| Day 15 Profile |
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What a glorious day!
All of us (Bob, the pack animals and I) got up at the crack of dawn (6am). I had a leisurely hot oatmeal breakfast and coffee (I usually eat cold cereal or a pop tart as I hike). After breaking camp and saying goodbye to Bob, I headed out. I met Jerry as we left Woods Creek, and we leapfrogged most of the day. I think we spent a good hour in total taking breaks each time we met and just chewing the fat. I can't believe how different this trip is compared to 2 years ago. A piece of cake this year. It was hard 2 years ago. I am in much better shape to start with, and have had 13 days on the trail to condition myself, plus time to acclimate. Amazing difference. This was a stroll in the park! I made it to Rae Lakes by noon, but could have made it by 11:00 with no trouble if I had skipped all the stopping and talking with Jerry along the way. I met my first backcountry Ranger as I approached Rae Lakes. He said hello but did not ask for my permit. As I approached the junction of the little trail that leads to the Ranger station, I was surprised to see a wooden structure off in the trees. 2 years ago it was still the canvas tent building. Nice of them to upgrade for the Ranger stationed here.
Between Dollar and Arrowhead Lakes
Outlet from Arrowhead Lake
I LOVE this section of trail. The canyons are deep, majestic, and the views are outstanding. There is a spot after Dollar Lake, where you cross the outlet to Arrowhead Lake, that has a fantastic view across the lake and of Fin Dome. One of my favorite photo spots on the entire trail. (The photo shown in this page is from that spot).
Jerry, another JMT thru hiker
Arrowhead Lake
Fin Dome
I spent some time looking for a place to camp. Since it was so early and I was not tired, I explored the area around the different Rae Lakes. I found an amazing spot, close to the lake, secluded, views, ... wow. I spent the afternoon getting my clothes (and me) clean, sitting by the lake warming in the sun, reading, and totally enjoying myself. I hiked 6.8 miles today, and it felt like a day off! It was so nice to be able to spend time relaxing and enjoying the lakes. No mosquitoes all afternoon. My nearest neighbor, Richard, stopped by to talk, and we discussed gear and pack weight for a while. He was interested in getting his pack weight down so we compared notes. I had Pack-It Gourmet Trailside Burritos for dinner. I didn't have any tortillas left, so I just made it a soup. It was really good. Not that I had a large appetite, but I was able to finish the meal, which was nice for a change.
Lower Rae Lake
Lower Rae Lake
Middle Rae Lake
Temps are dropping as evening is setting in. My clothes and I are dry, so no problem there. The moon is just over the horizon and is bright, and the skies are clear. I can see across the lake and see other hikers headlamps bobbing up and down. This place is special. Next time... I will take at least a full day or two to relax here.
Middle Rae Lake
Tomorrow is Glen Pass. Since I am old friends with this pass, I look forward to the climb and the summit. Tomorrow is another short day. Even shorter than today! I am supposed to meet Sequoia Kings Pack Train for a resupply at Charlotte Lake trail junction between 11am and 1pm. I am completely out of food, which is good since it means that I was not hauling extra food around, but it also means that if the packer does not show up tomorrow, I will have to end my trip and go without food for a day. Not that I am worried... OK, maybe a little. Since I want to be at the trail junction at 11am, I plan to get up EARLY tomorrow!
Middle Rae Lake
Middle Rae Lake
Day 15 camp at Middle Rae Lake
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