JMT mile: 23.2
Total miles: 31.2
Elevation: 8,693’
We had a great start to the day. Went over Cathedral pass at 9,939’ and enjoyed some outstanding views of the surrounding peaks and Cathedral Lake.
We then made our way down in elevation to Tuolumne Meadows where they have a small tent-walled store and post office. We picked up our first resupply box there. They also have a burger stand so we both chowed down (or actually inhaled) double bacon cheeseburgers and steak fries. Each consuming about 1600 calories in about 15 minutes. It was very yummy. Sorry we forgot to take a picture of us eating.
After repacking and lounging around a couple hours it was time to get going again. With now heavier packs the plan was to go another 5.5 miles to the next legal campsite in Lyell canyon. But about 30 minutes in the the trek Ellen’s knee was hurting bad again so we decided to turn around and find a site at the backpackers campground in Tuolumne Meadows. As we were talking about having to hike back where we just came from, “trail magic” happened. Two young ladies who had just finished a week of backpacking asked if we needed a ride. Of course we said yes and 5 minutes later we were setting up camp. When you least expect it the trail provides.
For various reasons fate has also delayed many of the others hikers we have met over the past few days, and we are all staying in Tuolumne tonight.
We spent the evening chatting with a couple of Dutch hikers named Luke and Jupp as well as some others.
Enjoying the experience,
Jeff and Ellen
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 