John Muir Trail TR #3

“Days 1-6 here http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/39889,-1.php
Days 6-9 here http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/39960,-1.php

Day 10
We hike from Bear Creek to Marie lakes, 5 miles. These lakes are so beautiful we can't pass them up, not to mention we are rather tired today so 5 miles will have to suffice. The group from the Bay area is camped here also, nice people. We are rewarded for our labor with one of the best sunsets of the trip, gotta love that alpine glow.















Day 11
Marie Lakes to Muir Trail Ranch, 8 miles. To where a resupply bucket awaits. I had packed a couple of surprises in the bucket, a beer, soda, a tub of frosting, fresh shirts and socks. The other backpackers were drolling over our stuff. Asked us what we put the frosting on, I said "A spoon"! Fine service at MTR, although one of the guests was a bit snobish and wouldn't lead me to the spring water after the owner told me to fill er up. "The spring water is for the paying guests". I thought Taylor was going to explode after that one. Lots of company at Muir Trail Ranch's campsites, there was a hot spring but didn't feel like crossing the fast San Joaquin nor did we feel like hiking up river to the "log crossing". This was my least favorite spot, they really cram em in here, couldn't wait to leave although there weren't any mosquitos. I'll pass this area by next time I go through it's worth the extra days of food from VVR as far as I'm concerned. Actually if you don't want to see very many people at all you're best to have a friend resupply you, all the resupply points are esentially "crowded".




Day 12
Muir Trail Ranch to Piute Canyon, 7 miles. We start our push over Piute Pass, the next three days were some of the most scenic of the trip. My knee is handling the scaled down miles pretty well, looks like I can continue hiking for the whole three weeks. Another short Thunder storm roles in in the afternoon, just enough to water the plants :)











Days 13-20 on their way ;)
last edited: 9/02/05 11:16:14 PM”

“wonderfull shots,”

“Beautiful photos. It's great to have some flexbility and decide that a place is so beautiful that you'll stop over. I was really taken by Virginia Lake, but we arrived there early in the day. If all goes as planned and my husband and I do the JMT next year, I'd love to talk with you about nice camp spots in the areas I don't know yet. Following the campsites in a public guide may be easy, but it's really crowded. I thought we had much better sites when we deviated from the plan.”

“Thanks waterdog and wannabp!
I agree wholeheartidly with your thoughts on deviating from the plan, Wannabp although there are also really nice spots to camp at where others also camp that didn't feel too crowded. You can pick my brain anytime. Hope you and landscaper can get free to hike it next summer.
P.S. How'd you like VVR? Did you have to stay a while to wait for your ride?”