I don't have a lot of time to write. I just wanted to make a quick update.
First of all, thanks for your recent comments. Yes, I'm hard on myself. Always have been, I guess. Perhaps I'll learn how to stop that.
Tony and I drove back up to Mammoth and hiked up the Duck Pass trail to the PCT. Then we followed the PCT as it went by Devil's Postpile and up to Tuolumne Meadows. Then we continued on the John Muir Trail toward Half Dome (nope, didn't climb it) and down the Mist Trail into the valley. The Mist Trail was awesome with chiseled steps that plunged down into the valley floor.
We had the perfect camp near Half Dome with a perfect view and the warmest, most comfortable night. It was a wonderful trip for the two of us. I felt bad, though, for pushing Tony so hard. We did a couple of 18 milers and one 20+ miler that included Donahue Pass. Donahue Pass isn't one of the most difficult, but I struggled up it just the same. 11,056 ft and a little bit of snow.
Once I got back on the PCT at Duck Creek I started running into all my old friends. First I met Southern Man. Then by Thousand Island lake I bumped into a strange, huge crowd of people just sitting quietly, as PCT hikers will sometimes do. Among them were Sparky, who I hadn't seen since the turnoff to Mt. San Jacinto, and Mike and Kat who I hadn't seen since before I went to Big Bear. Later at Tuolumne I saw tons of hikers I didn't really know and down in the Valley I saw Hawkeye and Danger Prone. Everybody is still there, chugging along. It made me so happy to see everybody.
Part of what made our little hike so nice was that we had so many places to eat meals. We had the biggest tuna sandwich ever seen at Red's Meadow. Then at Tuolumne they have a cafe so we had burgers and ice cream. In the valley more food. Now back at Mammoth more food. Food! I love food.
I thought of quitting many times. Why not? Tony's here. I have a ride home. But we talked about it and I'm going to skip section I and go up to the start of section J at Sonora Pass and continue. Hopefully the lower elevation and lack of scary creek crossings will make it a pleasant journey. I probably won't see my friends, though, so we'll see how that works.
I only wish I could take a zero here in Mammoth. Alas, no.
See you down the trail.
So your walk continues. Mist trail is really worth the visit, especially in the early spring. Your journey rolls on to the north. Like all journeys, it is not so important where it begins or where it ends, rather it is about what you find along the way.
ReplyDeleteGlad to learn that you are back on the trail, and Tony was able to join you on another section of the PCT.
ReplyDeleteSorry we won't be crossing paths next weekend when I start my SOBO JMT or Section H of the PCT.
Thanks for blogging your trip, it gives me an insight on what to expect as I section hike the PCT over the next 5 years.
The Beeman
Diane!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July (one day late).
I am soooooo proud of you for what you've accomplished. It's unbelievable to me that you've gone 800 miles alone and through so many challenging sections. You are an amazing woman.
The most I've ever hiked is 600 miles (Spain) and you are inspiring me to do the PCT too now!
I'm glad you decided to take a small break just to get your mojo back. Now you can continue.
Remember you are NEVER a failure for putting your mind and body first. Just realizing your limitations and accepting them and moving on from there is a big lesson. Isn't that partly why you wanted to hike this trail in the first place - to learn some lessons about life and yourself?
Keep up the good work and when you get back we'll go on a "measly" 18 mile hike together again.
See you soon,
Susanne / chocoholicsue
(your 9 trails hiking buddy from Santa Barbara).
met Southern Man July 1 in Lyell Canyon. Just wanted to wish him well.
ReplyDelete