california

Day 18: Rae Lakes to Bubbs Creek plateau
Climbing a challenging pass is best done right before picking up a resupply. Shouldering our packs that morning at Rae Lakes felt pretty great. We were pretty well empty of food and fuel, which meant we were down to our pack base weights.

Day 17: Twin Lakes to Rae Lakes
Once again the Sierras treated us to a beautiful alpine morning of crisp, fresh air and clear blue skies. We were actually excited to see some clouds that morning as we made our way down the trail from Twin Lakes.

Day 16: Split Lake to Twin Lakes
Waking up at 11,600 feet is a rather chilly affair. We were up before the sun crested the eastern ridges. We bundled up in our down jackets, toques and mitts to help keep us warm until the sun found us. After a warming breakfast of oatmeal and tea, we made our way cross-country to rejoin the main trail. ​

Day 15: Lower Palisade Lake to Split Lake
The first day of our third week began above 10,500′. From this point on we were going to be in the true “High Sierras.” We would be sleeping well above 10,000 feet every night and hiking at an average elevation of 11,200 feet. Thank goodness we were acclimatized by now!

Day 14: Little Pete Meadow to Lower Palisade Lake
The morning of our fourteenth day we woke up excited to have made it to the 2/3 mark of our trip. Still one more week ahead, but some of the best scenery yet to come. Plus, we would have company on the trail for the next few days.

Day 13: Evolution Lake to Little Pete Meadow
As far as passes along the JMT go, I believe that Muir Pass is my favourite. I have now had the chance to do the approach from both directions and Southbound is definitely the way to go!

Day 12: Evolution Valley to Evolution Lake
After a few challenging days I was very grateful to have a “near-0” day. We woke up early, struck camp, had a Clif bar for breakfast and hit the trail to climb 1.7 miles and 900 feet up to Evolution Lake, where we would relax for the rest of the day.

Day 11: MTR South Junction to Evolution Valley
​Looking back on my trail experience I can only be amazed at my progression along the trail. I had to face many personal obstacles before even getting to the trail and then had more mental and physical obstacles as I walked my 200-mile journey.

Day 10: Bear Creek to South Fork of the San Joaquin
The morning after my worst day on trail started out buggy. Out came the bug nets as we hurriedly ate our oatmeal breakfasts. We hit the trail and made it to the crossing of Bear Creek just as the sun crested the ridge.

Day 9 – VVR to Bear Creek
The day following our relaxing and social zero day was my worst day on trail.
We made the most of our last morning at VVR and treated ourselves to a full and hearty breakfast in their restaurant. We got the last of our gear squared away, weighed our packs and hit the dirt road out of the resort.