08-20-2022, 03:50 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-20-2022, 03:52 PM by Drunk Monk.)
It struck me as an odd thing to do - go to Yosemite, park my car, then spend hours on buses to get some 40+ miles away from my car (by trail - much farther by road), and then walk back.
The first trail day was 6+ miles and a climb of 2k feet. I was feeling the altitude plus being out of shape. Stacy has been training regularly with hikes on the ‘incline’ (a trail in Nisene) almost rails often with pack. The other three were all in their early twenties. I’ve been on my back due to my spine issues and nearly collapsed by the time we made the first lakeside camp. I had to lie on a log until my arm and shoulder became manageable while the others set up camp. Alex and Stacy took turns being the leader, Tara was usually in the middle with Bri near by. I was the caboose… the sweep. I’d have to take a breather after a few dozen steps.
So many beautiful mountain lakes. One after another. No wonder this was called the Ansel Adams wilderness.
The JMT is a popular trail. We’d see other backpackers every hour. Sometimes we’d exchange information about what lay ahead or share entrance and exit points. Sometimes we’d just say ‘hi’. Everyone was grinning madly despite the exhaustion. Backpackers are super joyful on the trail. The weather seemed with us, sunny with occasional clouds and cool breezes. But that would soon turn.
Leave it to Greg to drop a spoiler…
The first trail day was 6+ miles and a climb of 2k feet. I was feeling the altitude plus being out of shape. Stacy has been training regularly with hikes on the ‘incline’ (a trail in Nisene) almost rails often with pack. The other three were all in their early twenties. I’ve been on my back due to my spine issues and nearly collapsed by the time we made the first lakeside camp. I had to lie on a log until my arm and shoulder became manageable while the others set up camp. Alex and Stacy took turns being the leader, Tara was usually in the middle with Bri near by. I was the caboose… the sweep. I’d have to take a breather after a few dozen steps.
So many beautiful mountain lakes. One after another. No wonder this was called the Ansel Adams wilderness.
The JMT is a popular trail. We’d see other backpackers every hour. Sometimes we’d exchange information about what lay ahead or share entrance and exit points. Sometimes we’d just say ‘hi’. Everyone was grinning madly despite the exhaustion. Backpackers are super joyful on the trail. The weather seemed with us, sunny with occasional clouds and cool breezes. But that would soon turn.
Leave it to Greg to drop a spoiler…
(08-17-2022, 06:37 AM)Greg Wrote: From looking out the window to the east, I'm guessing the kids might be out there hiking in the rain.
Shadow boxing the apocalypse