22 days total
20 hiking days
2 zero days - no hiking/rest days
5 nights camping alone
269.8 miles total (according to InReach)
Longest hiking day 21.3 miles
Shortest hiking day 7.1 miles
3 real showers (2 of those within a day of each other - I love VVR)
2 full lake jump ins (they were SO cold!)
Many feet/knee high soaks in creeks/lakes
1 trail shampooing of hair (after a old guy told me about a girl that got lice)
2 breakdowns - moments of crying
1 evening of hail/sleet/snow/rain hiking - also see breakdown
4 bear sightings - all on day 21
Tons of deer, squirrels, chipmunks, pack mules
A few Pikas - my all time favorite
4~ish bottles of wine
3 Bloody Mary's
1 Margarita
Few too many shots of Jack Daniels Honey
6 new crazy amazing friends - Luke, Dylan, Brian, Jaclyn, Lydia, and Liz
And 1 amazing journey!
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Friday, December 9, 2016
Post JMT - 1 day after
September 9, 2016
Post hike day 1
Half Dome Village
Steps: 36,841
I feel odd like I should be doing something or going somewhere. Jess got up very early this morning to go hike half dome! I'm super excited for her and really hope she has an amazing time. She hasn’t hiked much on her own so I am excited for her to see what that is all about. Dylan, Jamie, and Audrey got up pretty early and had to make it to catch the bus. I sat in bed for a while then decided I should get up. I had a banana which was super exciting!!! Then, took another shower with my shampoo and conditioner – oh how I love running HOT water. Somehow my toes and feet are still dirty. I'm looking forward to soaking them.
I got all my dirty clothes together and headed to breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and orange juice for about $6! It was wonderful. It's odd being “alone” around a lot of people. I feel out of place. Crazy how when I hike I'm happy to be alone in the middle of nowhere but when there are a lot of people around it seems so odd to be alone. I finished breakfast and headed to find a place to do laundry. I'd like to do a day hike but the only hiking clothes I have are my backpacking ones and they are too gross to put on now that I can actually smell them. I'm not sure why I didn't bring any clean clothes to hike in. Maybe because I didn’t think I would want to hike. It took a while to find housekeeping camp and I'm so glad I've never stayed here. It's pretty odd. But they have a laundry mat so it works. I was able to charge my phone (there is not any power in our tent cabin) and catch up on some of my writing. I'm sure I'll be thankful that this is all already digital but I'm a little sad I forgot my pen. It would be neat to look back at all of this hand written on the back of the maps like I had originally planned.
After my laundry was done I walked back to the room, changed, grabbed some water and my bag and headed to Yosemite Falls. So my first day off and I end up hiking 9ish miles. It was beautiful – and there was not a drop of water “falling”.
I am so thankful I was able to come out here on this journey. I have learned how strong I am. I can do anything I put my mind to. The SKY is the limit. I would love to go back to some places and see them again – but I am excited to explore more of our great nation. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.
Post hike day 1
Half Dome Village
Steps: 36,841
I feel odd like I should be doing something or going somewhere. Jess got up very early this morning to go hike half dome! I'm super excited for her and really hope she has an amazing time. She hasn’t hiked much on her own so I am excited for her to see what that is all about. Dylan, Jamie, and Audrey got up pretty early and had to make it to catch the bus. I sat in bed for a while then decided I should get up. I had a banana which was super exciting!!! Then, took another shower with my shampoo and conditioner – oh how I love running HOT water. Somehow my toes and feet are still dirty. I'm looking forward to soaking them.
I got all my dirty clothes together and headed to breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and orange juice for about $6! It was wonderful. It's odd being “alone” around a lot of people. I feel out of place. Crazy how when I hike I'm happy to be alone in the middle of nowhere but when there are a lot of people around it seems so odd to be alone. I finished breakfast and headed to find a place to do laundry. I'd like to do a day hike but the only hiking clothes I have are my backpacking ones and they are too gross to put on now that I can actually smell them. I'm not sure why I didn't bring any clean clothes to hike in. Maybe because I didn’t think I would want to hike. It took a while to find housekeeping camp and I'm so glad I've never stayed here. It's pretty odd. But they have a laundry mat so it works. I was able to charge my phone (there is not any power in our tent cabin) and catch up on some of my writing. I'm sure I'll be thankful that this is all already digital but I'm a little sad I forgot my pen. It would be neat to look back at all of this hand written on the back of the maps like I had originally planned.
After my laundry was done I walked back to the room, changed, grabbed some water and my bag and headed to Yosemite Falls. So my first day off and I end up hiking 9ish miles. It was beautiful – and there was not a drop of water “falling”.
I am so thankful I was able to come out here on this journey. I have learned how strong I am. I can do anything I put my mind to. The SKY is the limit. I would love to go back to some places and see them again – but I am excited to explore more of our great nation. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
JMT - Day 22 - Clouds Rest & Half Dome Junction to Half Dome Village
September 8, 2016
Day 22
9 miles / 269.8 total
Steps: 30,142
Half Dome Village
Days without shower 0
Most likely the worst nights sleep out here. I tossed and turned. I was too hot, too cold, thought I heard animals, or people constantly. After looking at the time about a dozen more times I figured it was ok to get up. I let the air out of my sleeping pad and got up. Got my bear can that looked untouched and started to heat some water for coffee. The water looked a little sketchy and people here are not very careful about where they pee/poo or leave toilet paper. It's super annoying. I did tell some girl yesterday to pack out her toilet paper and she looked at me like I was crazy. I think there needs to be better education.
So I filtered water with my squeeze and also boiled it...I feel like Luke would be proud because he always double filtered. I made my coffee, got a breakfast bar, and went to sit closer to Dylan, Julie (his sister), and Audrey. We talked for a while as they got packed up and ready to head up half dome. I was excited for them and glad I wasn't doing it today!
I was excited to be done and get to the village for a shower. After I finished my breakfast, I said bye and good luck and headed to pack up my stuff. I left about 8:30 and started to head down. I saw the group of 5 from half dome yesterday that were starting the JMT (they camped at Little Yosemite Valley), I wished them luck. There were a TON of day hikers. A couple people asked me how it was... Like I knew what IT was. Of course at times I was just a smart ass and said Whitney was amazing and good luck. Other times I said clouds rest was amazing because I knew the majority of the people were headed to half dome. It was my entertainment for the day and fun. At one point it seemed like a couple people asked me how long I’d been out here so I figured they could smell me. Most who asked or overheard me saying where I came from congratulated me and wished me a safe trip home.
The downhill was pretty crazy and I was ready to be DONE! There were SO many people and it was a bit overwhelming. I was able to check in on Jess and see where she was and catch up on a few texts as I started to get service. It was the last couple miles of switchbacks where I was excited to see a water fountain and bathroom with a little privacy! At the bottom I took a picture and celebrated again. It was pretty anti climatic. I then headed to half dome village - previously called curry village and checked in. My room was ready and I was able to get everything I needed. I headed to the bar and got a cider and a salad! It was really good to eat salad again! I was able to send a couple texts and then was ready for a shower. I didn't even go to the room first. I went to the store and bought a shirt and then straight to the shower. In the showers they have shampoo and soap and provide a towel. I likely took too long and was thankful for the mom who gave her little girl and me conditioner. Thank you so much! My hair needed that! Some people are so very giving at the perfect time!
The "trail" provides. Haha
I slowly got dressed in my dirty shorts, dirty bra, and camp sandals. I brushed my teeth and checked myself out in the mirror. I may not have actually lost any weight but I think I look a little more toned and damn my legs are dark! I have some really funky tan lines going on. I put on my clean/new JMT shirt, loaded up my pack and headed out to find my cabin. It was crammed with 3 twin beds and a double. Not much special to it but there was a bed and everything I needed. It would work great. I opened the little canvas Windows and propped the door open. I went through my bag trying to organize all my dirty clothes and making sure to get all my food out of my bag and into the bear box. I grabbed a couple snacks and decided to head to the store to get a drink. On the walk to the store, I finally ate a Snickers I had been carrying for over 6 days - it was really delicious. I left a little note on the outside of the cabin door, in case I missed Jess or Dylan or they showed up early. At the store, I got a little bear magnet since I actually saw a bear in Yosemite and a small boxed wine. I sat at the lounge in one of the rocking chairs and started to catch up on the social media life, texts, and emails. I got a message from Dylan so I was able to estimate what time they would be done and had a little more time to kill. I just sat there in the chair watching people as I ate a bag of goldfish... Thank you so much to the family on top of half dome for them! Then I slowly headed back to the room. Propped open the door and sat on the stairs because even being inside the tent is a little much. Jess walks up shortly after!!! It was great to see her! I helped her get another load of stuff from her car which included a cooler of goodies and bananas for me!! We made sure all food and smelly stuff out of the car. We got back to the room and I finished my wine as she had a drink. We opened the chips and salsa and I told her about my trip! We sat there for about 30 minutes and Dylan walked up! I have him a hug and said congratulations. The girls looked tired and were ready for a shower. Thankfully I had shampoo/conditioner and lots of other goodies in my bag I had Jess bring for me so I let them use it as well. Once we were all clean (Dylan took longer than the girls) we headed to get pizza! It was good and we sat around and talked for a long time. It was a great way to end the trip. The bed was pretty hard but it was nice just to have a real bed, sheets, and a pillow! Pretty sure we were all asleep before 10. About midnight there is a bang on a door which at first I thought was ours saying park ranger. I was like crap did we not close the bear box? Then another knock and I realized it was on a cabin next to us. Apparently they left food and a cooler in their car and the Ranger was able to find them because of the parking pass. They escorted them out to fix their mistake and wrote them a ticket. There is a sign every 5 feet...I am not sure how they could be so dumb or maybe they were just being lazy. Again – what is with people being SO lazy and not taking care of our land? I just do not get it. I fell back asleep pretty quickly but tossed and turned a lot. It's going to take some adjusting to get back to the different noises and people.
Day 22
9 miles / 269.8 total
Steps: 30,142
Half Dome Village
Days without shower 0
Most likely the worst nights sleep out here. I tossed and turned. I was too hot, too cold, thought I heard animals, or people constantly. After looking at the time about a dozen more times I figured it was ok to get up. I let the air out of my sleeping pad and got up. Got my bear can that looked untouched and started to heat some water for coffee. The water looked a little sketchy and people here are not very careful about where they pee/poo or leave toilet paper. It's super annoying. I did tell some girl yesterday to pack out her toilet paper and she looked at me like I was crazy. I think there needs to be better education.
So I filtered water with my squeeze and also boiled it...I feel like Luke would be proud because he always double filtered. I made my coffee, got a breakfast bar, and went to sit closer to Dylan, Julie (his sister), and Audrey. We talked for a while as they got packed up and ready to head up half dome. I was excited for them and glad I wasn't doing it today!
I was excited to be done and get to the village for a shower. After I finished my breakfast, I said bye and good luck and headed to pack up my stuff. I left about 8:30 and started to head down. I saw the group of 5 from half dome yesterday that were starting the JMT (they camped at Little Yosemite Valley), I wished them luck. There were a TON of day hikers. A couple people asked me how it was... Like I knew what IT was. Of course at times I was just a smart ass and said Whitney was amazing and good luck. Other times I said clouds rest was amazing because I knew the majority of the people were headed to half dome. It was my entertainment for the day and fun. At one point it seemed like a couple people asked me how long I’d been out here so I figured they could smell me. Most who asked or overheard me saying where I came from congratulated me and wished me a safe trip home.
The downhill was pretty crazy and I was ready to be DONE! There were SO many people and it was a bit overwhelming. I was able to check in on Jess and see where she was and catch up on a few texts as I started to get service. It was the last couple miles of switchbacks where I was excited to see a water fountain and bathroom with a little privacy! At the bottom I took a picture and celebrated again. It was pretty anti climatic. I then headed to half dome village - previously called curry village and checked in. My room was ready and I was able to get everything I needed. I headed to the bar and got a cider and a salad! It was really good to eat salad again! I was able to send a couple texts and then was ready for a shower. I didn't even go to the room first. I went to the store and bought a shirt and then straight to the shower. In the showers they have shampoo and soap and provide a towel. I likely took too long and was thankful for the mom who gave her little girl and me conditioner. Thank you so much! My hair needed that! Some people are so very giving at the perfect time!
The "trail" provides. Haha
I slowly got dressed in my dirty shorts, dirty bra, and camp sandals. I brushed my teeth and checked myself out in the mirror. I may not have actually lost any weight but I think I look a little more toned and damn my legs are dark! I have some really funky tan lines going on. I put on my clean/new JMT shirt, loaded up my pack and headed out to find my cabin. It was crammed with 3 twin beds and a double. Not much special to it but there was a bed and everything I needed. It would work great. I opened the little canvas Windows and propped the door open. I went through my bag trying to organize all my dirty clothes and making sure to get all my food out of my bag and into the bear box. I grabbed a couple snacks and decided to head to the store to get a drink. On the walk to the store, I finally ate a Snickers I had been carrying for over 6 days - it was really delicious. I left a little note on the outside of the cabin door, in case I missed Jess or Dylan or they showed up early. At the store, I got a little bear magnet since I actually saw a bear in Yosemite and a small boxed wine. I sat at the lounge in one of the rocking chairs and started to catch up on the social media life, texts, and emails. I got a message from Dylan so I was able to estimate what time they would be done and had a little more time to kill. I just sat there in the chair watching people as I ate a bag of goldfish... Thank you so much to the family on top of half dome for them! Then I slowly headed back to the room. Propped open the door and sat on the stairs because even being inside the tent is a little much. Jess walks up shortly after!!! It was great to see her! I helped her get another load of stuff from her car which included a cooler of goodies and bananas for me!! We made sure all food and smelly stuff out of the car. We got back to the room and I finished my wine as she had a drink. We opened the chips and salsa and I told her about my trip! We sat there for about 30 minutes and Dylan walked up! I have him a hug and said congratulations. The girls looked tired and were ready for a shower. Thankfully I had shampoo/conditioner and lots of other goodies in my bag I had Jess bring for me so I let them use it as well. Once we were all clean (Dylan took longer than the girls) we headed to get pizza! It was good and we sat around and talked for a long time. It was a great way to end the trip. The bed was pretty hard but it was nice just to have a real bed, sheets, and a pillow! Pretty sure we were all asleep before 10. About midnight there is a bang on a door which at first I thought was ours saying park ranger. I was like crap did we not close the bear box? Then another knock and I realized it was on a cabin next to us. Apparently they left food and a cooler in their car and the Ranger was able to find them because of the parking pass. They escorted them out to fix their mistake and wrote them a ticket. There is a sign every 5 feet...I am not sure how they could be so dumb or maybe they were just being lazy. Again – what is with people being SO lazy and not taking care of our land? I just do not get it. I fell back asleep pretty quickly but tossed and turned a lot. It's going to take some adjusting to get back to the different noises and people.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
JMT - Day 21 - Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest & Half Dome
September 7, 2016
Day 21
13.6 miles / 260.8 total
Steps: 39,605
Cloud's Rest/JMT junction
Days without shower 5
It was cold last night... Seems to be an ongoing theme. I slept in much later than I had planned. Made coffee and grabbed a breakfast bar and headed down to the lake. I was sitting there when I overheard some people talking about water so I walked over to listen and see what they had to say because I didn't want to run out again!
They didn't know much about the direction I was headed. One of the guys was from Israel and was headed the same direction I was. We sat for a bit together and chatted about our adventures before I went back to pack up. Once I was packed I said bye to everyone and headed up to Clouds Rest. It didn't take long to run into more people. There was a couple who were on their honeymoon backpacking & hiking. They were super cute and sweet. They had planned to do the JMT but had to cancel due to an injury. We chatted and walked telling our stories. A couple miles up we met up with a girl who had been hiking the JMT with her dad. I know we had to have crossed paths a few times after talking with her for a bit but didn’t recognize her or her dad. It's pretty crazy. We all got to the top of Clouds Rest and enjoyed lunch up there. I had the chicken salad from pack it gourmet in a tortilla. I have had a lot of dehydrated meals - and my favorite meals are by them. I had cell service so was able to check in with Jess and see how the permit process was going. She didn't get it for Thursday, so I decided I was going to do it today and finish the trail Thursday morning! If she gets a permit for Friday I can always hike with her. I enjoyed the view a little longer and headed down. It was a very steep down the other way. I was taking my time and looking around a lot and saw my first bear!!! I got super excited. It seemed very small and skinny and more brown than I expected. Then after watching for a bit I saw a baby!! It was so exciting and I really wish I could have shared that moment with someone but no one was around. I was so excited to tell my mom!!! I was glad I got a picture and video for her! I continued down to the trail junction and got some water from a sketchy creek. There are SO many people here and the water levels so low all the water options don't seem great. I have never really questioned my water sources until getting into Yosemite. I continued to half dome and had about a 2 mile climb. There was a couple there that didn't look so great so we talked for a minute and I made sure they had enough food and water before continuing on. I made it to the stairs pretty easily and then the stairs kicked my ass. I forgot how bad they were or maybe it was the weight of my pack or at least that is what I'm going to tell myself.
After the stairs there were a few more climbs before the cables. I forget how intimidating those are. There was a large group heading down so I picked out some gloves and waited for a bit before heading up… with my pack. The last time I was here I remember all the squirrels being jerks and getting into bags so I didn't want to leave mine to get a hole in it now that I have made it so far.
The way up was just as hard as I remember and I took a break often on the boards. Once at the top no one else was up there! It was just as amazing as I remember. I celebrated my accomplishment and was very proud of the MILES I had done! To me – this is the end of my “journey”. I know I won’t be in the wilderness much longer and the crowds of people are going to grow once I go down. I planned to be there for sunset but that was still hours away and I wasn't sure that was really worth it to hike down in the dark. I made some calls, checked my phone, took some selfies until someone else came to take pictures of me, and made my dinner. I wanted the bean salad from pack it gourmet but it takes 45 minutes with hot water or double the time with cold... So I figured I'd hydrate it now and it would be ready once I got down to camp.
I made my way down and group of 5 was about to start up the cables. We started talking and they were starting the JMT and going south. They were awesome and super excited! They had a few questions when they found out I was just finishing so we talked for a while. They all congratulated me and it felt awesome! It's been crazy. Dylan sent me a message saying where he was planning on camping so I headed that way so I could camp with them that night! On the way down I saw another bear!!! It was much larger and a darker black color. After watching it for a minute there was another baby!!! Awe!!! I can't believe it. So awesome!!!
I was able to find Dylan and I met his sister, and her friend. We were talking like it had been more than 2 days since we had seen each other. I did brag about seeing the Bears. I found a place to camp a little farther away from the trail and got set up. They will likely break camp before me to do half dome before heading to the village. It should be a pretty easy hike down tomorrow for me and I'll be done! Wow. Last night out here. So many emotions but mostly I'm ready!!! Excited to get back home.
Day 21
13.6 miles / 260.8 total
Steps: 39,605
Cloud's Rest/JMT junction
Days without shower 5
It was cold last night... Seems to be an ongoing theme. I slept in much later than I had planned. Made coffee and grabbed a breakfast bar and headed down to the lake. I was sitting there when I overheard some people talking about water so I walked over to listen and see what they had to say because I didn't want to run out again!
They didn't know much about the direction I was headed. One of the guys was from Israel and was headed the same direction I was. We sat for a bit together and chatted about our adventures before I went back to pack up. Once I was packed I said bye to everyone and headed up to Clouds Rest. It didn't take long to run into more people. There was a couple who were on their honeymoon backpacking & hiking. They were super cute and sweet. They had planned to do the JMT but had to cancel due to an injury. We chatted and walked telling our stories. A couple miles up we met up with a girl who had been hiking the JMT with her dad. I know we had to have crossed paths a few times after talking with her for a bit but didn’t recognize her or her dad. It's pretty crazy. We all got to the top of Clouds Rest and enjoyed lunch up there. I had the chicken salad from pack it gourmet in a tortilla. I have had a lot of dehydrated meals - and my favorite meals are by them. I had cell service so was able to check in with Jess and see how the permit process was going. She didn't get it for Thursday, so I decided I was going to do it today and finish the trail Thursday morning! If she gets a permit for Friday I can always hike with her. I enjoyed the view a little longer and headed down. It was a very steep down the other way. I was taking my time and looking around a lot and saw my first bear!!! I got super excited. It seemed very small and skinny and more brown than I expected. Then after watching for a bit I saw a baby!! It was so exciting and I really wish I could have shared that moment with someone but no one was around. I was so excited to tell my mom!!! I was glad I got a picture and video for her! I continued down to the trail junction and got some water from a sketchy creek. There are SO many people here and the water levels so low all the water options don't seem great. I have never really questioned my water sources until getting into Yosemite. I continued to half dome and had about a 2 mile climb. There was a couple there that didn't look so great so we talked for a minute and I made sure they had enough food and water before continuing on. I made it to the stairs pretty easily and then the stairs kicked my ass. I forgot how bad they were or maybe it was the weight of my pack or at least that is what I'm going to tell myself.
After the stairs there were a few more climbs before the cables. I forget how intimidating those are. There was a large group heading down so I picked out some gloves and waited for a bit before heading up… with my pack. The last time I was here I remember all the squirrels being jerks and getting into bags so I didn't want to leave mine to get a hole in it now that I have made it so far.
The way up was just as hard as I remember and I took a break often on the boards. Once at the top no one else was up there! It was just as amazing as I remember. I celebrated my accomplishment and was very proud of the MILES I had done! To me – this is the end of my “journey”. I know I won’t be in the wilderness much longer and the crowds of people are going to grow once I go down. I planned to be there for sunset but that was still hours away and I wasn't sure that was really worth it to hike down in the dark. I made some calls, checked my phone, took some selfies until someone else came to take pictures of me, and made my dinner. I wanted the bean salad from pack it gourmet but it takes 45 minutes with hot water or double the time with cold... So I figured I'd hydrate it now and it would be ready once I got down to camp.
I made my way down and group of 5 was about to start up the cables. We started talking and they were starting the JMT and going south. They were awesome and super excited! They had a few questions when they found out I was just finishing so we talked for a while. They all congratulated me and it felt awesome! It's been crazy. Dylan sent me a message saying where he was planning on camping so I headed that way so I could camp with them that night! On the way down I saw another bear!!! It was much larger and a darker black color. After watching it for a minute there was another baby!!! Awe!!! I can't believe it. So awesome!!!
I was able to find Dylan and I met his sister, and her friend. We were talking like it had been more than 2 days since we had seen each other. I did brag about seeing the Bears. I found a place to camp a little farther away from the trail and got set up. They will likely break camp before me to do half dome before heading to the village. It should be a pretty easy hike down tomorrow for me and I'll be done! Wow. Last night out here. So many emotions but mostly I'm ready!!! Excited to get back home.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
JMT - Day 20 - Tuolumne Backpackers campground to Sunrise Lakes
September 6, 2016
Day 20
13.7 miles / 247.2 total
Steps: 39,605
Sunrise Lake
Days without shower 4
It was cold last night and I didn't sleep well. Combination of the fire not being completely out and wanting to cuddle with Luke because we all say bye and go our own ways in the morning. We stink, we are dirty, and we still smile when we wake up. It's crazy how much time I've spent with him and still enjoy his company. It is an odd relationship where we are in the “friend zone” but cuddle at the same time.
The morning was slow and I didn't want to get up but I could hear Dylan already packing up and Luke was ready to get moving. Dylan got packed up pretty quick compared to normal – I think he was excited to see his sister! I've told him that I have enough room for him, his sister, and her friend in my cabin at Curry/Half Dome Village on Thursday and Friday night if they wanted, so we will see if they take me up on it. I really think through all of this I will keep in touch with all of these people. And I really hope I see all of them again.
We took one last selfie, hugged, and Dylan left. Luke told me I didn't have to wait on him, so I said I would be at the Café to get hot chocolate and say bye! He needed to mail a box home and the post office which was right there too.
I got my hot chocolate and sat in the sun to stay warm. Some older guys who were hiking the PCT south asked me where I was coming from/headed and we talked for a bit until Luke came up. He got a coffee and we waited for the post office to open. It was odd saying bye - we hugged for a long time. I put on my pack and my sunglasses to try to hide any emotion. He hugged me one more time, kissed my cheek, and I was off. He promised he would call when he got off trail and I asked him to text me what mile number he is on when/if he has service so I can stalk him.
We then walked opposite directions. I never thought I'd get so close to someone on this trip. We have had amazing times. We have laughed until we cried, shared many life stories, been there for each other when we were not sure about the next mile, and know when each other poop/pee/fart and anything else that may have once been considered a private thing. I'm thankful that he actually has been respectful, a gentleman, and has kept me warm a few nights. I am sure we will talk again and hopefully will be forever friends.
Now, I am on my own again. It doesn't take long to question the why again. Why am I doing this? I really never thought I would say this because I enjoy hiking by myself SO much but right now it seems much better with people, friends, and a support system. Not really to hike with daily or stay together all the time but to spend the nights with, celebrate accomplishments with, and someone who asks how you are really doing and gets what's going on with all the ups and downs.
Dylan and I talked about just going to Cathedral Lakes but it's only 5 miles in and if for some reason he doesn't come today or something with his sister happens I would be super bored with only 5 miles. So I decided to have a really long lunch there. And still no Dylan. Then I went to the other lake and still no Dylan. After that I decided to just keep going. All the way to Sunrise Lakes. I debated getting water and camping close to the top of clouds rest which I don't think you are really supposed to do but wasn't sure how that would work for wanting to do half dome and needing even more water so decided against it. I'm surprised at how dry all the creeks and streams are and makes me think I should carry more water with me. I did run out of water today and had about a mile and a half before I could get more. Definitely need to be more prepared. So I am camped at Sunrise Lake. It's beautiful and very cold. I'm thinking about Luke and hope he made the miles he wanted to and is staying warm in his shitty sleeping bag.
Tomorrow I plan to go to Clouds Rest for lunch and hopefully have will have cell service to see if Jess got her Half Dome permit. If she didn't get it for Thursday I may just go up after lunch of the weather looks good and head to Little Yosemite Camp for a short day on Thursday. I will hopefully be able to check in early on Thursday to our room or at least be able to take a shower before Jess makes it in. Then we can do whatever on Friday... Half Dome again if she gets the permit, and leave early on Saturday hopefully!! I'm ready to be home! Already dreaming of hugging Reecy!
Day 20
13.7 miles / 247.2 total
Steps: 39,605
Sunrise Lake
Days without shower 4
It was cold last night and I didn't sleep well. Combination of the fire not being completely out and wanting to cuddle with Luke because we all say bye and go our own ways in the morning. We stink, we are dirty, and we still smile when we wake up. It's crazy how much time I've spent with him and still enjoy his company. It is an odd relationship where we are in the “friend zone” but cuddle at the same time.
The morning was slow and I didn't want to get up but I could hear Dylan already packing up and Luke was ready to get moving. Dylan got packed up pretty quick compared to normal – I think he was excited to see his sister! I've told him that I have enough room for him, his sister, and her friend in my cabin at Curry/Half Dome Village on Thursday and Friday night if they wanted, so we will see if they take me up on it. I really think through all of this I will keep in touch with all of these people. And I really hope I see all of them again.
We took one last selfie, hugged, and Dylan left. Luke told me I didn't have to wait on him, so I said I would be at the Café to get hot chocolate and say bye! He needed to mail a box home and the post office which was right there too.
I got my hot chocolate and sat in the sun to stay warm. Some older guys who were hiking the PCT south asked me where I was coming from/headed and we talked for a bit until Luke came up. He got a coffee and we waited for the post office to open. It was odd saying bye - we hugged for a long time. I put on my pack and my sunglasses to try to hide any emotion. He hugged me one more time, kissed my cheek, and I was off. He promised he would call when he got off trail and I asked him to text me what mile number he is on when/if he has service so I can stalk him.
We then walked opposite directions. I never thought I'd get so close to someone on this trip. We have had amazing times. We have laughed until we cried, shared many life stories, been there for each other when we were not sure about the next mile, and know when each other poop/pee/fart and anything else that may have once been considered a private thing. I'm thankful that he actually has been respectful, a gentleman, and has kept me warm a few nights. I am sure we will talk again and hopefully will be forever friends.
Now, I am on my own again. It doesn't take long to question the why again. Why am I doing this? I really never thought I would say this because I enjoy hiking by myself SO much but right now it seems much better with people, friends, and a support system. Not really to hike with daily or stay together all the time but to spend the nights with, celebrate accomplishments with, and someone who asks how you are really doing and gets what's going on with all the ups and downs.
Dylan and I talked about just going to Cathedral Lakes but it's only 5 miles in and if for some reason he doesn't come today or something with his sister happens I would be super bored with only 5 miles. So I decided to have a really long lunch there. And still no Dylan. Then I went to the other lake and still no Dylan. After that I decided to just keep going. All the way to Sunrise Lakes. I debated getting water and camping close to the top of clouds rest which I don't think you are really supposed to do but wasn't sure how that would work for wanting to do half dome and needing even more water so decided against it. I'm surprised at how dry all the creeks and streams are and makes me think I should carry more water with me. I did run out of water today and had about a mile and a half before I could get more. Definitely need to be more prepared. So I am camped at Sunrise Lake. It's beautiful and very cold. I'm thinking about Luke and hope he made the miles he wanted to and is staying warm in his shitty sleeping bag.
Tomorrow I plan to go to Clouds Rest for lunch and hopefully have will have cell service to see if Jess got her Half Dome permit. If she didn't get it for Thursday I may just go up after lunch of the weather looks good and head to Little Yosemite Camp for a short day on Thursday. I will hopefully be able to check in early on Thursday to our room or at least be able to take a shower before Jess makes it in. Then we can do whatever on Friday... Half Dome again if she gets the permit, and leave early on Saturday hopefully!! I'm ready to be home! Already dreaming of hugging Reecy!
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