MapSource
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Google Maps Terrain
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Up at 5:45am. It was warm last night and only dropped to 50
degrees. We were hiking by 7:15. I knew we had a long day today if we
hoped to get to Reds, so we got up early. It was a stiff climb
from Shadow Lake to Rosalie Lake. The trail was well graded, just a lot
of switchbacks. Shadow Lake in the early morning light was
breathtaking. Of course, all the lakes along this section of trail are
beautiful, but it seems the light plays such an important role in just
HOW stunning they are. Last year, it was Garnet on this section of
trail that was my favorite. Seems the early morning light makes for
great photography.
Morning of day 4 |
Rosalie Lake |
It was a dusty, long hike once we passed Trinity Lakes. Fortunately, it
was not hot. Mostly downhill so the hiking was easy, but it was a lot
of miles. We made great time, and made it to Red's by 3pm. We took the Devils
Postpile route to reach Red's. We didn't climb to the top of the
Postpile this year. I know a lot of people have difficutly finding the trail to Reds going through the Postpile. There are a lot of alternate trails, but I find then well marked and easy to navigate.
I met Renee and her group on the trail today. Renee and I met on High Sierra Topix when I offered to share my resupply at Charlotte Lake (brought by Sequoia Kings Pack Train) and she took me up
on the offer.
I went directly to the Red's Resort, and grabbed my resupply. Vic
headed to the Cafe and ate a hot lunch. I joined him in the Cafe and
had their special, a roast beef sandwich. Mighty good. When the next
shuttle bus came by, Vic hopped aboard and took the shuttle back to
Mammoth. It was great hiking with him. The rest of the trip is solo!
Cool tree
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Bridge Crossing
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Wildflowers
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I had heard an ugly rumor that the hot spring showers at the Red's
Campground were closed this year, and sadly enough, the rumors were
true. That shower was truly a highlight last year! I hiked from the
Resort to the Campground, and grabbed a regular camp site. The
backpackers site already had 4 or 5 tents in it. A little too crowded
for me. Spent the next couple of hours sorting through my resupply and
setting up camp. Then it was off back to the Resort for dinner!! Why is
it that I eat like a pig when I am at Reds or VVR but can barely finish
my meal while on the trail??? I had a salad and a cheeseburger for
dinner. I was able to call my wife from Reds, which was great. I met
several JMT hikers at Reds, including one Northbound hiker. He said the
snow over Muir and Mather was still tough, but passable. Only a few
moskies at Reds.
Somehow my mesh bag with my hat and Vincere Grip sock campshoes
disappeared between the Resort and the campground. I searched for it
when I hiked back for dinner. Major bummer. The hat I could replace at
Red's Resort, but they don't have any sort of camp shoes at the store.
As I walked back into the campground, I saw my mesh bag sitting on top
of a fence post. It must have fallen off my pack and someone was kind
enough to display it on the post. I was lucky I saw it! (I figured out
a much more secure way to attach the bag).
Gladys Lake
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Trinity Lakes
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I will get up early tomorrow and grab a big breakfast at the Resort. I
plan to really ramp up the miles now. The goal is to make VVR in 2
days, so that means two 15 mile days. I hope my trail legs are ready!
Heading to Reds
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Reds Meadow
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Reds Meadow
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Videos from Day 4
Additional pictures from Day 4
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