Day 1 on the JMT

Tuolumne Meadows to Lyell Forks 

Officially started on the JMT today. Scoring a permit through the lottery system isn’t easy and I had landed a Tuolumne Lyell Forks Donahue Pass eligible permit back in February. But I still kept trying for a Happy Isles permit to hike from Yosemite Valley. The thru-hiking purist wanted that official starting point to the JMT but at the same time didn’t want the 6k elevation gain that came with it. Todays meager 2300 gain kicked my butt so maybe it worked out for the best that I didn’t land the Happy Isles ones 

I stayed in Lee Vining last night since the Tuolumne campground is still closed from the fires a couple winters ago. It was an easy 45 min ride on the Yarts bus up to the trailhead, and because I had gotten my permit the day before in Yosemite Valley, I was able to just go. 

The day was mostly flat.Lots of shaded winding pathway through trees. Lots of water and a fair amount of hikers going northbound. So while I was alone hiking I’d run into people every hour or so. 

But then I started to see mountains through the trees and that’s when the climbing started. I do this to myself every time. I think I got an “easy” day ahead of me when suddenly it’s kicking my ass by total surprise. Your girl has to spend more time looking at those elevation profiles more. I plan every detail of my thru only to then completely ignore call the important details beyond where I think I wanna camp that night. How many passes am I doing? I dunno. On th CT last year my friend and I did a 6 pass day that I guarantee we didn’t plan for. Maybe tonight I’ll study tomorrow (puts phone down and starts to make burritos)

Listening to my own heavy breathing as I’m reminded this ain’t gonna be easy was all worth it as I arrived at Lyell Forks. The view is stupid. That good stupid. I set up my tent with the most epic view of the mountains and river tucked under some trees. I watched people fly fish. Set up their camps. And I just took it all in. 

Slowing the heck down

Last year I blazed through the Colorado Trail. And I regret it big time. What an amazing experience to rush to get through vs stop and enjoy.  

So I’m doing it this time on the JMT. I stopped and enjoyed every view i could. I had a beautiful lunch along the water in this perfect little shade patch that has the best rock-as-lounger I’ve ever experienced. 

Thru-hiking solo affords you the luxury of going as fast or slow as you like and not having to announce when you are gonna be a minute cuz you gotta poo. I kinda enjoyed it today. Not the poo part just yet.