We got started around 6:45am on day 3 of the John Muir Trail. The first few hours in the morning have been the best as it is hot by about 10:30am even at 8,000 to 10,000 feet. We met a guy named Rob who was also from Colorado. Funny how we have both gotten the comment “if you are from Colorado, why are you here?” Uhh, yes Colorado is beautiful but there are other places to see. It is different here: large rounded monoliths and spires of quartz monzonite. The quartz monzonite dazzles the eye with blistering whites and greys against a hazy blue sky. The lakes are like mirrors and the rivers are crystal clear, brilliant and everything sparkles. I enjoy learning different places.
The hike was long today but mostly easy. We went down in elevation about 1,000 from Cathedral Lake and skirted the edge of Tuolumne Meadows which is a developed area in Yosemite National Park. We then entered Lyell Canyon which is flat with meadows and a beautiful creek that meanders through the meadow. We then climbed up about a 1,000 feet to the bench we are on now which is wooded and flat before the mountains that rise above. Tomorrow we climb Donuhue Pass, which is above 11,000 feet. We are glad to already be acclimated as we live at 6700 feet in Colorado. We have not been weezing, nauseous and unable to eat as many of the Californians and others from sea level we have seen. We were in camp by 3pm with 16.2 miles under our belt. Still time to filter water, set of the tent and do other chores that are now daily and feel routine.
Just the Facts
