JMT DetourJun 22 2017

Two PCT passes!

Jun232017
Map thumbnail of location

Well, we finally did it: two PCT passes in one day!

First, we had to actually get back to the PCT, which meant hitting the trail at 3:00am in order to finish the JMT section so that we could rejoin the PCT.

Near the junction of the PCT and the JMTNear the junction of the PCT and the JMT

With that out of the way, we did our first (tiny) pass: Island Pass. The guide notes that many people cross this pass without noticing that they actually crossed a pass, which kind of blows my mind. Not because this is impossible (I can totally see it -- it's not a very noteworthy crossing) but because this year, you're glued to your map/GPS/compass and always know exactly where you are. Without a trail to follow, you have to be hyper vigilant of your position and what's upcoming.

I didn't get a picture of Island Pass, so have this picture from close to it.I didn't get a picture of Island Pass, so have this picture from close to it.

After that, was the big one: Donahue Pass. This pass is important because not only is it substantial and pretty, but it also takes us into our third National Park: Yosemite!

After slogging through miles and miles and miles of slush, we finally were on the top of the pass with a breathtaking look down Yosemite Valley.

You'll have to pretend this picture is even close to showing what it's like up there.You'll have to pretend this picture is even close to showing what it's like up there.

Next, we needed to hike the 13 miles into our next (yet closed...) resupply at Tuolumne Meadows.

Morning Joe and Picky look down the ValleyMorning Joe and Picky look down the Valley

Once I made it to the valley floor, it was only 8 more miles of beautifully boring hiking.

How it can be so pretty and so boring, I don't really know.How it can be so pretty and so boring, I don't really know.

Once we got to Tuolumne Meadows, it was pretty obvious why everything is still closed: the winter hit them hard. Oh well, we'll solve that problem another day. Like, say, tomorrow.

With a 22-mile hike down some 4,000 feet of vertical.

For no reason.

Good luck with your meadow restoration, guys!Good luck with your meadow restoration, guys!
Yosemite ValleyJun 24 2017