John Muir Trail TR #2

“Day 7

Squaw Lake to Vermillion Valley Resort (AKA More Food!) 10 miles to the boat shuttle, 20 more minutes and we are at a nice restaurant with excellent food, loads of people too. Our hike consisted of another pass (Silver) This is the first pass we have to scramble a bit to avoid the ice and snow, not too bad but a bit out of breath when we get to the top.
It rained today, significantly for the first time. Taylor writes "I'm a little frightened by the thunder" Rebecca told us about the troop leader and a scout who had been killed by lightning the day we left, Taylor was worried whenever there was lightening since.
We were able to take showers, wash our clothes and eat and eat and eat. :)
Taylor also wrote "We met a nice couple from England today, turns out they only live 20 minutes from John, it truly is a small world."
Indeed.









Trail crew, dozens of them working on the trail. I thanked many of them and told them we wouldn't be there if it weren't for them. One of them actually told me that THEY wouldn't be there if it weren't for US! :)




On our way to V V R, our trail left behind for the time being.

”

“ok thats what we're talking about! more pics.
So about the trail runners. Is that an endorsment(they were ready for the trash)or maybe some other brand. I searched it and it seems there are a lot of brands out there. Sorry to bore the thread but right now I'm all about feet.”

“jvz, yes, I do endorse them, any kind that's comfy on your feet. The one's I have used only last around 200 miles before they start to come apart and lose their support, that's the trade-off. I end up spending a bit more on shoes but my feet love me for them.
Perhaps there's a shoe out there that's comfortable, lightweight and long lasting, if you find it let me know ;) For the the first two will suit me just fine.
last edited: 8/24/05 5:38:41 PM”

“Beautiful reflection photos!”

“Nice!”

“We take a layover day at Vermillion Valley Resort, hoping to heal the knee a bit and tank up on some more food. V V R has a great restaurant although if you go, plan on spending a good amount of money, it's not cheap!
We spend day 9 hiking from V V R to a spot along Bear Creek. The famous switchbacks up Bear Ridge live up to their name, taking their toll on us all. We hike around 8 miles today. We arrive in camp just in time to pitch our tent before three hours of rain, thunder and lightening strike. Tay and I rest, read and play cards while waiting it out. It breaks just in time for our evening tea and dinner. Gotta love those afternoon thunder showers, everything smells soooo good.


Ride back to serenity.


Bear Creek




Drying out after an afternoon thunder storm.”

“That looks like the Zeus Exo. Can't tell if it's 2 or 3 person size. So how do you like that tent?”

“Tort, it's a 2 person Zeus Exo and I love it! The cost/space/weight ratio is excellent. I enjoy a freestanding tent I can sit up in for 2 at 3#10 ounces.
I don't think it would do well in a week long downpour, it's waterproof but you do get some wicking where your bag touches the side. The rear top vent tends to collapse on itself when there's moisture, I need to prop it with a stick to get it to stay open, they might have fixed this, not sure. Also the zipper gets stuck on the vestibule, just have to work it a bit.
I highly recommend this tent though even with it's downfals. I know a few men who carry it as a single tent for themselves. A guy I met on the trail told me he thought it was a very feminine tent, I found that surprising and not sure what he meant by it.”

“days 1-6 are here http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/39889,-1.php

and 10-12 are here http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/40122,3.php

more to come :)”