30 days on the JMT

“SnowDude & I did completed 270 miles in 30 days. 211 miles on the JMT, plus 59 miles of side trips, including four 14ers (Split on day 19, Tyndall on day 25, Muir and Whitney on day 28). We abandoned the 5th 14er (Russell), since we didn't see a safe way down the Mountaineer's Route from Whitney. Instead, we went down, and part way up the Mtnr Rt to complete the 30 days. After exiting, we got 3 separate rides (~90 mi)to Mammoth, where our trucks were parked. After a shower at the Mammoth Mtn Inn, we had our first non-freeze-dried dinner in 30 days. If we were told we could take another 30 days, we would have been back out again.

SnowDude lost 13 lbs, I lost 8. At the end our packs were 29 lb w/o trash (SnowDude), and mine was 29 lb with trash). Our heaviest weight (w/10 days resupply) was 38 lb (me) and 43 lb (SnowDude). If we got caught in a snowstorm, we were equipped for it.

Dropped off food caches at Tuolumne and Reds Meadows. Mailed in food to Muir Ranch, and Maddwalker brought in the fuel and clean clothes (yes, he took out the dirty ones). Five SoCal Hikers (WLD in charge) brought in food, clothes and the newspapers with all that was going on in the world. Did not hear about the WTC til Friday, on Glen Pass, just before we met the SoCal Hikers.

Only one day of rain (day 12) and one day of light hail/snow flurries at 14,000' (Split Mtn, the day of the terrorist attack, we had no idea). Other than that, blue skies and great weather. Mornings were between 20 deg - 40 deg. Days got up to the 80s. Slept 1/2 the time with the tent door open because of condensation. No wind! And no bugs!

No bears, but fresh paw prints on the trail near Muir Ranch. One day of not seeing anyone, and the following day we saw only one person.

The following weekend I climbed Boundary Peak (13,140') in NV, then drove to the Sierras to do a dayhike out of Bishop. Last weekend SnowDude and I bp to Horton Lakes, then dayhiked to Mt Tom (13,652'). This coming weekend: AZ for some canoeing and hiking.

These are all on my webpage. Me, a ho? Of course!!!”

“Uh... WOW! Nice Trip. I'm jealous”