JMT mile 144.5
Miles hiked today: 11.8
Total miles hiked: 152.8
Site elevation: 8,916’
The day started out a little strange. We’ve learned that deer and marmots in the Sierra really don’t care about us hikers. This morning two young bucks walked into our campsite without a care in the world. They are cautious but not at all afraid.
Then it was time to continue down the mountain, an 8.8 mile hike. About halfway we ran into Josephine, a girl we had met earlier before the climb up to Evolution Valley. We chatted and learned that she had not seen the Dutch boys, Joep and Luuk, since the creek crossing a couple of days ago.
The hike down was filled with spectacular waterfalls and meadows. We also found “Monster Rock”.
We made it down quickly and had lunch at the bottom.
The last four miles should have been done quickly as the terrain was nice and only slightly uphill. However, it was very hot and muggy. Around 4pm we caught up with Josephine who had stopped at a lovely campsite next to Glacier Creek and just before the famous Golden Staircase.
Since we finished unusually early we took advantage of the extra time by swimming and doing laundry … in a large ziplock bag.
It was a good day and we are excited for some more mountain climbing and going over more passes.
⁃ Jeff and Ellen
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 