewn5A_bghwScyj8frE0LOU7WKC3ix8GGCug_5utFrhhb3UrYUDsjJwnm0Sm83FNaEz5vVE7HRo9j-OUzraLaaVX6kpduuBZOxzhwMHk4h0XxFCEmasOpMinI/s1600/P1010070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpGAhWsPrMckb3Q92Jl3ewn5A_bghwScyj8frE0LOU7WKC3ix8GGCug_5utFrhhb3UrYUDsjJwnm0Sm83FNaEz5vVE7HRo9j-OUzraLaaVX6kpduuBZOxzhwMHk4h0XxFCEmasOpMinI/s640/P1010070.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hangin out at clothing optional Blaney Hot Spring. thanks for taking the pic Veronica</td></tr>
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After a great long soak and great conversation with wonderful people, we all headed back to camp for dinner. Chris and I got a fire going and were joined by a fun family of three camping nearby whose previous longest backpacking trip was 3 nights. Rock on! The retired couple - previously employed by the U.S. Air Force - were hiking the JMT with their son, who was in charge of filtering all their water and documenting their trip with a DSLR camera. Great people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_qRCCbm_4yYizh2PXhisr1ckDOd6YhZwcIOs76K2LnunUeaeTGlBNkhWGi8mZQC3rMZgNoVbb7yZowdB1i5UTv9tBpTJK2SDjm_R6Z0b7_EgP4iEteIig1G9RODZi-XbVP8oybxME0k/s1600/P1010071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_qRCCbm_4yYizh2PXhisr1ckDOd6YhZwcIOs76K2LnunUeaeTGlBNkhWGi8mZQC3rMZgNoVbb7yZowdB1i5UTv9tBpTJK2SDjm_R6Z0b7_EgP4iEteIig1G9RODZi-XbVP8oybxME0k/s640/P1010071.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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After they left, Chris and I chatted more about his 141 day trip, of which he is on day 74. Rock on Chris!<br />
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It's waaay passed hiker midnight and I'm pooped. Great day at the ranch, but I'm ready to stretch my legs tomorrow. <br />
<strike>----</strike><br />
”Wander a whole summer if you can. Time will not be taken from the sum of life. Instead of shortening, it will definitely lengthen it & make you truly immortal.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-76946187102312813592012-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:28:13.660-07:00Day 8: Half Way!<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 <br />
<br />
1 mile north of Squaw Lake (mile 86.8) to Marie Lake (mile 106.2).<br />
<br />
Today's miles: 19.4<br />
Trip miles: 106.2<br />
<br />
I'm half way done! I can't believe it. It seems like only yesterday I was <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/08/day-3-bye-bye-fam-bam.html" target="_blank">saying goodbye to my mom and cousin in Yosemite</a>.<br />
<br />
Ok, back to today. As Yogi Berra once said, ”In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.” Such is the case with planning a hike of this magnitude from the comfort of your bedroom. <br />
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There are so many factors at play out here that you can't predict or plan for - including physical conditioning at higher altitudes, hiking (sometimes big miles) day after day (and how your body will respond to the physical undertaking), and of course - weather.<br />
<br />
You can have the best intinerary ever, but rest assured nature will dictate your moves. You can complain and get angry, or accept it and adapt to your circumstances. <br />
<br />
This is exactly the reason today was a day of firsts for me. <br />
1. I woke up at 4 am and was on the trail at 4:53 am. Hiking in the dark (with no moonlight) on wet trail littered with slippery rocks is not exactly my cup of tea, but I did it because I had to. I wanted to give myself the best possible chance to cover the miles I needed to. Headlamp on full blast and one careful step in front of the other.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFxAb9UDw9USS0NszOp2UqnrS8ewP7OUOP9yrGF9MzFBGg9zVpFOWjMdN9I5tI6MsvkGJTZBzj6CrWQl9cZxb6cliXwB22ufQid6fxFNUEQUna8dSpYchxmD2C0V2vjMJR34Ah_E7zds/s1600/P1000918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFxAb9UDw9USS0NszOp2UqnrS8ewP7OUOP9yrGF9MzFBGg9zVpFOWjMdN9I5tI6MsvkGJTZBzj6CrWQl9cZxb6cliXwB22ufQid6fxFNUEQUna8dSpYchxmD2C0V2vjMJR34Ah_E7zds/s640/P1000918.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-dawn hiking is spectacular and magical</td></tr>
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2. I hiked over 19 miles in one day. That's huge for me. There were lots of ups and downs in elevation today, but my slow behind parked his rear at camp in just under 12 hours. I took tons of photos, soaked my feet in the river and chatted with almost every hiker I met. I am slightly sore, but after a long soak of the feet in the lake and 20 minutes of stretching (you know - yoga), I feel great. <br />
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3. I passed the 100 mile mark. It really doesn't seem like I've hiked that many miles, but they sure do add up, as long as I keep on truckin'.<br />
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4. I lost my sunglasses today. I had strapped them to the top of my pack with my wet clothes (smart I know), and the wet strap holding everything in place must have come loose. This was the first time I ever lost something on the trail. Hike and learn I suppose...<br />
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Starting a hike before daybreak offers a hiker beautiful vistas. As the sun kisses the mountain peaks, the golden colors shine bright and it is truly beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzSn2YLfo0LlsAkJ2OcZ77OYhyWfpNGrx2LvchitzvdAh7gVCvykJ8Iwatl8X7WTWeIvugYS8ordv-LZz5xEQuBT9XpO6EwNCSzynGKF9__RoX8DsK2UZAuZQDYyK7kP0WGvslkEdOq8/s1600/P1000925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzSn2YLfo0LlsAkJ2OcZ77OYhyWfpNGrx2LvchitzvdAh7gVCvykJ8Iwatl8X7WTWeIvugYS8ordv-LZz5xEQuBT9XpO6EwNCSzynGKF9__RoX8DsK2UZAuZQDYyK7kP0WGvslkEdOq8/s640/P1000925.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost at Silver Pass</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP9LNMOnbmMoLPa4pZTQP40zxOgueJZssiVs2obHNKv5mC_NksXnWERUwLwiT1TpsngQ7zbllVOFrgNkNkcdMprKy28GeDSPrz-RRB8Huwa3X38tKnxSIgqPjv7jpQecBKy-81bv6WDk/s1600/P1000927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP9LNMOnbmMoLPa4pZTQP40zxOgueJZssiVs2obHNKv5mC_NksXnWERUwLwiT1TpsngQ7zbllVOFrgNkNkcdMprKy28GeDSPrz-RRB8Huwa3X38tKnxSIgqPjv7jpQecBKy-81bv6WDk/s640/P1000927.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The dwellers on the valley floor also get their moment in the sun. I can sit and watch the moisture vaporize all morning long. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG6fBRQS5viFFEdUI3i5wBqk2zLnlMwchyphenhyphenBsOOpMAkcwYLW4qai2pUQNSYz5CfQjV0mpghcH_FR-XXuvFnSnseB4MHYAPmmX82V5oIWJ_qXxoxaiBmA_m44cyOBVDPW215Acw_6oreqg/s1600/P1000938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggG6fBRQS5viFFEdUI3i5wBqk2zLnlMwchyphenhyphenBsOOpMAkcwYLW4qai2pUQNSYz5CfQjV0mpghcH_FR-XXuvFnSnseB4MHYAPmmX82V5oIWJ_qXxoxaiBmA_m44cyOBVDPW215Acw_6oreqg/s640/P1000938.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The day got longer, hotter, and into the forest the trail went. There were quite a few aspen groves on this stretch of trail. Must be a glorious sight in the fall when the leaves turn golden yellow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGsTvQZP5evOoz15YV_pOSMP0IKy5kGt6u0JgxkTFUBvIS-oi5zOg_jcXIfMTqInH2YvLK_rmGse9RqhXzDBRYeu-S-CUGnA0iMq7NV3E7BkvFHjrFQ0blU4oTq3iQoHymJyriMgXoLY/s1600/P1000963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGsTvQZP5evOoz15YV_pOSMP0IKy5kGt6u0JgxkTFUBvIS-oi5zOg_jcXIfMTqInH2YvLK_rmGse9RqhXzDBRYeu-S-CUGnA0iMq7NV3E7BkvFHjrFQ0blU4oTq3iQoHymJyriMgXoLY/s640/P1000963.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Around 1pm, I had another yard sale. I laid out my tent, shirt, socks, underwear, rain jacket, rain pants, gloves and bearproof canister on rocks. In about an hour, everything was dry.<br />
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I continued hiking, keeping one eye on the trail and one on the clouds. Further north the clouds were very dark, but where I was headed there were patches of blue. As I hiked, the skies cleared and I avoided the rain today. <br />
<br />
Close to 2:30 pm, I came upon the perfect spot to soak my feet after having already covered 14 miles. It wasn't my intention to stop here, but this spot was very inviting and it didn't take much convincing for me to drop my pack, take my shoes off and soak my feet. I lounged about for about a half hour at this wonderful location. So great!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great minds think alike. hehe</td></tr>
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Around 3:30 pm, a guy hiking northbound asked if I was Andy. If I were in the city, I'd wonder if I'm about to be served with papers and would answer "no", but out here, I wasn't concerned with that and answered "yes" :) The man inquiring was <a href="http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=12949" target="_blank">Robert Perkins</a> - aka Hobbles, the generous person from the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/johnmuirtrail/" target="_blank">John Muir Trail Yahoo Group </a>who donated his used copy of the JMT atlas I used to plan my hike. It was great to meet him, chat with him and thank him for his generosity in person. By the way, he's hiking the JMT in 9 days and is ahead if schedule. Go Robert!<br />
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When I arrived at Marie Lake, I quickly set up camp, grabbed my dinner and headed for the lake to soak my feet.<br />
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Afterward, I stretched for 20 minutes, double checked my maps for tomorrow, charged my camera with my battery pack and sat next to my tent soaking in the view of gorgeous Marie Lake - one of my favorites for sure. </div>
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One other thing, today was the first time I set up my tent using rocks instead of tent stakes. It worked out great although I need to outfit my tent with parachord for use with rocks to avoid damaging the guy lines.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room with a view</td></tr>
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Lovin' the trail life!<br />
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“The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-78579749274266141012012-09-04T10:43:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:28:22.214-07:00Day 7: Adapt Or Get Wet<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Tuesday, August 14, 2012<br />
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Deer Creek (mile 72.7) to 1 mile north of Squaw Lake (mile 86.8).<br />
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Today's miles: 14.1<br />
Trip miles: 86.8<br />
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Oh, what a day this has been.<br />
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I set my intention last night to take a dip in Lake Virginia today - 9.9 miles down the trail from camp. I woke up at 5 am and was on the trail at 6:30 under blue skies but chilly temps. This was the coldest morning of the trip so far. I wore my down jacket til I started moving. <br />
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Yesterday and this morning, I hiked through stretches of trail that were heavily affected by the <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">wind storm that hit the High Sierras last November</a>. To every trail crew member involved in the clean up efforts of the trails - THANK YOU for your hard work. You guys rock!<br />
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Even while hiking through the wind affected areas, the miles came easy this morning with the crisp, fresh air and spectacular views.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richie & Abbie on a great stretch of trail between Purple Lake and Virginia Lake</td></tr>
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The clouds gathered around 10 am but they were behaving themselves, for the time being.<br />
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I arrived at beautiful Lake Virginia at 11 am, stripped down to my undies, and gingerly made my way into the frigid water. Once I was about thigh deep, I dipped into the water a few times, cleaned myself off, and headed for shore. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Lake Virginia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water. So. Cold.</td></tr>
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It was very refreshing and am glad I did it. <br />
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After doing laundry, I made my way over to another part of tbe lake where Jeff, Jake, Tyler and Colin were hanging out - guys I met at camp the night before.<br />
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After chatting them up for a bit, I made my way back to my gear, packed up my belongings and got moving again. It was now 1:25 pm. <br />
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The moment I got going, it started sprinkling. A few minutes down the trail, it started raining. And ten minutes after that, lightning struck - so bright it could light up a town; which was followed by vicious thunder so powerful it could be felt in your heart. <br />
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When I caught up to them, John, Jeff, Tyler and Colin had hunkered down under tree cover for about an hour, waiting out the storm. I chose to join them as I did not want to hike with lightning striking in the direction I was headed. In the meantime, Tyler showed me how to spot wild onions. I tasted it of course and it was delicious! <br />
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Afterward, Jake and I discussed mileage for the next day. In doing so, I realized I had made a mistake in my calculations. Instead of a 15.8 mile day tomorrow, I have to cover 18.4 miles. Yikes. Just a slight miscalculation on my part :) Not stressing over it though because it's gotta get done & that's that.<br />
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The storm was here to stay for the time being so when the lightning and thunder subsided and the rain eased, we decided to put in a few more miles, before setting up camp below treeline. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler and I near Tully Hole junction</td></tr>
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We made camp 1 mile shy of Squaw Lake, and built a fire. Well, truth be told, the Reno boys (side note: Colin's from Modesto, CA...minor details) got the fire going and I just maintained it as they set up their tents. We never did get to enjoy the fire because it started raining again around 7 pm.<br />
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I had already eaten dinner so I could sleep early, and avoided having to eat in the rain. A few of the boys weren't as lucky.<br />
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Since we camped one mile shy of our destination, I now have to cover 19.4 miles tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I've decided to wake up at 4 am tomorrow and be on the trail by 5 am for two reasons. First, if it does rain again tomorrow, I'm hoping to cover many of the miles by mid afternoon, and second, still be able to walk the way I do - going slowly, taking pictures, chatting up passing hikers and enjoying myself and my time out in the woods.<br />
<br />
Speaking of enjoying myself, I really enjoyed today. Even though it was a wet day, I stayed completely dry because I wore my rain jacket and pants early.<br />
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Out here, it's adapt or get wet :)<br />
<strike>----</strike><br />
“Going to the mountains is going home.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-25621980396399004582012-09-03T10:25:00.001-07:002014-10-03T10:28:39.784-07:00Day 6: Devil's Postpile and Old Friends<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Monday, August 13, 2012<br />
<br />
Ediza Lake Trail Junction (mile 56.9) to Deer Creek (mile 72.7).<br />
<br />
Today's miles: 15.8<br />
Trip miles: 72.7<br />
<br />
Last night, I was awakened at 3 am by rain. I smiled because I love sleeping to the sound of rain, rolled onto my back and dosed off again. <br />
<br />
Morning was beautiful as always. The thunderous symphony of the raging river, coupled with the mist rising and evaporating as the sun kissed everything in sight was stunning. I could have sat there for hours just enjoying the view. <br />
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<br />
But I had some hiking to do and clothes to dry after yesterday's rain, but first I had personal business to attend to.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">**Warning - skip to the next set of asterisks if you don't want to read what you may consider too much information**</span></b><br />
<br />
Last night's dinner (and everything else I ate yesterday) were damn near forcing their way out of me like an overdue baby!<br />
<br />
Normally I wouldn't mention this type of event, but I had no idea this part of the trail was so popular. I had to walk over a half mile before finding a secluded spot to take care of business. Talk about an uncomfortable experience. I felt like my intestines were being tied in knots. Yikes.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">**end of report**</span></b><br />
<br />
At 11 am, at Trinity Lake, a yard sale/gear explosion took place. My tent, bearproof canister, shirt, socks, pants, undies, gloves, hat, and sleeping bag were all laid out to dry as I enjoyed a snack at the pretty lake.<br />
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I also caught up with J.P. and Coleen, whom I first met on top of <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/08/day-2-half-dome.html" target="_blank">half dome</a>, and later ran into at the <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-4-tuolumne-lyell-canyon-and-big.html" target="_blank">Tuolumne Store</a>. They are great people. They plan to hike the trail in 19 days so I'm not sure if I'll see them again. <br />
<br />
Around 2pm, I arrived at Devil's Postpile National Monument. This place is a site to behold. Nature is pretty freakin awesome at times and this is one example of nature's greatness at work. The hexagonal basaltic slabs are shaped in mind boggling ways, creating a truly unique rock wall. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friendly chipmunk at the Postpile</td></tr>
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The view from the top was just as impressive.<br />
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On my way from the Postpile back to the trail, it started to rain, but it didn't last long, so my rain jacket and rain pants found their way back on the top of my pack, where they stayed the rest of the day. <br />
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The clouds roared and roared boisterously, and I'm certain further north the trail was met with more of the wet stuff, but I enjoyed cloudy, dry conditions.<br />
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Hiking uphill to camp after passing the Red Cones, I got the chills at it finally hit me that I'm actually hiking the John Muir Trail!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the Red Cones</td></tr>
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I feel very happy and fortunate to be in this beautiful part of the world doing what I love. The scenery is amazing, the people are delightful, and so far, the local inhabitants are quite pleasant.<br />
<br />
A near slip on a rock got be out of my head and back onto the trail rather quickly. It never fails - the moment I zone out, get lost in thought, take in my beautiful surroundings - I slip, I stump my toe on a rock, etc. Having my eyes work independently of one another is a skill I may acquire someday, but until then, I gotta focus on what's in front of me, especially out here.<br />
<br />
Near Dear Creek Crossing, my home for the night, I ran into Abbie and Richie. We have similar schedules but have missed each other by a mile or so the last few days. <br />
<br />
They are good company and I enjoy our conversations. I told them of my (potential) plans of thru hiking the PCT next year and they told me to phone them if I do as they live in a town the trail passes through. Oh, they also have a hot tub. Yeah!!<br />
<br />
That would be really cool, but I want to thank them for their generosity in the present day. As I sat there at Deer Creek Crossing soaking my feet in the frigid waters after dinner, they were making hot chocolate for 3 people. It was my first hot drink in 4 days. I elected to keep the stove at home for this trip and do not regret it, but it sure was pleasant to enjoy a hot beverage.<br />
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A big THANK YOU to Abbie and Richie. You guys rock!<br />
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It's been another spectacular day in the woods. I'm tired and its past hiker midnight (9pm) so I'm off to bed.<br />
<strike>------</strike><br />
“Life is your art. An open, aware heart is your camera. A oneness with your world is your film. Your bright eyes and easy smile is your museum.” ~Ansel Adams<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-88563545989006847652012-09-02T12:17:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:28:55.405-07:00Day 5: Expanding My Comfort Zones<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Sunday, August 12, 2012. <br />
<br />
Lyell Forks (mile 41.6) to Ediza Lake Juction (mile 56.9).<br />
<br />
Today's miles: 15.3<br />
Trip miles: 56.9<br />
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Last night was the best sleep I've ever had in the backcountry...EVER. Minimal tossing and turning, and waking up only twice during the night meant I experienced deep, relaxing sleep like never before. So great! <br />
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I awoke to beautiful blue skies and surprisingly mild temps. <br />
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After dragging myself out of ”bed” at 6:30, I was on the trail by 7:50 am.<br />
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About a mile south of Donahue Pass, two wonderful ladies informed me about the Perseid meteor shower that was to take place tonight, an event that occurs once every 15 years. Something to look forward to for sure.<br />
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Further up the mountain, I ran into Rick and Lonnie from Oakland, California, whom I met last night as we all tried to pitch our tents before the storm rolled in. Today Rick told me has hiked sections of the PCT and CDT, and has completed a thru-hike of the AT. He also told me he is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/DEAD-MEN-HIKE-NO-TRAILS/dp/1591138701/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346546903&sr=8-1&keywords=dead+men+hike+no+trails" target="_blank">'Dead Men Hike No Trails', a book about his AT hike</a>. Go Rick!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxFQudsh3wDhZFkcz57UKU5bIgZkzhsFI5XonDf5KOSAG40tS6O9A8em1-t6-TiQ8ddq2cJjiG_oGn_8ruX9lU-MAKqGi0d23csfhi0Uaxd49MUJLDORatQuv6BlvxajiS30f-xI3tn0/s1600/P1000640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxFQudsh3wDhZFkcz57UKU5bIgZkzhsFI5XonDf5KOSAG40tS6O9A8em1-t6-TiQ8ddq2cJjiG_oGn_8ruX9lU-MAKqGi0d23csfhi0Uaxd49MUJLDORatQuv6BlvxajiS30f-xI3tn0/s640/P1000640.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick and Lonnie rock hopping the stream</td></tr>
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At a rather uneventful Donahue Pass (elevation 11,073 ft.), I met Chuckles, another AT alum, and Bug Man. They are two funny characters whom I enjoyed chatting with for about 20 minutes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmKpQjiBdPX6t5SwLuMk-zbQnByv7JQenMQoh9H5ub-_OQ3X2XKAZKTpaj2dnmxJYWWE-WI1FopdY6qkR5UJMGcWKvDJgGXWQUEy6rz6zNzhIVOA_eZ3U14wqNDH18hy92g42Crp0MMo/s1600/P1000654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmKpQjiBdPX6t5SwLuMk-zbQnByv7JQenMQoh9H5ub-_OQ3X2XKAZKTpaj2dnmxJYWWE-WI1FopdY6qkR5UJMGcWKvDJgGXWQUEy6rz6zNzhIVOA_eZ3U14wqNDH18hy92g42Crp0MMo/s640/P1000654.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Bug Man, me, Chuckles at Donahue Pass</td></tr>
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Before I continue, I must clarify that Donahue Pass affords a hiker spectacular views and is a challenging pass, but after hiking up and over <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-difference-year-makes.html" target="_blank">Forester Pass last year</a>, I expected all the mountain passes to be more climactic. Assumptions..I know, I know.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC5k9FsNwZhoLNp9-TrDN4GY1-rHQX_M33E8t9D4_iIBUule7wZL1MCmfpu4cpD22zBZGBog_DjeNtcXgk9CmgMXCIDwoFbEsXMVCF0HvoLH9aRfJQ3CqUZXXG3Yyr3NdRgVadO5__i0/s1600/P1000642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC5k9FsNwZhoLNp9-TrDN4GY1-rHQX_M33E8t9D4_iIBUule7wZL1MCmfpu4cpD22zBZGBog_DjeNtcXgk9CmgMXCIDwoFbEsXMVCF0HvoLH9aRfJQ3CqUZXXG3Yyr3NdRgVadO5__i0/s640/P1000642.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGNqv5BPclrLNWDDqfzhwNtGqinf0D-xnllNzMef5c7excjJPQ3ClVYC2_HsWn2KpJOrAE_5-TW4o_pgNXIWT21XVf9lpRTV7zm03WJ-9PXrrbWh-Aj6YD4lmdDi_BFDcOj-GTesei-4/s1600/P1000651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGNqv5BPclrLNWDDqfzhwNtGqinf0D-xnllNzMef5c7excjJPQ3ClVYC2_HsWn2KpJOrAE_5-TW4o_pgNXIWT21XVf9lpRTV7zm03WJ-9PXrrbWh-Aj6YD4lmdDi_BFDcOj-GTesei-4/s640/P1000651.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trail up to Donahue Pass</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCudBBcTPPr-gZa_9bK3xuArdhcFZhnlXIO5xBmFM_ySGOxZYLfl_iIsLy2sHlep9CbjO_V8C8WAHbISHAe-2LXHAiQZSiT74aoQAOYF5DZhuUMiGYXhcsmuqJW7QMsQZ-nVQnNGVJT80/s1600/P1000652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCudBBcTPPr-gZa_9bK3xuArdhcFZhnlXIO5xBmFM_ySGOxZYLfl_iIsLy2sHlep9CbjO_V8C8WAHbISHAe-2LXHAiQZSiT74aoQAOYF5DZhuUMiGYXhcsmuqJW7QMsQZ-nVQnNGVJT80/s640/P1000652.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcmVvyaoKZm22ApLe_SXDY9uiwvVujWuTJ_mGC5DVTo6U2QWDlHRde52rztpYX_y1O41eKco5osJrHrxSeAqT3omqB6r5BuQiF5bCpy1irT419JM3SlA19d8Bveftg7h0GXZ-NFxRSLE/s1600/P1000655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcmVvyaoKZm22ApLe_SXDY9uiwvVujWuTJ_mGC5DVTo6U2QWDlHRde52rztpYX_y1O41eKco5osJrHrxSeAqT3omqB6r5BuQiF5bCpy1irT419JM3SlA19d8Bveftg7h0GXZ-NFxRSLE/s640/P1000655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donahue Pass - 11,073 ft.</td></tr>
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The clouds were gathering yet again as I began my descent from Donahue Pass, and by the time I reached Island Pass - 5.3 miles and 3 hours later at 12:47 p.m. - the roaring tune of thunder consumed the mountains once more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KbyeW-L_3KIl5TvzmH44TMSmOCs15IQhcsr4OUijwyOpagrDTP_ObFnoKd41F4b6GD_aFcpb9UGqy7YtjhkmMf5uKDGKybgMul9o4c0P2xXBrdwyqnLWCldII4lWymA6cRCcHc6TB1A/s1600/P1000688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KbyeW-L_3KIl5TvzmH44TMSmOCs15IQhcsr4OUijwyOpagrDTP_ObFnoKd41F4b6GD_aFcpb9UGqy7YtjhkmMf5uKDGKybgMul9o4c0P2xXBrdwyqnLWCldII4lWymA6cRCcHc6TB1A/s640/P1000688.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMAZING where trees will grow!!</td></tr>
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Thinking we'd get teased with just a few sprinkles again this afternoon, I simply put on my rain jacket to block the wind and kept walking.<br />
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Unfortunately for me (and the other hikers too) the rain slowly intensified to a constant downpour that lasted all day long. I was having a ball. I loved it. It sure beats the 90+ degree temps in Yosemite Valley ;) <br />
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Mind you, I have never hiked a full day in the rain before, so I was thoroughly enjoying the experience. <br />
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As the sound of thunder broke the silence of raindrops softly crashing down onto the ground, into the alpine lakes, and onto the needles of pine trees, I stopped every so often and took photos. Luckily for me there was no lightning, unlike <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/09/day-4-tuolumne-lyell-canyon-and-big.html" target="_blank">yesterday evening</a>.<br />
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Aa far as scenery goes, each day has been more scenic than the last. Today I passed by Thousand Island Lake and Garnet Lake, two spectacularly beautiful lakes, even in stormy conditions.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NnWJMnwcJxaYKNN5htXz4BQnxBxnUderBglTCcG4kvL76_L4h6-J_pnd1waFi9ovVI3KK6X61xh9C9qGGEA1OLwwhYNzMu4oi3kKZU-LAVvcReVxjL6f3XzdeEAjh_y-I3BkXJhWQaQ/s1600/P1000700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NnWJMnwcJxaYKNN5htXz4BQnxBxnUderBglTCcG4kvL76_L4h6-J_pnd1waFi9ovVI3KK6X61xh9C9qGGEA1OLwwhYNzMu4oi3kKZU-LAVvcReVxjL6f3XzdeEAjh_y-I3BkXJhWQaQ/s640/P1000700.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Thousand Island Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdty4PKXrYDpiqV6yoZC7QrozcBvOtbzi2O9Fr5Ln3XFVmeGZaYO6XtpSjbAiudGhhE5IPmeICbDkrxTT05mLI6ZAccabp8aLiECp_hDCMn4k2AUOpVRuwHq_L94fiF11wAWBNJMHXfQ/s1600/P1000704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdty4PKXrYDpiqV6yoZC7QrozcBvOtbzi2O9Fr5Ln3XFVmeGZaYO6XtpSjbAiudGhhE5IPmeICbDkrxTT05mLI6ZAccabp8aLiECp_hDCMn4k2AUOpVRuwHq_L94fiF11wAWBNJMHXfQ/s640/P1000704.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." ~Roger Miller</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6rkG5WQ2Fz6sC3mLqvAaFh83D76sU3lCPCM6tNdIA4395Cz68aFmCjeFild8iVbpHSjJi9mwcC-vWcsRgvE69M12PQMxq7KtoiWNT4aI5VOphGcwjuVKWA9KlNIL5OOWgtwP37AIOxM/s1600/P1000707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6rkG5WQ2Fz6sC3mLqvAaFh83D76sU3lCPCM6tNdIA4395Cz68aFmCjeFild8iVbpHSjJi9mwcC-vWcsRgvE69M12PQMxq7KtoiWNT4aI5VOphGcwjuVKWA9KlNIL5OOWgtwP37AIOxM/s640/P1000707.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp6nDAA_ZE0VSBj8GgfWhahGO2dmva_OMI-Omh0aAheNYjxbG0ZDe-2hIKcQExAObsZHqihMDG2nQa_LixWSmfKw48cn6RrW9TwfHtMDJdrw8vXDDb1y1nj9xkug6Pst5wnFlK_YT9jE/s1600/P1000718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwp6nDAA_ZE0VSBj8GgfWhahGO2dmva_OMI-Omh0aAheNYjxbG0ZDe-2hIKcQExAObsZHqihMDG2nQa_LixWSmfKw48cn6RrW9TwfHtMDJdrw8vXDDb1y1nj9xkug6Pst5wnFlK_YT9jE/s640/P1000718.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Garnet Lake</td></tr>
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After I crossed the footbridge at Garnet Lake, I took a wrong turn and headed up a steep mound of granite. I saw a few cairns in the distance so I didn't think I was headed in the wrong direction and kept going. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2autKOl1x-H9CUbg9jqMWpiEp_9Di0j2pGFYWCtGsdg9C6jy1BNNdaaRB3rY1r1M70w2oVBhp9r58Rcpe26oiXMwMvqfckfB7AiDkGjDZVLxo52Aaz2nUVsOdoIr9GrX6pidkjhIRKU/s1600/P1000719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2autKOl1x-H9CUbg9jqMWpiEp_9Di0j2pGFYWCtGsdg9C6jy1BNNdaaRB3rY1r1M70w2oVBhp9r58Rcpe26oiXMwMvqfckfB7AiDkGjDZVLxo52Aaz2nUVsOdoIr9GrX6pidkjhIRKU/s640/P1000719.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge at Garnet Lake outlet</td></tr>
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The trail then seemed to go down the path parallel to a waterfall. I thought this was strange, but again, I noticed two cairns and a trail in the distance, so I started my descent.<br />
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I knew in my gut I was going the wrong way but the control tower (my brain) persisted I go on. After carefully descending over slippery, wet, and at times unstable rocks, I was at the trail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9lc3W7nIKpN1v2GfjZVQoHbEoH_aQBmYm_T85Ajfr8YhwKCAqy29LsPvP8JL4Uu3Do7nh5NdFfTl-3maouyhRpFiBYpK5OazONcujblH0DfJbu7EGOztsmF8FBytjI-8mfLHVZ6c5PU/s1600/P1000722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9lc3W7nIKpN1v2GfjZVQoHbEoH_aQBmYm_T85Ajfr8YhwKCAqy29LsPvP8JL4Uu3Do7nh5NdFfTl-3maouyhRpFiBYpK5OazONcujblH0DfJbu7EGOztsmF8FBytjI-8mfLHVZ6c5PU/s640/P1000722.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a wrong turn on the JMT looks like</td></tr>
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But which trail do I take? There were 5 trails heading in as many directions. Once again, I knew I was going the wrong way because a) I knew stock couldn't have descended as I did, and b) there were no trail blazes or horse poop on the trail, two tell-tale signs on the JMT. <br />
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Stubbornly, I picked the trail on the left - the more used trail - and descended further into the forest for about five minutes. <br />
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Now I was sure I was going the wrong way and panic set in. I started to sweat, my breaths became more shallow, and my stomach became very upset, something that has never happened to me before. I stopped walking and just focused on my breath. <br />
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When I finally calmed down, I took out my maps and checked my route. I was flustered and not sure what I was looking at. I became nervous and anxious again. I stored my maps in plastic bags and focused on my breathing again. <br />
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Once calm, I made the decision to hike back to the footbridge and regroup. On my way back, I looked at my map once again and realized I should have gone right after crossing the foot bridge instead of left. Oh well, only twenty minutes lost, but I did see a beautiful waterfall not too many people see. <br />
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This was also the first time I ever took a wrong turn on a trail. I'm very proud of myself for how I handled it. I didn't let my mind (the false control tower), or my body (my feet in this case) get ahead of my breath for too long. I regrouped and did what I knew was best in this particular situation.<br />
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Once back on the trail, the rain intensified, the wind picked up and it got noticeably colder. I started walking faster to warm up a bit. By now my pants were completely soaked. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKg2NFG_sonnUTj2lm55UwzyNZESQBpC8dSEPoYWdQMsuRnz_QoGKl57Z_m1B9EX0peq0odUlcEyzgcVjPSm0ykYerGotWZCh8MU84Zb2JpNMDQ75cAjEuQLU5cH8JtO9KiKEXZiExKA/s1600/P1000723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKg2NFG_sonnUTj2lm55UwzyNZESQBpC8dSEPoYWdQMsuRnz_QoGKl57Z_m1B9EX0peq0odUlcEyzgcVjPSm0ykYerGotWZCh8MU84Zb2JpNMDQ75cAjEuQLU5cH8JtO9KiKEXZiExKA/s640/P1000723.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Muir Trail slip n slide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bresh97hpia8-t0pPu8YAHnUontBHYPAwzgSi_Ie6RUYxeEn_yp2u6DHVXumDDjuLzUcne8Hw0Rsoej9_F6WQVZglnzDSB0F6r3VLN0zACY4Ush-n7Cb0MnW8rLP_BN-kLByMxHCuyI/s1600/P1000724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bresh97hpia8-t0pPu8YAHnUontBHYPAwzgSi_Ie6RUYxeEn_yp2u6DHVXumDDjuLzUcne8Hw0Rsoej9_F6WQVZglnzDSB0F6r3VLN0zACY4Ush-n7Cb0MnW8rLP_BN-kLByMxHCuyI/s640/P1000724.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough, wet, slippery, dangerous trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around 5pm, I knew I wasn't going to make it to Rosalie Lake because I was cold and it was time to find a place to camp for the evening.<br />
<br />
At 6:15pm, I finally found a somewhat suitable, flat spot right off the trail. My fingers were frozen, and my feet slushed in my shoes. I was soaked from the waist down. <br />
<br />
As I set my pack down to retrieve my tent, I got really cold and started shivering - so badly that I couldn't insert the tent stakes into the guy line loops. <br />
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Once more, I stopped, closed my eyes and focused on my breath. I stopped shivering after about 10 seconds, and erected my tent, took off all my wet clothes, put on my down jacket and the rain pants I had forgotten I had brought along, my second pair of socks and my down socks. <br />
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Instantly I warmed up. But I didn't stop there. I inflated my sleeping pad, and slid into my sleeping bag. <br />
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I'm thankful to be warm, and after dinner, thankful for the nourishment (and my skills) that allow me to be out here. <br />
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I'm also very thankful to have experienced this day. Many lessons learned and others affirmed.<br />
<br />
As a delightful surprise, as I finished writing this post, the skies cleared and we (myself and others camped nearby) were treated to a meteor shower. The excitement in the children's voices from the camps above mine painted a huge smile on my face.<br />
<strike>----</strike> <br />
“Every experience is a form of exploration” ~Ansel Adams<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-40918544640667589322012-09-01T14:28:00.002-07:002014-10-03T10:29:05.931-07:00Day 4: Tuolumne, Lyell Canyon And A BIG Scare<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Saturday, August 11, 2012<br />
<br />
Upper Cathedral Lake (mile 24.5) to Lyell Forks Footbridge (mile 41.6).<br />
<br />
Today's miles: 17.1<br />
Trip miles: 41.6<br />
<br />
Today was an awesome day! I woke up at 5:45 am and was on the trail by 7. Sunrise at Upper Cat. Lake was beautiful as the mountains surrounding the lake were first to be kissed by the sun.<br />
<br />
I needed water but decided to walk to the stream down the trail about a half a mile as I didn't want to drink murky water from the lake again. <br />
<br />
Just before I arrived at the stream, I met a volunteer backcountry ranger. We chatted for a few minutes, he checked my wilderness permit and we went our separate ways. I spent a relaxing hour and a half at the stream relaxing, chatting up passing hikers, drinking water and eating my breakfast cereal before I forced myself to get moving again.<br />
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This morning was another picturesque start to the day with no clouds in the sky as I walked highway 120 to the post office. I decided to road walk because the views of Lembert Dome and Tuolumne Meadows are spectacular! <br />
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I arrived at the P.O. at 9:50 am, where I had my first resupply package waiting for me. I also had to toss the used t.p., charge my phone and my camera, and buy a new spork. <br />
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While sorting through my resupply, I met Mike from <a href="http://www.thetrekproject.com/" target="_blank">The Trek Project</a>. <a href="http://thetrekproject.com/the_crew/" target="_blank">He, along with Brian and Dave</a> are hiking the JMT in 30 days and filming the entire trail, focusing on time lapses. Good luck with the project boys!<br />
<br />
While waiting for my phone to charge, I enjoyed a Golden Trout Pilsner from Mammoth Brewing Company. Buzzin after just one beer and still waiting for my camera to charge, I went back into the store to check out their snacks. I bought and devoured a bag of Lundberg rice chips (6 servings worth). I was in a happy place, but ready to escape the hustle and bustle of Tuolumne.<br />
<br />
But I couldn't leave yet as I still had to charge my cell phone. While doing so, I ran into the man hiking the JMT with his wife and daughter I met <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/08/day-3-bye-bye-fam-bam.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>. We chatted for a few minutes and he informed me they are from Boston. So great to have people from all over the U.S. and around the world to share the trail with.<br />
<br />
A couple outside the store had the same <a href="http://johnmuirtrailmap.com/?utm_expid=36221827-0&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fblackwoodspress.com%2Fblog%2F" target="_blank">JMT atlas</a> as me, so I approached them and inquired about their trip. John and Lisa - a.k.a. Two Of A Kind - who also happen to be Appalachian Trail alum - are hiking the JMT in 22 days. So great.<br />
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As much as I love hanging out and chatting with my fellow hikers and the day visitors, it was 1 p.m. before I knew it. I had to leave, even if my electronics weren't fully charged. At 1:15 pm, I finally left the Tuolumne vortex. <br />
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Hiking through Lyell Canyon was fantastic. It took me 5 hours to walk 8 miles because Lyell Canyon is truly beautiful.<br />
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Just when I thought I was ready to put in a few consistent miles of hiking, I stumbled upon the most amazing place to eat dinner and enjoy a soak.<br />
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As I sat there, soaking in the view and chowing down, I spotted a doe and her fawn 100 yards up the trail.<br />
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I spent another hour and a half eating dinner and soaking my feet in the very cold river. Very relaxing.<br />
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With more food in my belly and my feet refreshed, I felt great, so I pushed ahead a few more miles passed my planned campsite at Lyell Fork Base Camp. Bad idea!<br />
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The dark clouds and thunder that had been teased us with rain all day but only produced a few sprinkles, were gathering and growing darker with every passing minute.<br />
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While the cloud cover provided cooler air and shade, a nice respite from the wickedly hot temperatures of the first three days, I could sense trouble ahead.<br />
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As I made my way up the exposed switchbacks to my new campsite, lightning struck and was instantly followed by ferocious thunder. The lightning scared the crap out of me as it seemed to have struck just above me, forcing me to run up the switchbacks and back into the cover of trees a.s.a.p.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11infPK7lEq9sZW77L3E4g_cEAJuyjU-I-hx8DkqAV86B6ewyzju-LnUoge74qRicca7PUqbEzJflWuws8IMCNRk2__Um__VXnefNDzpuOxYa1pTrLZv9dyhzb4wB75_MJm-BvTZmbqo/s1600/P1000610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11infPK7lEq9sZW77L3E4g_cEAJuyjU-I-hx8DkqAV86B6ewyzju-LnUoge74qRicca7PUqbEzJflWuws8IMCNRk2__Um__VXnefNDzpuOxYa1pTrLZv9dyhzb4wB75_MJm-BvTZmbqo/s400/P1000610.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking back at beautiful Lyell Canyon from the exposed switchbacks </td></tr>
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Just as I got to camp, the downpour that I had been waiting for all afternoon finally arrived. I quickly put up my tent and hunkered down. <br />
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I had never set my tent up in the rain before and always told myself that I'd figure it out when I needed to. <br />
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Well, I found out that I had done a good job seam sealing the tent. But I had never figured out how to erect the tent for the beak to be taught and prevent rain from coming in from the front of the tent. So I got my butt out into the pouring rain and rigged it to work for now.<br />
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Today was a great day. I got a little wet, and so too did the inside of my tent. I was hoping for things like this to happen on this trek to force me to use my brain to problem solve without becoming agitated and worse. <br />
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Today, I passed with flying colors :)<br />
<strike>-----</strike><br />
“There must be places for human beings to satisfy their souls. Food and drink is not all. There is the spiritual. In some it is only a germ, of course, but the germ will grow.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-254656196175751732012-08-31T10:45:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:29:28.751-07:00Day 3: Bye, Bye Fam Bam<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Friday, August 10, 2012<br />
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Little Yosemite Valley Campground (mile 11.3) to Upper Cathedral Lake (mile 24.5).<br />
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Today's miles: 13.2<br />
Trip miles: 24.5<br />
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At 8:10am, I said goodbye to my cousin and mom. Their destination was Yosemite Valley, where their first backpacking trip would come to an end. <br />
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I'm very proud of both of them and happy they had a great time.<br />
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As for me, my solo 14 day trek on the John Muir Trail is finally here, but it doesn't feel any different than any other hike I've done. Apparently the grandeur of my hike hasn't hit me yet.<br />
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Early in the morning, and prior to the junction with the Half Dome Trail, I met Richie and Abbie from Truckee, California, who are also headed to Mt. Whitney. They plan to finish around the same time as me so I'm sure we'll be seeing each other often. <br />
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After a few miles of forested trail and steep switchbacks, I was rewarded with beautiful views of Yosemite and the High Sierras.<br />
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If I didn't mention it before, very low snowfall this past winter has made for much drier conditions than normal.<br />
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Some waterfalls in Yosemite Valley - Yosemite Falls for example - are completely dry; and many creeks and streams that would otherwise be my water sources are also dry - case in point is Sunrise Creek - pictured below. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ_B50010pxsashA0crWXqPO5BIVT39EB7B1cCJjlBts4jcy47MWly1dYlTWSjOymMwgvK2jCfqCZUV6wLOTRYCp8WYH9h7EewxyaQdc82Y0ujGlf8fqj7fzlMNr3cmNRh_yCKQts0gY/s2560/1346396276590.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ_B50010pxsashA0crWXqPO5BIVT39EB7B1cCJjlBts4jcy47MWly1dYlTWSjOymMwgvK2jCfqCZUV6wLOTRYCp8WYH9h7EewxyaQdc82Y0ujGlf8fqj7fzlMNr3cmNRh_yCKQts0gY/s400/1346396276590.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry Sunrise Creek</td></tr>
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Before Sunrise Camp, I met a family of three (father, mother & daughter) also hiking to Mount Whitney, but attempting to do it in 19 days. Don't think I'll see them much after today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8pNrCoS846gWUikJsmq8j4xvjz8SB6OWeWGbFxM737YQQBX5v2YD1I6iP0NSoWWNGOLaD8-A3HTJdmUzeSZ9jPq_N7aYzHpuB1ATNR1w1NqxAP7bON0zBZCxZK2VTG7bPmjJlCf6wM/s1600/P1000520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8pNrCoS846gWUikJsmq8j4xvjz8SB6OWeWGbFxM737YQQBX5v2YD1I6iP0NSoWWNGOLaD8-A3HTJdmUzeSZ9jPq_N7aYzHpuB1ATNR1w1NqxAP7bON0zBZCxZK2VTG7bPmjJlCf6wM/s640/P1000520.JPG" height="257" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meadow north of Sunrise High Sierra Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDng6wOv6Yij6ZT3nXEGFnIO6C5mTJuSRgfNtR-nGi06QSbJ09ZtWRVVUDs0MMZ3ILjAJG7XHowfBy60zV90WgugmPHAg9eh17e7hYDjt6hEHpezbFK8qFr4lyiWyguHoR6U509hFtXSk/s1600/P1000522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDng6wOv6Yij6ZT3nXEGFnIO6C5mTJuSRgfNtR-nGi06QSbJ09ZtWRVVUDs0MMZ3ILjAJG7XHowfBy60zV90WgugmPHAg9eh17e7hYDjt6hEHpezbFK8qFr4lyiWyguHoR6U509hFtXSk/s400/P1000522.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rugged wilderness east of the meadow</td></tr>
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Not too long after, I met Mark - a solo hiker from Colorado who is also out hiking the John Muir Trail and has a similar finish goal as me. He was resting in the shade when I walked by. He was running very low on water, feeling dehydrated and suffering from altitude sickness.<br />
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Find it strange that someone residing in Colorado would be experiencing altitude sickness at 9000 ft? So did I. After inquiring, I found out Mark had only recently moved to Colorado.<br />
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Although I only had 3/4 of a liter of water left (and had to make it last for ~4 miles in very hot and dry weather), I offered him some. He graciously refused and caught up with me an hour down the trail as I was taking photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trailside lounge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBkS3bs-xtIjWhxuDWqVogvu1uVV_dXnXqZZVh7sHUl-19P0wx_MEN3YL6YvcmQx3sIs0v9jZlBXQ-y1G13oMHOCzv74CVNMyqWEFeZCub7Wq8sYJNgliIf4_NcsJTWarlBj22-a33HY/s1600/P1000534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBkS3bs-xtIjWhxuDWqVogvu1uVV_dXnXqZZVh7sHUl-19P0wx_MEN3YL6YvcmQx3sIs0v9jZlBXQ-y1G13oMHOCzv74CVNMyqWEFeZCub7Wq8sYJNgliIf4_NcsJTWarlBj22-a33HY/s400/P1000534.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Meadow and Cathedral Peak</td></tr>
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At 3:20 pm we arrived at my destination for the day - Upper Cat. Lake.<br />
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After soaking in the beauty of the lake, Mark and I quickly filled our bottles with cold, tasty water. Glad we did so because just as we finished, a man rode his pack horses into the lake for a drink of water, and three of the horses urinated into the pristine lake. NOT COOL!!<br />
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There has to be an alternative method the pack horse crew can and should utilize. Sure it might take more work to get the water to the horses instead of getting the horses to the water, if we're sharing the wilderness, we should be considerate towards one another as well. Ok, rant over.<br />
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Upper Cathedral Lake is beautiful! Beautiful but windy. I looked for a site sheltered from the wind and hope I have found one, although the wind has died down in the last half hour.<br />
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Before dinner, I took a dip in the lake. The water was actually quite warm, and despite the wind, I was not cold at all. Today dip was the 3rd in a row. I can get used to this!<br />
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I hastily dried myself off due to the wind and ate dinner while my undies dried. Did I forget to mention that my dip subbed for laundry?<br />
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Richie and Abbie, and the family of three are all camped near the lake, but I've chosen to camp east of the trail, well away from the lake. <br />
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I'm camped all by myself tonight, a first for me, and I'm really looking forward to it. <br />
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Gonna go watch the sunset and then its off to bed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowH79eMFwanfW61FhYko5ykQuD-EyQrbY7nCg7vmVunzaY2mSLrr1WxsoXk2ii3UoatSsnhKGsspwk6s-zzBXOcqqh6OaTyjdfDaC64EHfSNOyJnEM-sp3GAf1ueY1N1lABfbnTPBioQ/s2560/1346396291399.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowH79eMFwanfW61FhYko5ykQuD-EyQrbY7nCg7vmVunzaY2mSLrr1WxsoXk2ii3UoatSsnhKGsspwk6s-zzBXOcqqh6OaTyjdfDaC64EHfSNOyJnEM-sp3GAf1ueY1N1lABfbnTPBioQ/s400/1346396291399.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
I'm not at all tired but excited for tonight because it seems like the temperature might be cold enough tonight for me to finally test my down socks :)<br />
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“The sun shines not on us but in us.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-89729644196094447052012-08-29T23:01:00.002-07:002014-10-03T10:29:47.883-07:00Day 2: HALF DOME<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Thursday, August 9, 2012<br />
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Little Yosemite Valley Campground (mile 4.3) to Half Dome to Little Yosemite Valley Campground (mile 11.3).<br />
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Today's miles: 7<br />
Trip miles: 11.3<br />
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What a day. After a rotten night of constant tossing and turning, I welcomed daybreak and was once again up at 6 am. <br />
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We hit the trail at 7:30 am, eager to hike the 3.5 miles and 2700 ft up to Half Dome. <br />
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We saw yet another deer, this time a mere 5 feet off the trail. I find it amazing how comfortable deer are around people in Yosemite. <br />
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Throughout the hike, the views of Half Dome constantly shift and change, providing stunning views of this beautiful piece of granite.<br />
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At 10:30 am, we arrived at sub dome after many switchbacks made of rocky, uneven steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jSTUA-8zLPZh8eefLraV5riCBdnLfcIFhQVAOd3fnIMgL-H2F0atnG8bz1_wintF9IelzxLDIk568uda8mipM79Le19aH-mxyFcMOe6W5_cCuRncyd5Etei1fd8GuLwt-z-ji3P6MSs/s1600/P1000437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jSTUA-8zLPZh8eefLraV5riCBdnLfcIFhQVAOd3fnIMgL-H2F0atnG8bz1_wintF9IelzxLDIk568uda8mipM79Le19aH-mxyFcMOe6W5_cCuRncyd5Etei1fd8GuLwt-z-ji3P6MSs/s400/P1000437.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPGcBwSkc4AgFHSDxl4lGgKuESsr8M1SibJRg93x1Ox8VSt629xiUmmeVsrl0WHkBwLfkOEl1HoRR2BhA2INq_INIY6SDQb4n1kzcSO6ga9owmIQDUQAE6dPxcpCHbQxFu6YXQ84PAsI/s1600/P1000436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPGcBwSkc4AgFHSDxl4lGgKuESsr8M1SibJRg93x1Ox8VSt629xiUmmeVsrl0WHkBwLfkOEl1HoRR2BhA2INq_INIY6SDQb4n1kzcSO6ga9owmIQDUQAE6dPxcpCHbQxFu6YXQ84PAsI/s400/P1000436.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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My cousin, who is afraid of heights, made a beeline for the cables, leaving in such a hurry, he forgot to take water with him. I think he would have psyched himself out had he waited til after our snack break. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_InzK3iJ2Pr8Im_Wl71vtj9s8jrbyGXhNrOiMvHhUq6DxyhQQipM9pTMZqWz-kNArYZk2Ki3q_eyPFLYb3iKakv6DluFwvXeUhWVFFgv7pw2FKboh6KcA0biaTTLxZKEBSEGechiXx-E/s1600/1346284602703.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_InzK3iJ2Pr8Im_Wl71vtj9s8jrbyGXhNrOiMvHhUq6DxyhQQipM9pTMZqWz-kNArYZk2Ki3q_eyPFLYb3iKakv6DluFwvXeUhWVFFgv7pw2FKboh6KcA0biaTTLxZKEBSEGechiXx-E/s320/1346284602703.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="167" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_InzK3iJ2Pr8Im_Wl71vtj9s8jrbyGXhNrOiMvHhUq6DxyhQQipM9pTMZqWz-kNArYZk2Ki3q_eyPFLYb3iKakv6DluFwvXeUhWVFFgv7pw2FKboh6KcA0biaTTLxZKEBSEGechiXx-E/s2560/1346284602703.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">My mom on the other hand, opted not to make the final ascent up the cables as it would have put too much pressure on her broken wrist.</span><br />
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Though it was a tough choice, it was the correct one as the climb would have put too much pressure on her right hand, wrist, and forearm.<br />
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After I video taped my cousin's mad dash to the top, I put on my gloves, secured my water to my belt and went up the cables.<br />
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Though I had summited Half Dome once before, I was just as nervous. Glad there was good conversation to be had enroute to the summit with the two French men from Oregon in front of and behind me.<br />
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The views from the top of Half Dome are stunning! It is truly a one-of-a-kind hike with grand rewards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXB7W1HYQaKLJlL9c43WWABXYhSuzvG3lhasjNNgUnOx2ZBvbkkrnFCRu8j8_345dFG4JN0KqGUdFnRNnj8YyEMz0XPTXywrOeuiVpF51NwwnXbsWGCX9O2G_0g5Isn01Pth8-AGNtw/s1600/P1000464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTXB7W1HYQaKLJlL9c43WWABXYhSuzvG3lhasjNNgUnOx2ZBvbkkrnFCRu8j8_345dFG4JN0KqGUdFnRNnj8YyEMz0XPTXywrOeuiVpF51NwwnXbsWGCX9O2G_0g5Isn01Pth8-AGNtw/s400/P1000464.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Armen (right) and me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MrZD7PijB5ZELearkTYJi6nqiWJVdANtfeTm43Pq6__zADHYzs-7AhYIauuh_exImzUShdYYejQ5vpmABxOXZstamXIZBIC3uu_7iIWhgOvxRxKXMjgiKkZYKMvm5L1-XdCX6hp9FWs/s1600/P1000468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MrZD7PijB5ZELearkTYJi6nqiWJVdANtfeTm43Pq6__zADHYzs-7AhYIauuh_exImzUShdYYejQ5vpmABxOXZstamXIZBIC3uu_7iIWhgOvxRxKXMjgiKkZYKMvm5L1-XdCX6hp9FWs/s640/P1000468.JPG" height="234" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">panorama with diving board just left of center</td></tr>
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I don't have an issue with heights, but the view from "diving board" makes me cringe. I decided to overcome my fears and go there, having skipped out on this adventure my first time there. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I even posed there!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XQuKyAFD_V7wYUb5LT42KClIFNQ-hEWpfTB7FfHXSbdQKfGLmf9mefDpi7m5t1HBT2GB_ImssfOKIUxTaGex9YaLvUJFI_SxU0gxcLXZU_RnLKk3JDVxCwmdYOXC43odaQwCSEtevCM/s2560/1346284614644.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY28b2prDE97laJIfqaQ7KaBbCAD4RiEUVU0c5Es7U-wo9DbWlrnMMDFuGs1LLlOk0gtGnD5ke0vyse4SYl1H1yP_hE2JZQ5Ekd4Adj4M30v5bU10trvv1msKrwdsyOHWOLGPuh-1axI/s400/P1000454.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XQuKyAFD_V7wYUb5LT42KClIFNQ-hEWpfTB7FfHXSbdQKfGLmf9mefDpi7m5t1HBT2GB_ImssfOKIUxTaGex9YaLvUJFI_SxU0gxcLXZU_RnLKk3JDVxCwmdYOXC43odaQwCSEtevCM/s2560/1346284614644.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">Appreciating the incredible view</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XQuKyAFD_V7wYUb5LT42KClIFNQ-hEWpfTB7FfHXSbdQKfGLmf9mefDpi7m5t1HBT2GB_ImssfOKIUxTaGex9YaLvUJFI_SxU0gxcLXZU_RnLKk3JDVxCwmdYOXC43odaQwCSEtevCM/s2560/1346284614644.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLWX4Knbuc8_cagZPoeRvJrgnNm0TuopmCm0VLkDbhcpL83SK-e1qHd7GVg67Fv1kxDE03qHMneIsQsjYrTjzOjFHvkdy4aq-n6en1rh1kChswvh4jGCaov3bRFbLwMXoLRf9LV1A7VU/s400/P1000456.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XQuKyAFD_V7wYUb5LT42KClIFNQ-hEWpfTB7FfHXSbdQKfGLmf9mefDpi7m5t1HBT2GB_ImssfOKIUxTaGex9YaLvUJFI_SxU0gxcLXZU_RnLKk3JDVxCwmdYOXC43odaQwCSEtevCM/s2560/1346284614644.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}">No trees on Half Dome? There is one now</a></td></tr>
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Before descending the cables and leaving The Dome after an hour or so, my cousin and I wanted to write a message to my mom and let her know that she was there with us.<br />
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After that, I had to get upside down before heading down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaj69Cfk5mtaKU35NeegAeHcrafL6SAFyi_QOXt5xvp6KciwFxlM622Vtjfseqo7aRRESYoHEGfeytfrhVVaEoPfeFFziJvvVKbmnSeddVNBXRoFrUev1paaIIG4L_l0vwM-BAqSescI/s1600/P1000476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaj69Cfk5mtaKU35NeegAeHcrafL6SAFyi_QOXt5xvp6KciwFxlM622Vtjfseqo7aRRESYoHEGfeytfrhVVaEoPfeFFziJvvVKbmnSeddVNBXRoFrUev1paaIIG4L_l0vwM-BAqSescI/s400/P1000476.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We descended the cables, took a few group photos at sub dome, and had a chance encounter with a gnome with broken legs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWddKI5iro3GIgjOJhOpdqgCrXK1Hap4X6HjFTvqDsyit5J6oT-BSXBdeVUXk2K156Y5ocXqjomEKlFplXtZvcCwnczWTxKsIUa0Iy9IamMCN60ltL0kBYMlMW6uK5_Q6loqsRog-vBM/s1600/P1000491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWddKI5iro3GIgjOJhOpdqgCrXK1Hap4X6HjFTvqDsyit5J6oT-BSXBdeVUXk2K156Y5ocXqjomEKlFplXtZvcCwnczWTxKsIUa0Iy9IamMCN60ltL0kBYMlMW6uK5_Q6loqsRog-vBM/s400/P1000491.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right - my cousin Armen, my mom & me</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjnKg7AUxEYGObl91kcFM2-m_6m4DV7oIdZvmnPN2saXGaJdNq7WkJcW887lNccANZjdBduf8_zocH0hCGKd5QTbUgyjgzmIc9ly759C9I5xRMyqC2l8NikfoMJ_znVqbUD3oPCzvdFU/s2560/1346284693039.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjnKg7AUxEYGObl91kcFM2-m_6m4DV7oIdZvmnPN2saXGaJdNq7WkJcW887lNccANZjdBduf8_zocH0hCGKd5QTbUgyjgzmIc9ly759C9I5xRMyqC2l8NikfoMJ_znVqbUD3oPCzvdFU/s400/1346284693039.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="224" /></a></div>
The trail back to Little Yosemite Valley Campground was hot and dry, but beautiful nonetheless. <br />
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I saw a lizard eat an ant, and this amazing splot rock with a tree growing in the void. <br />
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Truly awesome.<br />
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Once back at camp, it was time to wash away the miles with a dip in the Merced River again. So refreshing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIzH56L8luH_1cALGcRRgRBYHUguPu8tSJTVhDt26HtrKtH-MyRWj36NzurOIFNAMo64GUXXUAdxSP4AJbvtCQ4294NIzJ5k_E0_WzHK84Rn1nQ7s2roZECax9jWW2WQcwJVpJcogBYc/s2560/1346284773344.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIzH56L8luH_1cALGcRRgRBYHUguPu8tSJTVhDt26HtrKtH-MyRWj36NzurOIFNAMo64GUXXUAdxSP4AJbvtCQ4294NIzJ5k_E0_WzHK84Rn1nQ7s2roZECax9jWW2WQcwJVpJcogBYc/s400/1346284773344.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a> <br />
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Now it's time for dinner, followed by another night of stargazing. <br />
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Oh, I almost forgot. I have to thank my cousin Armen for sacrificing his safety and dry, clean clothes to save my water bottle cap. He fell into the river and got soaked after a bad toss by me. <br />
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Mind you, this was at 7:30 pm. Luckily, one of the two community fires at camp were ablaze, so he was able to somewhat dry his clothes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt_OiNHVQKkpxnHbjsQz22nP3gKbl5JRILfmwcn4K3L9FVZJepY6cdChj85om_3a0C1zQ-eiaZc1I6_vumuqEodaIqGrdU072wRDsgbUtYpfJIx846MMAKkUatm0Q__Um810RWMNqEG8/s2560/1346284800137.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt_OiNHVQKkpxnHbjsQz22nP3gKbl5JRILfmwcn4K3L9FVZJepY6cdChj85om_3a0C1zQ-eiaZc1I6_vumuqEodaIqGrdU072wRDsgbUtYpfJIx846MMAKkUatm0Q__Um810RWMNqEG8/s400/1346284800137.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;" width="224" /></a> <br />
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Glad we can laugh about it as he only suffered a scraped knee, but it definitely could have been worse.<br />
<strike>---------</strike><br />
“One day's exposure to mountains is better than a cartload of books.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-43525985256895179952012-08-27T11:38:00.001-07:002014-10-03T10:29:54.899-07:00Day 1: Up, Up, Up<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Wednesday, August 8, 2012<br />
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Happy Isles (mile 0) to Little Yosemite Valley Campground (mile 4.3).<br />
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Today's miles: 4.3 miles<br />
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We (my cousin, mom and me) pulled ourselves out of the comfort of our beds at 6 am and were on the trail at 8:45 am. Much to my surprise, there weren't that many people on the trail. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaZBI-Px9-gounbIbTXKVoDdocVhSAZIn3oPbKxViAi8HDDNtW1N7ZIn0q-90W4BUpsTc0cMklcUbhmhK9ERUd6N4PJ8IToaoJN1_qqZOwTz1cRn8lurQDoUnCE7sCqvHcYMVwBX88dU/s2560/1346092672703.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaZBI-Px9-gounbIbTXKVoDdocVhSAZIn3oPbKxViAi8HDDNtW1N7ZIn0q-90W4BUpsTc0cMklcUbhmhK9ERUd6N4PJ8IToaoJN1_qqZOwTz1cRn8lurQDoUnCE7sCqvHcYMVwBX88dU/s288/1346092672703.jpeg" style="display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 162px;" /></a><br />
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It was a beautiful morning as we made our 4.3 mile, ~2000 foot ascent to camp.<br />
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We took many, many breaks, the first one at the footbridge overlooking Vernal Fall. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyJan2m8YFzubInFB4_we2_FX5BS5lousPKn7UaXuDE6BbCbaEa1ECbOjxqLGIOEtSlLbPQaUHqfhL2CypY1LiGeI35L4Mu3JcEAaGcFXui07MOhH5Vg1rBBMyEkLsYLhE5msT2UVgJg/s2560/1346092683335.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyJan2m8YFzubInFB4_we2_FX5BS5lousPKn7UaXuDE6BbCbaEa1ECbOjxqLGIOEtSlLbPQaUHqfhL2CypY1LiGeI35L4Mu3JcEAaGcFXui07MOhH5Vg1rBBMyEkLsYLhE5msT2UVgJg/s288/1346092683335.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 162px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" /></a><br />
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We also saw a baby bobcat there. It was beautiful! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWG4UsCiWuStSwmB_whF-GIEPdxI8IjQu8jj0mHufi-QXYiK5Q-RSnzJBg1TazAP7zt1fjiYuA59FRFh_iIpw8C_aCr_XXLfxDulAv15PMDhMJwL0St5EYLCqi1MlzORF2bJPdvPptvg/s1600/P1000372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWG4UsCiWuStSwmB_whF-GIEPdxI8IjQu8jj0mHufi-QXYiK5Q-RSnzJBg1TazAP7zt1fjiYuA59FRFh_iIpw8C_aCr_XXLfxDulAv15PMDhMJwL0St5EYLCqi1MlzORF2bJPdvPptvg/s320/P1000372.JPG" height="240" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div>
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We reached the top of Vernal Fall in two hours, took a break, posed for tons of photos and continued to Nevada Fall. The views of the falls are truly stunning as the trail switchbacks the north side of the falls, up what seemed like a thousand rocky, uneven steps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmYd5yLz5KXJXS_GcuDsqaVhBQJDLH8WwpeF6ACejVfyz7x0vscxKgg7EBefm8bEE4qifKYzwV-D4ggG5yQpV_u0OMAA5CCtNRX2lATohveQIV_Ono_kUEK4SlByLcQm3awyh8rWuANY/s1600/P1000404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmYd5yLz5KXJXS_GcuDsqaVhBQJDLH8WwpeF6ACejVfyz7x0vscxKgg7EBefm8bEE4qifKYzwV-D4ggG5yQpV_u0OMAA5CCtNRX2lATohveQIV_Ono_kUEK4SlByLcQm3awyh8rWuANY/s320/P1000404.JPG" height="320" width="240" yda="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxX8DCVjBdkGk0oNW7Px-bgz-03ZZs9BsqpzMvDsWZTp4lLYvwo37DWStpk_Sr-slfVRcIFzzCe0wVj6djpOTiXDdGkOasRrHk7w_hvtJtaoqkjFuoGOu9qHzj98RWwyoNminRowYY7I/s2560/1346092693693.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxX8DCVjBdkGk0oNW7Px-bgz-03ZZs9BsqpzMvDsWZTp4lLYvwo37DWStpk_Sr-slfVRcIFzzCe0wVj6djpOTiXDdGkOasRrHk7w_hvtJtaoqkjFuoGOu9qHzj98RWwyoNminRowYY7I/s320/1346092693693.jpeg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="179" /></a></div>
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A mile later, we made our way to Little Yosemite Valley Campground. So peaceful, so wonderful. And, much to my surprise, not that many people here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j5Nu_Qfy6L3w3ia5Bar4_k3yFjip-ay2QsUwabljCOGLrxbz6g6hsh8tEDoW5T168qr1R9WZ3ML2cJPKGsOwEWyjPoBJ98Hog5bea9XUS2Vhioz2zbtiOW0zg6EL_veje-dt3aWJE1Q/s2560/1346092702022.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j5Nu_Qfy6L3w3ia5Bar4_k3yFjip-ay2QsUwabljCOGLrxbz6g6hsh8tEDoW5T168qr1R9WZ3ML2cJPKGsOwEWyjPoBJ98Hog5bea9XUS2Vhioz2zbtiOW0zg6EL_veje-dt3aWJE1Q/s288/1346092702022.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 162px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 288px;" /></a><br />
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It was a very hot day today, in the mid 90s, so we took a dip in the Merced River to cool off before dinner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdR0olUwQPO1dYbdcWCZUY4TKtGUbR6TCrqeiiVhtGmTq_vd4al_3pizA7QzYV5MCL3-DjZKxCmlMgAQ_5goF0Xf5VL3I_nAsNkapVmu6Lrh7ZLnw4PUva1vOOKc9d6IBbvOgIIBQ2XU/s2560/1346092713506.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdR0olUwQPO1dYbdcWCZUY4TKtGUbR6TCrqeiiVhtGmTq_vd4al_3pizA7QzYV5MCL3-DjZKxCmlMgAQ_5goF0Xf5VL3I_nAsNkapVmu6Lrh7ZLnw4PUva1vOOKc9d6IBbvOgIIBQ2XU/s288/1346092713506.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 288px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 162px;" /></a><br />
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The water was cold but very refreshing. Truth be told, it wasn't as cold as I thought it would be. <br />
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I'm very proud of my cousin and my mom for making it this far. This is their first trip into the backcountry and they are doing great. But more importantly, they are having a great time. <br />
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Loving this moment, but also very excited for tomorrow!<br />
<strike>-------</strike><br />
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” ~John Muir<br />
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-40850592681791018262012-08-25T07:17:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:30:09.230-07:00Thru-Hiker LingoBefore I publish any journal entries, I thought I'd create this short write up explaining some of the lingo you may come across as you read my journal. Here goes:<br />
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Thru-hiker/Thru-er</b></span>: someone who is hiking the entire length of a long distance trail </li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b>SoBo:</b></span> Southbound thru-hiker</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">NoBo:</span></b> Northbound thru-hiker</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Hiker-midnight:</span></b> 9:00 P.M. - the time most hikers hit the sack</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Cairn:</span></b> A man made pile of rocks identifying a trail</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Cowboy camping:</span></b> Sleeping under the stars (no tent)</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Blaze:</span></b> Trail navigation marker carved (as is the case on the JMT) on trees</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Ultralight:</span></b> Referring to the pack weight of a hiker; someone who uses the lightest weight equipment</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Trail legs:</span></b> Most thru-ers get in hiking shape as they walk and build their endurance in the process</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Vitamin I:</span></b> Ibuprofen </li>
<li><b style="color: #274e13;">Dry Camp: </b>A waterless camping spot </li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">HYOH:</span></b> Hike your own hike </li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">A Zero:</span></b> A day off from the trail.</li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">A Nero:</span></b> A Near Zero - a shortened hiking day in which a hiker covers significantly less miles than usual. </li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>JMT</b>:</span> John Muir Trail</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #274e13;">PCT:</span></b> Pacific Crest Trail</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #274e13;">AT:</span></b> Appalachian Trail</li>
</ul>
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andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-21897929040369445232012-07-31T18:21:00.001-07:002014-10-03T10:30:18.769-07:00JMT Food Food Food - Part 2 - Dinner & CookingThis is by far my favorite post because I LOVE food. I love talking about food, preparing food, cooking food and eating food! (Confession alert - sometimes I even enjoy shopping for food too.)<br />
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Although not restrictive off trail, my plant-based whole (unprocessed/minimally processed) food diet requires more effort while the backcountry. It is primarily for this reason <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/04/john-muir-trail-food-part-deux.html" target="_blank">I've been experimenting with my own dinners</a> since <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/03/culinary-experiments.html" target="_blank">March</a>. The meals I've prepared for my hike are guaranteed to be super tasty, filling, nutritious and minimally processed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiUNVKZKd5wyE4bSftAjYBA33tTf1iwpMpu-XmidDij7XhWzS_3Zl8fbWElenSMjH4JZimn0MI7_JpRBBfRv5yb3uwo6WRJ3T2ZKkOaAMnP1bDO14OGDMIYXuHdYiUh3zDuo-4Cr7Ne0/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiUNVKZKd5wyE4bSftAjYBA33tTf1iwpMpu-XmidDij7XhWzS_3Zl8fbWElenSMjH4JZimn0MI7_JpRBBfRv5yb3uwo6WRJ3T2ZKkOaAMnP1bDO14OGDMIYXuHdYiUh3zDuo-4Cr7Ne0/s200/Picture+2.png" height="200" width="123" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my backcountry kitchen</td></tr>
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Before I get into specifics, I'd like to mention that I've decided to go stove less. That's right, no cooking for me on the trail. No stove + no fuel = no hot water & no hot meals.<br />
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You're probably thinking, "What will you do, then?"<br />
I will simply add water to my meals a couple hours before dinner, and as they slush around in the container and rehydrate, they will be lukewarm when I'm ready to chow down.<br />
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I experimented with this method during my <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/05/memorial-day-weekend-shakedown-hike.html" target="_blank">Memorial Day trek through the Angeles National Forest</a>. It worked amazingly well so I'm sticking to it. This decision also means less bulk because I will be carrying fewer items, less work at camp after a long days hike and no chance of burning a hole in the sleeve of my down jacket (again).</div>
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Ok, back to food. So what will I be eating exactly?<br />
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Well, I cooked, dehydrated, and vacuum sealed 17 dinners.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 minimally processed, calorically dense, scrumptious, good-for-you dinners</td></tr>
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My dinners range from rice noodles with veggies and (dairy-free) basil pesto; to garlic mashed potatoes with eggplants, carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, onions, herbs and spices; to orzo with portobello mushrooms, squash, red peppers, mung bean sprouts, onions, garlic, herbs & spices. </div>
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To share with you the process of getting to the final product you see in the photo above, I want to show you how I made my orzo with veggies dinner. </div>
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After making two generous servings of food in a large pan,<br />
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I transfered it onto two dehydrator trays.<br />
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After about 12 hours at 135 - 145 degrees, the orzo and veggies were fully dehydrated.<br />
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After cooling down for 30 to 45 minutes, the orzo & veggies then made their way into a small container for a stint in the Magic Bullet.<br />
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Lastly, I placed the orzo and veggies into a pre-cut Foodsaver bag and vacuum sealed it.<br />
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There you have it. One delicious, healthy, ready-to-eat 7 ounce dinner guaranteed to be devoured on the trail.<br />
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Interested in making your own food like I did? Here are a few tips:<br />
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1. If you are considering making your own dinners for your hike, DO IT! You will thank yourself on the trail for taking such good care of yourself. Having said that, I don't know if this is something I would consider doing for a lengthy hike like the PCT, but for a two week adventure, it's totally doable. <br />
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2. If you have a Nesco FD-75PR dehydrator like I do, two trays of food (pre-dehydrated) will produce one 7 ounce dehydrated dinner. </div>
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3. Minimize bulk and grind down thorny edges using a food processor. This dinner a) would not fit into my 750 ml container had I not ground it down, and b) would have probably put a hole in the vacuum sealer bag like four other dinners did prior. Save yourself the repetitive work and excessive waste and grind your meals down slightly, being mindful to leave some texture to the food instead of turning it into mush - unless that's what you prefer.<br />
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4. Be careful when using ready-to-eat rice. I purchased instant brown rice from Trader Joe's and ruined a few dinners. Mind you, it was my fault. I didn't dehydrate the rice prior to incorporating it with my dehydrated veggies. All three meals containing the instant rice puffed up like balloons a few days after I vacuum sealed them and were ruined. Lesson learned!<br />
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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to <a href="mailto:johnmuirtrail2012@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> or leave a comment below.<br />
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Happy Trails!</div>
<br />andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-17917179184677019692012-07-27T00:50:00.001-07:002014-10-03T10:31:17.757-07:00JMT Food, Food, Food - Part 1 - Breakfast & LunchWhat do most hikers think about more than anything else on the trail? Food of course!<br />
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In this post, I'd like to discuss my strategy for breakfast and lunch/snacks. (<a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/07/jmt-food-food-food-part-2-dinner-cooking.html" target="_blank">For my dinner plans, please see part two</a>.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Q7WgChsPjWSMzlNbE_m-DVI39C1lrlGZTrovzmnWgsNxumvzhr5pScHDFDbUNXdp_ZukTAS6mxR0kAauZuyTKZA3-Kyvzb1n3rEys7Rl79HCFSx42LgaDCJ1didMXhKDfC3yqZZbG4/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Q7WgChsPjWSMzlNbE_m-DVI39C1lrlGZTrovzmnWgsNxumvzhr5pScHDFDbUNXdp_ZukTAS6mxR0kAauZuyTKZA3-Kyvzb1n3rEys7Rl79HCFSx42LgaDCJ1didMXhKDfC3yqZZbG4/s320/Picture+2.png" height="320" width="260" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbVUV32XNE_kf8HRvgmvW7H7DlHXY86EmjBttZaAF9zbzLWb9JmQa0lMIUlKoNjvMI_8Q2Sj5xAmuYl1-CX0vMjFdX0IM07feGIf0mdpSnJxu6ih6MMKjP4R7h1pETsLIA5Huiq2d6Uo/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbVUV32XNE_kf8HRvgmvW7H7DlHXY86EmjBttZaAF9zbzLWb9JmQa0lMIUlKoNjvMI_8Q2Sj5xAmuYl1-CX0vMjFdX0IM07feGIf0mdpSnJxu6ih6MMKjP4R7h1pETsLIA5Huiq2d6Uo/s320/Picture+1.png" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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For breakfast, I love eating <a href="http://www.naturespath.com/" target="_blank">Nature's Path cereals</a>. I can eat them every day and not grow tired of them. The FlaxPlus Granola and Ancient Grains Granola are both very delicious. To make them even tastier, more flavorful, and more calorically dense, I add two tablespoons of my custom nut mix (<a href="mailto:johnmuirtrail2012@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> for more info if interested), a nut butter, and sea salt.<br />
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As for lunch, while on the trail my body prefers smaller snacks every hour or so instead of larger meals; therefore bars are my preferred foods during the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">backpacking snack foods</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.larabar.com/" target="_blank">Larabars</a>, <a href="http://theprobar.com/" target="_blank">Probars</a>, <a href="http://rawrev.com/" target="_blank">Raw Revolution bars</a>, <a href="http://amazinggrass.com/" target="_blank">Amazing Grass bars</a>, <a href="http://risebar.com/" target="_blank">Rise bars</a> and <a href="http://thepurebar.com/" target="_blank">Pure Organics bars</a> are minimally processed, super tasty and provide me with plenty of calories and variety. Getting bored of these foods should not be an issue as I <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/07/john-muir-trail-resupply.html" target="_blank">planned my meals</a> in a specific rotation to avoid eating identical bars two days in a row.<br />
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Continue to <a href="http://yogihiker.blogspot.com/2012/07/jmt-food-food-food-part-2-dinner-cooking.html" target="_blank">part two</a> where I discuss my home-made dinners & my strategy for on trail cooking.<br />
<br />andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5696758060792287539.post-45046450023054207412012-07-22T23:01:00.000-07:002014-10-03T10:31:30.875-07:00John Muir Trail ResupplyWell folks, in two weeks time, I'll be in Yosemite National Park picking up my hiking permit!! I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I'm getting super excited with every passing minute.<br />
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Day dreaming about the future is nice (especially when it promises adventure & novelty), but it's great having "chores" such as getting my resupply packages together that bring me back to reality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u6CvFw-V48zBK7HVawyVMv2PirWJPwRl8wTgbOqqkXai_uZMRfHYdEw5Dpslm2V-qr9Lk9Q8o5ZEaPQ3Dr5bJGgVnmt25vOCYfCI3hgVrXVUMKvBulPfBKp6cjDRxZ0tg1q6VvLPSPw/s1600/DSC04494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u6CvFw-V48zBK7HVawyVMv2PirWJPwRl8wTgbOqqkXai_uZMRfHYdEw5Dpslm2V-qr9Lk9Q8o5ZEaPQ3Dr5bJGgVnmt25vOCYfCI3hgVrXVUMKvBulPfBKp6cjDRxZ0tg1q6VvLPSPw/s320/DSC04494.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bear proof food canister (left), homer bucket (middle) for 2nd resupply, and large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box (right) for 1st resupply </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">resupply package 1</td></tr>
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Label me loco but I really enjoy this particular task. Setting myself up to succeed and avoiding headaches on the trail turns tedious tasks into creative, problem solving puzzles. For example, in the above photo, notice the number "9" written on the plastic bag.<br />
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I place each day's food in separate bags and number them. Then I pack the bags into the resupply boxes with the lowest number first. This way, when I open the package at my resupply location, I can transfer the bags directly into my food canister without having to figure out which bag is for which day. Simple, effective, awesome.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0btu0lodd4gqpl5sQY0xV7gkPW7RhGPibu3p6d-7Zt6MZ7Q3OcexeYTg7MTtv__9PsXD8rENCNwRVwL-3n9bRs5TD99_644cdhtM7hxotL5ShmRrFmAaCIPTquKu9p9cSMzh6mJsK8M/s1600/DSC04502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0btu0lodd4gqpl5sQY0xV7gkPW7RhGPibu3p6d-7Zt6MZ7Q3OcexeYTg7MTtv__9PsXD8rENCNwRVwL-3n9bRs5TD99_644cdhtM7hxotL5ShmRrFmAaCIPTquKu9p9cSMzh6mJsK8M/s320/DSC04502.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">resupply packages & their contents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RJf7lzngOVrPe8nW67llrEHUZ2GQd2MaQTE2nXr2gi-7I-gElTuh-ZIw3ysnthldye6woCwSju6zSQkIQJwUM1YyJovQ0vd0ZW8zJULKS90LhyKe9pu7o7-sFDov-phttluPenqWY50/s1600/DSC04498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RJf7lzngOVrPe8nW67llrEHUZ2GQd2MaQTE2nXr2gi-7I-gElTuh-ZIw3ysnthldye6woCwSju6zSQkIQJwUM1YyJovQ0vd0ZW8zJULKS90LhyKe9pu7o7-sFDov-phttluPenqWY50/s320/DSC04498.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7 days worth of food crammed into my bear can</td></tr>
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Also, figuring out how much tp I'll require for a particular section of trail (luckily I have previous knowledge to draw upon for this one), whether or not to include junk food to break the monotony of trail food at resupply points (which I will be doing), and testing to see if a 7 day food supply will fit in my bear can are all fun stuff I've been contemplating and testing.<br />
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Good times I tell ya.<br />
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Well, the fun will end when I take my packages to the post office and ship em off in the morning. No matter, I'm sure I'll find some other way to amuse myself ;)<br />
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Besides, shipping my resupply packages makes this hike that much more real. And, I won't have to think about whether or not I've packed everything any longer.<br />
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If you are planning your own thru-hike, I highly suggest checking out <a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=331566" target="_blank">Boston & Cubby's entry on trail journals</a>. These ladies were gracious enough to share their knowledge & expertise regarding resupplies with the world. THANK YOU LADIES!!<br />
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Now I just need to figure out how to make my boxes stand out from the crowd like they did. Any suggestions?<br />
<br />andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04626401088749448404noreply@blogger.com0