John Muir Trail, September 2009 - Trip Report, part 2 of 4

For a little history, or if you like to read trip reports sequentially, read part 1 of the Trip Report first.

After loading up on food for the next two days, and grabbing a breakfast sandwich and coffee at the Reds Meadow, we were on the trail by 7:25 this morning. This was to be our latest start for any morning while on the trail.

Immediately we were walking through an area razed by fire in the last 2 -3 years. The ground cover has returned, but the skyline was filled with charred tree trunks almost all broken off about 20 feet up. With the decomposed granite trail trending uphill, this could be a tough section in the midday sun for sure.
A little after midday, we had the opportunity to field test our rain gear. What started as a light drizzle, soon turned into a healthy rain. We quickly dug out our rain jackets and continued on. Within a couple minutes the rain turned to hail, and I was immediately cold. I ducked under a large tree and pulled on my rain pants and once again continued on. After about 15 minutes of walking I was warm again, and the hail had eased off back to a light drizzle. Luckily the weather held steady for the remainder of the day, which was fortunate as I didn’t look forward to going over Silver Pass in heavy conditions.
As we headed down from Tully Hole along Fish Creek, we stopped to refill our water. Steve had packed a fly rod and had not taken the opportunity to use it thus far on the trip. Within about 5 minutes he had his rod rigged and a fish on the line. This was to be the first of many fish that Steve caught during this trip. Fairly amazing considering we were averaging 28 miles a day of hiking.
We continued on into the evening for a couple hours, enjoying what many call the magic hour past sunset. By 9:00 pm we found a suitable stopping place for the night near Mono Creek Bridge. After a quick soak of the lower legs in the creek, and another healthy dinner I was sound asleep in my bag.
While soaking the legs in the creek, I looked up under the Bridge and noticed a pair of hiking boots stashed well out of the weather. Was someone coming back for these, or did they decide mid hike that the fit was wrong and leave them there? Which brings up the bigger question of what to do with gear that you find on the trail. Twice we found sunglasses along the trail and left them prominently placed on rocks, but should we have packed these out as well? Something to ponder on your next hike.

The next morning started again around 6:30 with an ascent right after crossing the Mono Creek Bridge up Bear ridge. This was a warm up for Seldon Pass later in the day. We were probably all feeling a little internal pressure as we had to arrive at the Muir Trail Ranch, 22 miles distant, by 5:00 pm to pick up our food resupply.

Breaks tended to be a little shorter as we generally kept the momentum rolling. We had lunch and a quick swim at Marie Lake before heading over Seldon Pass a little after 1:00 pm. Only 7.5 miles mostly downhill to the food cache.
Which brings us to my favorite piece of gear over the last day and a half, which was the trekking poles. I seriously considered not bringing these, but finally relented only to carry them on my pack for most of Day 2 and 3. However once we hit the big downhills on Day 3, the poles earned their weight. From the morning of day 4 on, I would use the poles constantly for the remainder of the trip.

We arrived at the Muir Trail Ranch a little after 4:00 and dove into our food caches. This was a considerable undertaking to repack the bear canisters and fit the rest of the food in our packs. Our intention was to continue on this afternoon for another 8 – 10 miles, but alas our momentum came to a halt.
We had to say goodbye to another friend this day, as his lower legs had had enough and were now starting to swell in a worrisome manner. We all fully supported his decision to pull off, but were sad to say goodbye again.

The trail sign we passed to Blaney Hot Springs on the way into the Trail Ranch quickly became our shortened goal. After repacking and a quick weigh of our packs on their scale, we sauntered off the short distance. Without water at this point, my pack weighed in at 30 lbs even. This was to be the maximum with four days of food to see us through to Whitney Portal. It would have been interesting to weigh the pack without any food or fuel canisters, but I am guessing around 16 lbs more or less.

The relaxed evening included another great meal followed by a wonderful soak and friendly conversation in the Hot Springs. I always enjoy meeting others while out on the trail, and this night was no exception. Additionally I imagine all of our bodies enjoyed stopping early and relaxing for an evening.

Click here for Part 3, Muir Trail Ranch to Twin Lakes.