65 here and not surprised you rocked it. Age nowadays matters less and less while getting off your ass and doing things is what it’s all about. Been backpacking since the early 70’s and will fight giving it up 50 some odd years later. Still love it…
Wow, thanks for the supportive comment. Not sure I rocked it but I got there. Honestly, I was really dragging those last few days and I think it probably shows in my daily recaps. But so glad I did it. Funny, when I finished I was thinking "never again". But now, only a few weeks later, yeah, I definitely do it again. I'd probably target 3 weeks though...just to cruise and relax a bit more. Tx again for the comment. 👍👊
@@wellseasonedhiker On my solo hikes I usually shoot for 15-20 a day here in Oregon, but the JMT is so elevation intense that I’m sure I’d tone it way down. Was impressed you did two passes on the one day. I grew up hiking Yosemite, been to Ansel Adams Wilderness and went up Whitney with my son. But I’ve never done the JMT. Tad bit jealous…😉
@@Bypass_and_Noodle_Soup Well, time to make it happen then! If you plan to do it I'm happy to toss over a few tips/learnings from my experience. As I said when I left to get up Whitney....one step at a time and you get there.
You should go for it! Definitely! Being a strong hiker will be a major factor. Durability is even more important. If/when I do it again, I'll be planning for fewer daily miles. Maybe I'll get up later and get to camp by 3 but that additional rest will help me avoid overuse injuries that seemed to pile up on me by the final few days. Next year I'm planning to do the SHR. Been dreaming of that for a few years now. That'll be a big test but the learnings from the JMT will be with me.
Congrats on making it all the way through! I've thought many times of doing the JMT but never mustered up the ambition. Now I'm 72 and don't know if I'd make it or not-----maybe with an extra week or two. To everyone who watched this, get out and hike before you don't have any other option. Time passes so fast. Time passes.
Beautiful! I've done two sections - Tuolumne to Reds, and Duck Pass to Kearsearge Pass, along the JMT. I am 59. I hope my body will hold out long enough that I can get time enough to tackle it start to finish some day. I will have to go very slowly, because of my tendency toward altitude sickness. But worth it if I can do it! There's no place along the JMT that isn't photogenic!
Going SOBO addresses most of the altitude. Biggest challenge is ensuring you're getting enough calories. I had some calorie deprivations issues last few days and started really dragging. It's difficult to get enough calories into the canister. But hey, at 59, you still have plenty of time. For me the catalyst was getting the Golden Ticket. I applied a bunch of times but kept getting declined. Once I got the permit I figured... I gotta do it. It was a forcing function. 🙂. BTW: Tuolumne to Reds is amazing!
Glad you enjoyed it and glad I could bring back those memories. Bear Ridge is weird, isn't it? I mean, I personally enjoyed the climb up but still don't get the joke. 🙂
Good job! I hiked the JMT in 2012 with my 11 and 14 yr old sons. We all had a similar mindset at the end, that we had a great time and the adventure of a lifetime, but we were ready to see my wife, enjoy some modern conveniences, and get some pizza in Lone Pine. Great video, thanks for posting.
Great job on the video. I watch a LOT of JMT vids but don't make it to the end 80% of the time. But in this instance I actually watched the whole thing in one sitting. You did a great job. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Beautiful trail and fantastic video showcasing the journey. You absolutely crushed it! Hopefully I can follow in your footsteps.
Great vid. I especially liked you pointing out various passes from the SHR. I walked this a couple of years ago at 66, but not nearly as fast as you! Great fitness.
Loved watching your video and reliving my own thru-hike from 2006. You're right, it is relentlessly hard, but one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you for sharing all of this great footage!
Thanks for sharing Gary. Nice 2022 memories resurface. Age doesn't matter, I did it when I was 66, northbound out of HSM, over Langley, Withney of course, Clouds Rest, and icy on the cake, Half Dome. What a beauty out there !! I hiked same time as you the TYT, amazing too, even if the weather wasn't as perfect as last year. Congrats again for your nice video. Next HSR, or Big SEKI.
It will depend on the coming snow cover, but late August should be fine for the 190 miles. I consulted the existing itineraries, and acquired the book by Steve Roper. In any case I'm in, with a preference for the HSR@@wellseasonedhiker
Thank you for putting in the effort to make a great video. I'm 61 and just finished a 4 day solo trip in the Desolation Wilderness with thoughts to do the JMT (211 miles) and TRT (172 miles) in the next few years. I took a ton of pictures but they just don't tell the same story as videos and I somewhat regret not taking more videos to share the beauty and experience. Well done all around!
I really appreciate the comments Mike. Yes, I used to do a lot of still shots but learned a few years ago that video is really a better tool to save, remember, and of course share the memories. It's definitely more work but worth it in my opinion. Good luck on your JMT and TRT trips. You're gonna have trips that you'll remember for a lifetime. But my recommendation, take your time. Don't rush it. Enjoy!
I loved the whole video, I would have liked to have seen your food and water supplies, what you used to cook with , and how much you had to carry and how many days supplies you had to carry with you, also how you charged your garmin and other devices, GREAT VIDEO five stars
Thanks for the comment and yes, good suggestion. Some of that in the video itself th-cam.com/video/UvbM0uqv3kw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8JoVjWlJa04PX3J_ I left Yosemite with about 35 pounds which included about 10 pounds of food (first resupply was MTR/7 days). Keep in mind I had a lot of battery for my camera/phone so that added a lot of weight. For water I typically had 1.5 liters when I left camp every day. Hope this helps.
Hi Gary! I’ve just started watching your video! I am amazed how beautiful the Sierra is, and how great that you had the courage to face 16 DAYs of beautiful, but extreme hiking ……..I wish I could do that! Such a great time to enjoy nature and yourself! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Really enjoyed watching! Thank you for taking the time to film / edit- really helps watching these detailed videos while trying to plan the JMT. Awesome work!
Tx for the comment. Yes on the section hikes. I did a few myself through the years. In fact there were only a couple of small sections I hadn't seen but still... I felt like I needed to do the entire thing, end to end, as a bucket list thingy as well. Was a challenge but I don't regret a single moment. It was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it!!! Hope you enjoyed the video.
Great job on your video👍. I am fired up to do the JMT this year when I am on my 2024 PCT thru-hike. I hiked the JMT in 2022 and after seeing your video I am going to be missing the snow-free trail. Looks like you had a great trip and made some good memories!
Nice work to you! I think NOBO is tougher. First, hitting that high altitude early on and second, all the excitement is gone once you get to VVR...although the Minarets are amazing. And yes, I think I'm on the JMT at some point every year. Hard to avoid it. LOL! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Great adventure and nice video Sir; brings back the memories of my NOBO JMT from Horseshoe Meadows in late Summer 2019. I was in top shape then and was able to do it in 14 days with just one stop at VVR. I regret not spending more time at some of the major landmarks but remember vividly camping by Guitar lake, the lake just south of Forester pass, Middle Rae lake, and at Upper Lyell creek for a very frigid night among others. That adventure changed me forever and I hope I can return some day to relive it all again. Congratulations chief!!
14 days is killing it. I know some crazy people do it even faster. Crazy because, as you mentioned, it doesn't give one enough time to really soak it all in. If I do it again I'll probably keep my days to 10-12 miles and definitely make sure I hit VVR. For resupply MTR is strategically placed but VVR is the bomb! Great people, great food. Tx for taking the time to watch the video and glad it brought back memories.
I was on top of Island Pass when the biggest thunderbolt I have ever witnessed in my life struck nearby. I thought I had gone deaf, it hurt so badly. As I descended into Thousand Island Lake as fast as I could possibly go, everyone coming toward me was crying. Scariest freaking thing ever.
Its a pass because the trail crosses a ridgeline - bear ridge is a trail following a (very high) ridgeline from a very low valley. Thats a bitch of an area. This is a great vid. back to it. Edit: wow that was great. one second prior to your answer I wanted to comment about the loneliness factor. I saw you hooked up with a few bodies but still alone. I find leaving home to be the hardest part of hiking. Being in such amazing places and not being able to share it with my partner in all life. Its hard. She goes once in a while but I still struggle with guilt of being in such a crazy place alone. Seems a bit selfish. I'm glad you mentioned it. Damned fabulous wifes....
Yeah, that's the hardest part - being away from the people you love. But then, I love the mountains too. Just wish I could have them both. Did you message me?
well done. thank you for the trip. were the water crossings more tame than you expected? also glad to see the chair on trail. comfort is not a penalty. what was your base weight including the canister? great video. yabadaba doo. 🤙
Thanks for the nice comment. Water crossings were all quite tame. I did the Bear Creek Crossing in early Aug and it was a lot more interesting then but nothing like what people endured in July this year. And yeah, I've tried hiking with out my chair. Not going to do that anymore. That's just me. Starting base weight was 17lbs but I was carrying a heavier pack, quilt, and clothing than I would carry if I were going mid-summer. Also was carrying a LOT of battery. Here's a link to my "What I Carried Video". th-cam.com/video/CK2QRlMzhpQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=129X3jL1jSYUtP0Y There's a link to my Lighterpack in the description of that video. BTW: Hows Fred? 🙂
Great trip and video, with lots of helpful info. I was surprised to learn you had mosquitoes at such elevations in mid-september. How bad were they during the day and evenings, and what were the daytime high temps?
Glad you enjoyed the video. In my experience there's always a mosquito or two in wet areas, even in late September. But, as you'd expect, almost non-existent this late in the summer. This year was a wet year so there were a few places where they were a little annoying. I think I applied Deet only once during the trip. The rest of the time they were tolerable.
I also enjoyed your video. I was 72 at my attempt last year, I had a few equipment issues one was my pack. I liked the wide padded shoulder straps on your backpack. Would you please share the name of the pack. I am going nobo from Horseshoe Meadow this September and need to replace my current pack. Thanks
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm still in the "dreaming" phase, not yet knowing when I'll be able to hike this amazing section of trail. Your itinerary, however, is nearly identical to what I have proposed. You started out faster than I currently have planned, and made it to Red's one day sooner. Do you think you could have made it from MTR to the end without that Kearsarge resupply?
Definitely could do MTR to Whitney Portal (WP) in 7 days. My resupply at MTR was only 5 days, and Keasarge to WP was only 2 nights. Very doable. The resupply just lightened my pack a little at MTR.
Turning 50 and have lots of backpacking experience. Agree with your take: I think the difference between people who wish the trail would never end vs your final thoughts might come down to age. When you are young, you might not have lots of other good anchors yet in your life to miss (spouse, domestic stability, etc). In any case, what was your pack weight?
I think that's 100% right about the age thing. When I was a kid I did 2 week trips every year, never had an issue with missing my family. A couple of times I spent 2 months in the Sierra...again, no issue. Now...I miss my wife and my family. Starting pack weight with food, water, camera gear was close to 35#. Ending pack weight without all that stuff was 16#. I have a load out video coming. I took a weight penalty given the late season so added a few things for warmth that aren't part of my normal summer kit.
I think early Sept is a great start date. You're going to have a great time. My pack, with water and food was about 35 leaving Happy Isles. Base weight I think was around 13-14 pounds because I was late Sept so brought my zero degree quilt, warmer hiking and sleep clothing. I also carried my Helinox chair. :-) Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@wellseasonedhiker. Yeah. Looking forward to it. I’ve done day hikes on the trail before around Yosemite, but without my full pack. Great video. New sub. 👍👍
This was awesome! I knew in the first minute I was in for a high quality production, well done! I have a question as I am researching a trip, it appears it took you 5 days to reach Reds Meadow from Happy Isles, would you say this is the right amount of time or would you want to take longer, to go slower or see more sights if you were to do it again? I am trying to determine if I schedule 5 or 6 days. Thank you!
Thanks for the comments on the video. That meant a lot to me. So, actually, I did Happy Isles to Reds in 4 days but would only recommend that for strong hikers that are also acclimated. Also, if your permit calls for Littlle Yosemite Valley for the first night, then definitely 5 days is necessary. Just really depends on what conditions you're in. I sectioned hiked this span with a buddy a couple of years ago (th-cam.com/video/iaWGr4ws-fY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=oObR6xdXfhS9CXOv) and we did it in 6 days. That was super chill and quite comfortable. Probably the biggest challenge is getting through Tuolumne Meadows, where there's no camping once again this year. So a stop a Cathedral Lakes and a stop in Lyell Canyon should be on the itinerary. Good luck on your trip. It's gonna create memories of a lifetime.
@@wellseasonedhiker Thank you for the reply! Yes 4 days is too fast for me I think I am settling on 5 instead of 6 as I need to keep the pace up to finish on time. I hike regularly in the Northeast so the miles are ok but I may need a little time to acclimate to the altitude. Cathedral Lake and Lyell Canyon are planned stops. Thanks again!
I don't have GPS for you but it was about 100-200 yard before the crossing. There was an obvious use trail down to the river by the time I arrived. If you're late Aug/early Sept this year you won't have any trouble.
Start weight was just under 35#. Ending weight was about 16#. I carried heavier quilt, heavier clothes, heavier pack, and a few other accessories that I normally don't carry but given late season wanted to be prepared. Mosquito's weren't bad. I think I applied repellant only once.
HA HA!!! Yeah, no. I guess I should have. Broadly speaking I wasn't impressed with the fare at Reds. VVR is THE PLACE on the trail...hands down. Of course I was late season and the place was practically closed. The store was basically empty so not sure I wasn't impacted by all that. Could be....
@@wellseasonedhiker Well, truth be told I never been there.. but I always see photos of their pancakes.. lolool.. Maybe it is VVR that I am thinking about! Hey, I"m getting on in years too - but still backback, going in August for 8 days. Just curious, all that hiking you do - ur HR/BP all good?
Yeah.... I get the same feeling when I hear some folks say it. I grew up driving up and down the Eastern Sierra so I guess I have an advantage. You're from the Owens Valley? Not many of you around. Special place. Sorry about L.A. draining the lake. 😞
@@wellseasonedhiker I was *just* informed by my daughter that there's a selfie mode that does that for pictures...and by extension video. Something about mirror mode...I think for narcissists taking pics of themselves in mirrors....hahaha!
@@2ddw Not surprising that the manufacturers figured that out. I can actually flip it in post and did so on other shots. Just missed this one. Good catch!
No drone shots here. Which section you referring to? And no, drones aren't permitted in any National Parks and I believe for National Forests you need a permit.
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65 here and not surprised you rocked it. Age nowadays matters less and less while getting off your ass and doing things is what it’s all about. Been backpacking since the early 70’s and will fight giving it up 50 some odd years later. Still love it…
Wow, thanks for the supportive comment. Not sure I rocked it but I got there. Honestly, I was really dragging those last few days and I think it probably shows in my daily recaps. But so glad I did it. Funny, when I finished I was thinking "never again". But now, only a few weeks later, yeah, I definitely do it again. I'd probably target 3 weeks though...just to cruise and relax a bit more. Tx again for the comment. 👍👊
@@wellseasonedhiker On my solo hikes I usually shoot for 15-20 a day here in Oregon, but the JMT is so elevation intense that I’m sure I’d tone it way down. Was impressed you did two passes on the one day. I grew up hiking Yosemite, been to Ansel Adams Wilderness and went up Whitney with my son. But I’ve never done the JMT. Tad bit jealous…😉
@@Bypass_and_Noodle_Soup Well, time to make it happen then! If you plan to do it I'm happy to toss over a few tips/learnings from my experience. As I said when I left to get up Whitney....one step at a time and you get there.
Very nicely done. Beautiful scenery and fantastic photography.
Subbed.
Will make sure to point this one out to some friends on TH-cam.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for joining me on my travels!!! Really appreciate you sharing with your friends. 🙏👍
I loved the JMT. Hard and Beautiful......! Just Awesome. Nuff....said.
100% agree!
I really want to do that trail. I’m a new hiker but pretty strong . Almost 65. Ty for your vid🎉🎉🎉
You should go for it! Definitely! Being a strong hiker will be a major factor. Durability is even more important. If/when I do it again, I'll be planning for fewer daily miles. Maybe I'll get up later and get to camp by 3 but that additional rest will help me avoid overuse injuries that seemed to pile up on me by the final few days. Next year I'm planning to do the SHR. Been dreaming of that for a few years now. That'll be a big test but the learnings from the JMT will be with me.
Congrats on making it all the way through! I've thought many times of doing the JMT but never mustered up the ambition. Now I'm 72 and don't know if I'd make it or not-----maybe with an extra week or two. To everyone who watched this, get out and hike before you don't have any other option. Time passes so fast. Time passes.
You can do it. It's just a matter of taking your time. Take 3, even 4 weeks and enjoy yourself!
Excellent! Thanks for putting this together and sharing!
Well done and congratulations to another 64 yr old ! Age is just a number and I applaud you for getting out and “ living your dream ! “
Thanks - much appreciated.
Great video. Really enjoyed
Thanks for sharing ur adventure. Really beautiful and can only imagine the misery. Thinking about it. 61 next summer.
It's worth the misery. I recommend taking more than 16 days however.
Amazing
You're right , nothing like morning coffee in the sierra
LOL! Yeah. there really isn't. LOL!
Beautiful! I've done two sections - Tuolumne to Reds, and Duck Pass to Kearsearge Pass, along the JMT. I am 59. I hope my body will hold out long enough that I can get time enough to tackle it start to finish some day. I will have to go very slowly, because of my tendency toward altitude sickness. But worth it if I can do it! There's no place along the JMT that isn't photogenic!
Going SOBO addresses most of the altitude. Biggest challenge is ensuring you're getting enough calories. I had some calorie deprivations issues last few days and started really dragging. It's difficult to get enough calories into the canister. But hey, at 59, you still have plenty of time. For me the catalyst was getting the Golden Ticket. I applied a bunch of times but kept getting declined. Once I got the permit I figured... I gotta do it. It was a forcing function. 🙂. BTW: Tuolumne to Reds is amazing!
I'm 64 and I'm planning to do it next year
You're going to have the time of your life. Enjoy it!
Thank you so much. So beautiful JMT.
Congratulations on finishing the JMT, and thank you for sharing your wonderfull jouney and amazing views.
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video, I enjoyed seeing all my favorite places again! I so agree about Bear Ridge! That was one of my least favorite parts of the trail.
Glad you enjoyed it and glad I could bring back those memories. Bear Ridge is weird, isn't it? I mean, I personally enjoyed the climb up but still don't get the joke. 🙂
Congratulations on finishing JMT!
Thanks! Was harder than I expected. Calorie deprivation is real.
Good job! I hiked the JMT in 2012 with my 11 and 14 yr old sons. We all had a similar mindset at the end, that we had a great time and the adventure of a lifetime, but we were ready to see my wife, enjoy some modern conveniences, and get some pizza in Lone Pine. Great video, thanks for posting.
Must have been a blast to do that with the kids. A trip with loads of memories I bet.
Very inspirational and well put together video. Great trip. Trip of a lifetime for most! Thanks for taking us a long.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great job on the video. I watch a LOT of JMT vids but don't make it to the end 80% of the time. But in this instance I actually watched the whole thing in one sitting. You did a great job. Thanks.
That's an awesome comment Bob. Thanks for watching it and glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Beautiful trail and fantastic video showcasing the journey. You absolutely crushed it! Hopefully I can follow in your footsteps.
Appreciate the comment. Take your time, enjoy the trail!
Epic hike, thanks for sharing
Well done, great video, l too was glad to finish, brought back some trail memories, bravo!
Great vid. I especially liked you pointing out various passes from the SHR. I walked this a couple of years ago at 66, but not nearly as fast as you! Great fitness.
Congratulations!! Way to go!! Breathtaking and inspiring video!! Thank you!!😊
Thanks!
Loved watching your video and reliving my own thru-hike from 2006. You're right, it is relentlessly hard, but one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you for sharing all of this great footage!
Yes, more difficult than I imagined. After all my years in the Sierra...who knew. Thanks for the kind comment.
Thanks for sharing Gary. Nice 2022 memories resurface. Age doesn't matter, I did it when I was 66, northbound out of HSM, over Langley, Withney of course, Clouds Rest, and icy on the cake, Half Dome. What a beauty out there !! I hiked same time as you the TYT, amazing too, even if the weather wasn't as perfect as last year. Congrats again for your nice video.
Next HSR, or Big SEKI.
Those will be amazing trips. I've been trying to get the Sierra High Route but finding companions is challenging.
It will depend on the coming snow cover, but late August should be fine for the 190 miles. I consulted the existing itineraries, and acquired the book by Steve Roper. In any case I'm in, with a preference for the HSR@@wellseasonedhiker
👍👍👍👍
Thank you. It was great to see the majesty and the vastness from the cushioned depth of my easy chair.😅
Thank you for putting in the effort to make a great video. I'm 61 and just finished a 4 day solo trip in the Desolation Wilderness with thoughts to do the JMT (211 miles) and TRT (172 miles) in the next few years. I took a ton of pictures but they just don't tell the same story as videos and I somewhat regret not taking more videos to share the beauty and experience. Well done all around!
I really appreciate the comments Mike. Yes, I used to do a lot of still shots but learned a few years ago that video is really a better tool to save, remember, and of course share the memories. It's definitely more work but worth it in my opinion. Good luck on your JMT and TRT trips. You're gonna have trips that you'll remember for a lifetime. But my recommendation, take your time. Don't rush it. Enjoy!
I loved the whole video, I would have liked to have seen your food and water supplies, what you used to cook with , and how much you had to carry and how many days supplies you had to carry with you, also how you charged your garmin and other devices, GREAT VIDEO five stars
Thanks for the comment and yes, good suggestion. Some of that in the video itself th-cam.com/video/UvbM0uqv3kw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8JoVjWlJa04PX3J_ I left Yosemite with about 35 pounds which included about 10 pounds of food (first resupply was MTR/7 days). Keep in mind I had a lot of battery for my camera/phone so that added a lot of weight. For water I typically had 1.5 liters when I left camp every day. Hope this helps.
Hi Gary! I’ve just started watching your video! I am amazed how beautiful the Sierra is, and how great that you had the courage to face 16 DAYs of beautiful, but extreme hiking ……..I wish I could do that! Such a great time to enjoy nature and yourself! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Tx Christina. 🙂
Great video as always!
Thanks!!!
Really enjoyed watching! Thank you for taking the time to film / edit- really helps watching these detailed videos while trying to plan the JMT. Awesome work!
Glad you found it useful for your planning. You're gonna love the trail! Simply amazing!
I'm inspired by this! Thank you.
That's awesome. Thanks!!!
Bucket List for me as well. Congrats sir and thank you for sharing and inspiring
Thank you!!!
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." JOHN MUIR
You’re awesome! Thank you for the inspiration ❤
LOL! Thanks for the kinds words and more importantly, glad it inspired you!!!
Great film and shots of this amazing trail. Such a beautiful and unique area my friend! Epic 🔥🔥
Thx! Really appreciate the comment. It's hard to take bad shots up there so while I'd like to take credit, all the credit goes to the Sierras.
Congrats on your finish and great job on the video and story! Very inspirational and a great reminder to get out and do it!
Excellent vid. Music was fantastic! Congrats!
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Wow what an accomplishment. I have only done sections of the JMT. Doing the JMT as a through hike is a bucket list item for me.
Tx for the comment. Yes on the section hikes. I did a few myself through the years. In fact there were only a couple of small sections I hadn't seen but still... I felt like I needed to do the entire thing, end to end, as a bucket list thingy as well. Was a challenge but I don't regret a single moment. It was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it!!! Hope you enjoyed the video.
Congratulations on your solo hike, Gary 🎉🎉 🎉. We enjoy watching the vdo :-)
Tx! Did you recognize any places you've been? 😊
Well done! Congratulations!
Great job on your video👍. I am fired up to do the JMT this year when I am on my 2024 PCT thru-hike. I hiked the JMT in 2022 and after seeing your video I am going to be missing the snow-free trail. Looks like you had a great trip and made some good memories!
It was an amazing experience. Enjoy the PCT! That'll be monumental!!!
Same age, hiked it SOBO a few weeks after you. great fun.
Amazing!! I thru-hiked the JMT in 2022 NOBO. I plan to revisit sections atleast once a year. Great job to you.
Nice work to you! I think NOBO is tougher. First, hitting that high altitude early on and second, all the excitement is gone once you get to VVR...although the Minarets are amazing.
And yes, I think I'm on the JMT at some point every year. Hard to avoid it. LOL! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Great adventure and nice video Sir; brings back the memories of my NOBO JMT from Horseshoe Meadows in late Summer 2019. I was in top shape then and was able to do it in 14 days with just one stop at VVR. I regret not spending more time at some of the major landmarks but remember vividly camping by Guitar lake, the lake just south of Forester pass, Middle Rae lake, and at Upper Lyell creek for a very frigid night among others. That adventure changed me forever and I hope I can return some day to relive it all again.
Congratulations chief!!
14 days is killing it. I know some crazy people do it even faster. Crazy because, as you mentioned, it doesn't give one enough time to really soak it all in. If I do it again I'll probably keep my days to 10-12 miles and definitely make sure I hit VVR. For resupply MTR is strategically placed but VVR is the bomb! Great people, great food. Tx for taking the time to watch the video and glad it brought back memories.
@@wellseasonedhiker I would probably do the same instead of 20 miles/day as I did then.
VVR felt like paradise; I had fun there.
Happy trails! !
I was on top of Island Pass when the biggest thunderbolt I have ever witnessed in my life struck nearby. I thought I had gone deaf, it hurt so badly. As I descended into Thousand Island Lake as fast as I could possibly go, everyone coming toward me was crying. Scariest freaking thing ever.
YIKE!
That's why JOHN MUIR called Kayopha (California Miwok) the RANGE OF LIGHT !!!
Its a pass because the trail crosses a ridgeline - bear ridge is a trail following a (very high) ridgeline from a very low valley. Thats a bitch of an area. This is a great vid. back to it.
Edit: wow that was great. one second prior to your answer I wanted to comment about the loneliness factor. I saw you hooked up with a few bodies but still alone. I find leaving home to be the hardest part of hiking. Being in such amazing places and not being able to share it with my partner in all life. Its hard. She goes once in a while but I still struggle with guilt of being in such a crazy place alone. Seems a bit selfish. I'm glad you mentioned it. Damned fabulous wifes....
Yeah, that's the hardest part - being away from the people you love. But then, I love the mountains too. Just wish I could have them both. Did you message me?
I really enjoyed watching your trek on the JMT 😊
Thank you. 😊
Great video. My feet were hurting by about the 45 minute mark :)
LOL. Yeah, fortunately my feet calmed down after day 3. The pain just migrated to other places. 🙂
well done. thank you for the trip. were the water crossings more tame than you expected? also glad to see the chair on trail. comfort is not a penalty. what was your base weight including the canister?
great video.
yabadaba doo. 🤙
Thanks for the nice comment. Water crossings were all quite tame. I did the Bear Creek Crossing in early Aug and it was a lot more interesting then but nothing like what people endured in July this year. And yeah, I've tried hiking with out my chair. Not going to do that anymore. That's just me.
Starting base weight was 17lbs but I was carrying a heavier pack, quilt, and clothing than I would carry if I were going mid-summer. Also was carrying a LOT of battery. Here's a link to my "What I Carried Video". th-cam.com/video/CK2QRlMzhpQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=129X3jL1jSYUtP0Y
There's a link to my Lighterpack in the description of that video.
BTW: Hows Fred? 🙂
Great trip and video, with lots of helpful info. I was surprised to learn you had mosquitoes at such elevations in mid-september. How bad were they during the day and evenings, and what were the daytime high temps?
Glad you enjoyed the video. In my experience there's always a mosquito or two in wet areas, even in late September. But, as you'd expect, almost non-existent this late in the summer. This year was a wet year so there were a few places where they were a little annoying. I think I applied Deet only once during the trip. The rest of the time they were tolerable.
I also enjoyed your video. I was 72 at my attempt last year, I had a few equipment issues one was my pack. I liked the wide padded shoulder straps on your backpack. Would you please share the name of the pack. I am going nobo from Horseshoe Meadow this September and need to replace my current pack.
Thanks
Gossamer Gear Marisposa. Great pack so long as your loads are max 30-35 pounds. Most comfy around 20-25.
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm still in the "dreaming" phase, not yet knowing when I'll be able to hike this amazing section of trail. Your itinerary, however, is nearly identical to what I have proposed. You started out faster than I currently have planned, and made it to Red's one day sooner.
Do you think you could have made it from MTR to the end without that Kearsarge resupply?
Definitely could do MTR to Whitney Portal (WP) in 7 days. My resupply at MTR was only 5 days, and Keasarge to WP was only 2 nights. Very doable. The resupply just lightened my pack a little at MTR.
Turning 50 and have lots of backpacking experience. Agree with your take: I think the difference between people who wish the trail would never end vs your final thoughts might come down to age. When you are young, you might not have lots of other good anchors yet in your life to miss (spouse, domestic stability, etc).
In any case, what was your pack weight?
I think that's 100% right about the age thing. When I was a kid I did 2 week trips every year, never had an issue with missing my family. A couple of times I spent 2 months in the Sierra...again, no issue. Now...I miss my wife and my family.
Starting pack weight with food, water, camera gear was close to 35#. Ending pack weight without all that stuff was 16#. I have a load out video coming. I took a weight penalty given the late season so added a few things for warmth that aren't part of my normal summer kit.
Just watching now, how late in the year did you make this hike? Love it
Left on Sept 13, finished in Sept 28.
I’m starting that hike this September. How heavy was your pack? Thanks for sharing your adventure.
I think early Sept is a great start date. You're going to have a great time. My pack, with water and food was about 35 leaving Happy Isles. Base weight I think was around 13-14 pounds because I was late Sept so brought my zero degree quilt, warmer hiking and sleep clothing. I also carried my Helinox chair. :-) Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@wellseasonedhiker. Yeah. Looking forward to it. I’ve done day hikes on the trail before around Yosemite, but without my full pack. Great video. New sub. 👍👍
This was awesome! I knew in the first minute I was in for a high quality production, well done! I have a question as I am researching a trip, it appears it took you 5 days to reach Reds Meadow from Happy Isles, would you say this is the right amount of time or would you want to take longer, to go slower or see more sights if you were to do it again? I am trying to determine if I schedule 5 or 6 days. Thank you!
Thanks for the comments on the video. That meant a lot to me.
So, actually, I did Happy Isles to Reds in 4 days but would only recommend that for strong hikers that are also acclimated. Also, if your permit calls for Littlle Yosemite Valley for the first night, then definitely 5 days is necessary. Just really depends on what conditions you're in. I sectioned hiked this span with a buddy a couple of years ago (th-cam.com/video/iaWGr4ws-fY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=oObR6xdXfhS9CXOv) and we did it in 6 days. That was super chill and quite comfortable. Probably the biggest challenge is getting through Tuolumne Meadows, where there's no camping once again this year. So a stop a Cathedral Lakes and a stop in Lyell Canyon should be on the itinerary.
Good luck on your trip. It's gonna create memories of a lifetime.
@@wellseasonedhiker Thank you for the reply! Yes 4 days is too fast for me I think I am settling on 5 instead of 6 as I need to keep the pace up to finish on time. I hike regularly in the Northeast so the miles are ok but I may need a little time to acclimate to the altitude. Cathedral Lake and Lyell Canyon are planned stops. Thanks again!
When you forded the San Joaquin, do you. happen to have your GPS coordinates? Or at description of where you crossed in relation to the downed bridge?
I don't have GPS for you but it was about 100-200 yard before the crossing. There was an obvious use trail down to the river by the time I arrived. If you're late Aug/early Sept this year you won't have any trouble.
Also - loved your video BTW! One of the best ones out there.
@@victoriajohnson2964 wow! Tx 🙂
So awesome! Great video! What equipment did you use to film while out on the trail?
Everything was filmed on my Galaxy S21. I also used a Hohem Gimbal to help with some of the pans. Tx for the kind comment. Much appreciated.
very nice video! what month of the year did you go? August?
Left Happy Isles on Sept 13. Exited Whitney Portal Sept 28.
how much did your pack weigh? and how were the mosquitos?
Start weight was just under 35#. Ending weight was about 16#. I carried heavier quilt, heavier clothes, heavier pack, and a few other accessories that I normally don't carry but given late season wanted to be prepared.
Mosquito's weren't bad. I think I applied repellant only once.
thank you@@wellseasonedhiker
At Red Meadows....... you didn't get pancakes? WTF!!!!!! ;-)
HA HA!!! Yeah, no. I guess I should have. Broadly speaking I wasn't impressed with the fare at Reds. VVR is THE PLACE on the trail...hands down. Of course I was late season and the place was practically closed. The store was basically empty so not sure I wasn't impacted by all that. Could be....
@@wellseasonedhiker Well, truth be told I never been there.. but I always see photos of their pancakes.. lolool.. Maybe it is VVR that I am thinking about! Hey, I"m getting on in years too - but still backback, going in August for 8 days. Just curious, all that hiking you do - ur HR/BP all good?
All my vitals are decent. HR very low. Heading up again now. New video in a week or so. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne!!
Thank you for pronouncing Mono correctly. I'm from the Owen's Valley, and I die a little bit every time I hear someone says it wrong.😂
Yeah.... I get the same feeling when I hear some folks say it. I grew up driving up and down the Eastern Sierra so I guess I have an advantage. You're from the Owens Valley? Not many of you around. Special place. Sorry about L.A. draining the lake. 😞
3:18 - why is your video flipped left to right?
Probably was in selfie mode and didn't correct in post production. Oh well.
@@wellseasonedhiker I was *just* informed by my daughter that there's a selfie mode that does that for pictures...and by extension video. Something about mirror mode...I think for narcissists taking pics of themselves in mirrors....hahaha!
@@2ddw Not surprising that the manufacturers figured that out. I can actually flip it in post and did so on other shots. Just missed this one. Good catch!
@@wellseasonedhiker Not a problem. I'm just OCD. 🤣🤣🤣
Question, operating drone inside wilderness is permitted ?
No drone shots here. Which section you referring to? And no, drones aren't permitted in any National Parks and I believe for National Forests you need a permit.