Episode 32: Day 54-55

Day 54:

The trail provides! I found a slightly broken umbrella in the hiker box, and a little ingenuity and duct tape can go a long way! Even though it’s not going to be as hot in the Sierra, there is still going to be plenty of sunshine, and I’m glad to have the option of shade, and at only 8 ounces, I think it’s worth it. 

HUGE resupply. 155 miles to the Muir Trail Ranch [MTR] will be difficult but doable (I hope…). All the food is crammed into the bear canister that I now have to carry through Yosemite (picture a significantly larger version of a child proof prescription bottle… but for bears). 

Did some laundry, showered, and called the folks at home via pay phone  (I wasn’t expecting cell service anytime soon, meaning I wouldn’t check in with them again until MTR or later).

Time to hike out!

My pack is HEAVY; due to the additional food, the bear can, and some extra winter gear (including crampons – spiky shoe attachments for snow/ice… Probably unnecessary, but I’m a Floridian! Give me a break). The good news is, water shouldn’t be an issue moving forward, so I won’t have much water weight. 

Camped by a wooden bridge with Antique, Ed, Scotty, and Aaron.

4 miles. (Getting out of there in a day is an accomplishment. Kennedy Meadows is a hiker vortex!)

Hello Sierra!:

All that I need:

—

Day 55:

Hiked out at 7am and wow, these meadows are beautiful. Rolling hills and mountains as far as the eye can see. Central California, so far so good.

River hangout with Jammin, Ed, and Scotty. 

Then came the climbing. Followed by some more climbing. At this point I’m over 9,000 ft, and with ever step I reach the highest point I have ever been. 

I started to feel the altitude, but I promised myself I would reach 10,000 ft before calling it a day. Which I did, just barely (camped at 10,059 ft).

16 miles. 

Sunbrella hard at work:

Feeling like I already won:

—

Video: 

(Fun fact. I’m wearing a shirt that I found in a hiker box while I’m doing laundry.) 

​​​

​​​​​​

​–

Bonus footage:

​

​