Hiked out in the morning with Jammin and Superstar. After two big climbs and a WET river crossing we stopped for lunch. We met a group of girls going south who are flip flopping the trail.
Split up with Jammin’ and Superstar, hiked on, and pretty much ran out of gas as I approached Dorothy Lake.
I met a guy named Stitch who was hammock camping in a great spot. Before I even set up my tent, he gave me a Snickers bar – we became friends.
One of the most beautiful campsites ever.
16 miles on the day.
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Day 77:
BEAUTIFUL sun, lake, mountain combo in the morning. Split up with Stitch and hiked solo all day. Left the official boundaries of Yosemite National Park, and the change is definitely noticeable – still pretty, but not that pristine beauty that I had become accustomed to.
Fun fact – I hit the 1000 mile mark today. Yeah!!
Later, I came across several snow patches that were quite challenging. They were on a steep and rocky slope, which made slipping undesirable to say the least.
While I’m carefully hiking along, a helicopter flies close overhead – I didn’t think much of it. It then turns around and flies over me again – now that’s strange. After the fourth time I’m some combination of concerned and confused – what is going on?! Just then, I turn a corner, and I see a someone sitting in the middle of a snow patch, hugging her knees, with her head hanging low – this is not good. I immediately realize that the helicopter is Search and Rescue trying to help this hiker. I approach her and see that it’s a friend of mine I had hiked with. I also noticed that she was shivering uncontrollably. I drape my rain jacket over her shoulders, sit down, and start talking to her. Apparently the helicopter has been trying to land for over an hour, but hasn’t been able to because of the high winds. I decided to keep her company until they arrive – who knows, it might be another hour. An Israeli couple heading southbound passed us after making sure I had the situation under control. After some time, I see the guy walking back towards us, leading the Search and Rescue team up the trail – apparently they had to land a mile away!
As one paramedic checked on the hiker in need, the other (who happened to be the pilot) spoke to me and the Israeli hiker. I told the pilot that I was concerned when he flew so low over me, to which he responded “Yeah, I was trying not to land on you.” WOW.
The Search and Rescue guys helped the girl walk down the trail towards the helicopter while the Israeli hiker carried her pack. Once again, I was alone.
So remember when I said the trail was snowy, steep, and rocky? Well, as I was hiking across a snow patch, I lost my footing and went sliding straight down. Thankfully, I stopped safely (and honestly, it was kinda fun), and kept on hiking.
Eventually, I found a water source and set up camp. What a day.
Before bed, I read a majority of Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan. It’s a phenomenal book on mindfullness. It’s written by a university educated Google engineer (with a great sense of humor), so it’s easily digestible for the pragmatist (and entertaining). If you know little to nothing about meditation, I recommend this book. If you are skeptical about meditation, I recommend this book. If you love meditation, but have a hard time sharing it with your skeptical friends, I recommend this book. Am I missing anyone?
16 miles today.
1000 Miles down!:
Search and Rescue Chopper:
The right way and the wrong way to get down (I took the wrong way):
Contemplating my life on a mountain:
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Video:
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Bonus Footage:
maxontrack 