Susan’s Summer Adventure

Adam thought it would be a great idea to write a few stories on what each staff member chose to do after camp was over. As I am waiting to hear some of the stories from our staff members, I thought I would tell you what I did after camp. As many of you know, I love to hike. Especially long distances. Ever since I completed an Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2007, I have tried to get out and do a long hike each year. In 2009, I worked for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and my long hike that year was my job. I hiked 2000 miles on the 70-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was the same 70 miles for all 2000 miles, back and forth. I know it sounds repetitive (and believe me, sometimes it was!), but I saw something new each time I went out on patrol. In 2010, I walked 300 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. That brings me to this year, 2011, and the John Muir Trail.

I’d heard the John Muir Trail (JMT) was the premier hiking trail in the United States. It definitely lived up to its name, as it was one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. Every day I was astounded that the views kept getting better. I chose to hike the trail south, starting in the Yosemite Valley area of Yosemite National Park, and ending at Mt. Whitney. I think that’s the best way to go because you start at a relatively low elevation (around 4000 feet above level), and finish at 14, 496 feet, the highest point in the continental U.S. In between, I hiked 215 miles through Ansel Adam Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park.

Most people that know me would consider me an overachiever. I am always striving to be better, to do better, and hiking is no exception. The majority of people I met on the JMT were taking between 20 and 25 days to hike it. That’s averaging 10 miles a day, taking into consideration time for days off and town resupply stops. I ended up completing the hike in 13 days, about 4 days faster than I thought. That’s an average of about 18 miles a day. You see, I love a challenge. Part of why I love hiking so much is pushing my body to the limits.

My longest day was 22.7 miles, and it was a doozy. I started the day in the Evolution Lake basin, at about 10,900 feet, after sleeping in the most beautiful campsite and after seeing one of my top five sunsets of all time. From there, I climbed up to Muir Pass (11,955 feet), completely snow-covered and a challenge to climb both up and down. Then came the 3,000 feet descent to Palisade Creek. At this point, my new hiking friends and I had hiked eighteen and a half miles, and started to feel the fatigue of the day. Not to mention the mosquitoes were particularly bad that evening. But, there was plenty of daylight left and it was a beautiful night, so we pushed on to lower Palisades Lakes.  That meant we had to make the 1700-foot climb up the Golden Staircase. I think it should be more aptly named the Staircase from you know where! What a climb! Around 7:30 that evening, we made it, and it was all worth it. We had the lake to ourselves, full bellies, and a contentment you only find out on the trail.  

My routine for those 13 days didn’t vary much. Get up, eat, hike, drink lots of water, hike, eat lots of food, hike, sleep, repeat. There is a simple rhythm to hiking that restores me after a busy, fast paced year. At the end of my hike, I felt revived, renewed, restored; and ready to go back to work. That kind of relaxation only comes after taking time away from the daily grind. I feel very fortunate to be able to have that time off each year. I know one day I might have responsibilities that will not allow me to take so much time to myself, but for now I’ll take my two weeks of solitude and enjoy every minute of it.