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Aug 14, 2024 : Jane Boxall The Trek

Why the JMT? [mile -2,867/211]

As with all my barely-laid plans, I can’t remember why I wanted to hike the JMT. I hiked and loved the Long Trail in 2012, and was aware of the Triple Gem (LT, JMT, Colorado Trail). As a touring musician, some of my favourite ever shows and travel experiences have been in California. And like any Cheryl Strayed fangirl I’ve been interested to set blistery feet on the PCT some time before I die.
So, why the JMT? It’s a weird extreme landscape I’m unlikely to have another chance to see. It looks completely… lunar to this forest-dwelling Brit. I love extremes.
I want a bit of a break from my usual life, and to do some writing again. My usual life these days is a ton of work, on the ambulance and behind the drumkit. I don’t think I had one day off in July. I took August off from all my jobs and gigs, got a northbound JMT permit then, days before leaving home, got a southbound permit. I’m worried about altitude so southbound is preferable (acclimating to 9,000-11,000ft early on, rather than snivelling 14,000-plus up Whitney out of the gate).
I told a friend, I basically just need a writing residency and this one comes with views and pain and peril? Getting to write about it for the Trek makes me accountable, and blogging by cell phone will make me more immediate, timely, concise.
I’m also hoping it might properly sort out my weird leg/abdominal injury (a non traumatic “mystery” that left me unable to walk for a week in April) and my sleep probs (I work 12 to 72 hour shifts, sleep in weird places, and get batches of bad nightmare-terror-cannot-sleep mode). I’m also hoping to be strong and ready for some extreme/austere environment medic work later in the year. I also want to get into search and rescue near home, but haven’t been strong and fast enough to pass the pack test, or likely much use on a rescue mission.
All this to say, I can’t remember specifically why. But, on the phone to my sister from Reno, she reminded me, “Jane, you’ve been talking about hiking this trail for years”. I suppose I have. 

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Jane Boxall
Aug 14th : Jane Boxall
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Comments 7

  • Anthonie West : Aug 14th

    Jane! So inspired by your hike, receiving the updates on your progress and how far you’ve gone each day is something I’ve grown to look forward to more and more. Keep up the great work, we’re all rooting for you from home and the squad🚑. Best of luck and wishes you remain safe and healthy- Anthonie

    Reply
    • Jane Boxall : Aug 14th

      Thanks for always having my back, Battle Buddy! xoxo

      Reply
  • Lesley Boxall : Aug 14th

    Enjoy the trek, take time to evaluate your life and look after yourself xx

    Reply
    • Jane Boxall : Aug 14th

      Haha always evaluating my life/choices! Xx

      Reply
  • Lesley Boxall : Aug 14th

    Enjoy the trek, take time to evaluate your time there and look after yourself xx

    Reply
  • Katrina Seaman : Aug 14th

    I just love that you’re doing something that’s long been a desire of yours so much for you! I think that’s the biggest source of inspiration I am gifted for your friendship; a living testament to being true to ourselves. There’s too much to experience and offer to this big ole beautiful world; what a time to be present!

    Reply
    • Jane Boxall : Aug 14th

      You are such a light, my beloved friend xx

      Reply

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