I’d be interested to hear some words of advice from seasoned travelers. Those lessons only learned on the trail. Maybe some good times too…
I’ve got one…I thought it would be a nice and relaxing side trip to hike from Reds Meadows through Iva Bell hot springs, Cascade Valley, Fish Creek Valley before returning to the JMT…Wow was I in for a challenge.
Somehow the 25 miles of trail didn’t look so bad on the map. Deer brush everywhere covering an elusive trail that would come and go every now and then. Sandy gravel for 5 miles, no one anywhere! Absolutly no one… Did I mention no one was around.
We all talk about how great solitude is, but 48 hours of true aloneness is an awesome experience!
I’ll never forget the night I spent camping at “First Crossing” a camp marked on the map. This campsight was awesome! Indian mortar holes 10 inches deep, obsidian and aerohead pieces everywhere! This camp was occupied for at least 100 years. Here I was sleeping on holy ground. Bear tracks all over, and a river rushing loudly near by. I swear I heard people that night, I started thinking Indian spirits were there with me… God was it great! At the time I hated it! I wanted out, I was truly scared. At day break I packed up everything and started hiking, I didn’t stop for 22 miles and somewhere along the way I decided to bail on my plans to finish the JMT.
Now back here in Fresno, the most memorable parts of my journy were spent on that side trip. I’m going back! To do it again, alone, scared, hating it, but there is something that makes me long for that place.
The JMT is like an Alpine Free Way, people walk by at least once an hour, find a side trip to some unknown destination and you’ll know true wilderness and solitude…
By the way, I never found the hot spring…sounds like a good reason to go back!
Thinair