The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.
~Albert Einstein
Palisade Lake to Muir Pass
18.5 miles
There are many super great perks for getting on the trail early in the morning. Here are a few:
-no one else is on the trail yet
-cool temps without beating sun on your head, a hiker can in many pleasant miles with energy
-morning light and sunrises are inspiring
-animals are out in full force
-it is very quiet
The very BEST incentive is I have been on top of all the JMT passes (with the exception of Mather), including Mount Whitney all by myself without a soul around. Hard to believe, right? July in the Sierras, it is rare. Right now I am sitting in the very famous Muir Hut that sits on top of Muir Pass with my lone tent set up outside. I am here to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. The sunset was spectacular.
I am pretty sore from going down and up 3000 feet. Much of the trail up to Muir Pass was very rocky, long, and steep. I have soaked my feet and knees at my big breaks. Stretching also is a priority. Thanks Silly Chili for great wellness tips! Today I had a hard time stopping smiling while hiking. It was breathtaking at every turn. And besides I was worried about sun burning the inside of my lips. It happens you know.
That last pic! Magic!
Lake Helen? You’re getting closer! I was not that far from Lake Helen a week ago. I hope we can connect in Yosemite.
So do I.
Hey, Rockin.
Great to get caught up on your trek!! The photos are amazing!!! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your journey w/ us!! Rock on!!
Leslie,
You are such a good friend to be following along with all of my escapades. It is way fun taking photos of beautiful things. It is hard to mess it up.
Following your every step, Rockin. Just came back from a short backpack-we bailed because of the daily hailstorms. There’s only so much time you can take in your tent.
Hail is bad! Staying in tents too is bad also. I guess you could have topped it off with Mosquitos. Next trip will be better.