Day 1
15.2 miles
Steps: 38,872
Rock Creek
Days without shower 2
I got up about 7. It was so cold last night! I am really hoping that this isn’t a sign for how cold it is going to be every night but I am scared that it is. I am glad I have an amazing sleeping bag. I slept about 11 hours and when I say that I really mean was in my sleeping bag about that long. There are many times I wake up, think I hear a sound, lay there and then slowly fall back asleep. It is still just as awesome though to be able to stay in my bag that long! I think I am going to like this! Once I crawled out of my bag I got everything packed up, got cleaned up, and ate my last banana. I made sure everything was out of my car and put a couple small things in the bear can with my estimated return date on them. At the trailhead I met up with 2 guys who were drinking their coffee. We chatted for a bit and I suggested a route similar to what I did for 4th of July weekend because they were looking to hit Langely. They head off towards the other trailhead and I started on my way. I was feeling very nervous until my first mile. I found my rhythm and it just felt right. My pack was heavy at about 38.5 pounds! I know that is not terrible but I was feeling it. I knew what to expect from Cottonwood pass but it was still hard and lots of breaks where taken. A guy passed me who was day hiking/running to the PCT junction and on his way down he wished me luck. After a few more breaks and miles, I was up over the hardest part for the day! I made my way to Chicken Spring Lake and had lunch as I filtered water. I didn't see anyone there which was odd because when I was here for 4th of July weekend there were quite a few people. That time frame was also PCT season for this area though. I didn't want to sit too long so I packed everything back up and started to head out. I met up with a girl who just did Langely and was on her way out. Her name is Diana, from San Diego area and on the Ladies of the JMT page. She wants to do the JMT next year and this was her first solo backpacking trip. I was really excited to see my first “Ladies of” person and the encouragement was so sweet. We took a picture together talked for a bit more and went out ways. After I was already up the next hill, I remembered about the fire on the 15 and thought I should have told her about that so she knew what she was up against on her drive home but it was too late. Climbing up the hill I knew there would be a boundary sign and then mostly downhill to the next junction! I took a long break at the next junction taking off my shoes, dumping the sand, and having a snack. I was enjoying the views, the sounds (the quite), and the fresh air. I couldn’t believe I was finally out here – on my journey! The next miles were mostly flat or downhill but seemed to go on FOREVER! I did see my first deer! She didn't seem very scared of me and I got pretty close. That was cool. Passed the ranger station and headed towards the river. I thought about crossing over and camping there but wanted to be closer to the bear box since I have to use it. So I set up camp in the most private site I could find within earshot of another tent. The guy comes out to filter water and says hi. He, Luke, is from Encinitas and started at Kennedy Meadows. Hoping to get to Onion Valley but having pain now. I told him my Whitney plan and sounds like he may try to do the same. We will see. I am cooking dinner now which really means letting my boiled water re-hydrate my food, as the sun is starting to drop in the tree line. It's already getting chilly. I don't know how much later I'll stay up and it's only 6:30. After a exploring around the meadow and reading a bit from my John Muir Trail (south to north) book by Elizabeth Wenk I have managed to stay up about an hour longer. I enjoy reading about what I should be seeing the next day. It's getting a little darker and I'm tired. Crazy how easy it is to go to bed at 8pm. I might get another 11 hours of sleep! I could really get use to this!
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