Distance: 15 miles (approx. 24 km)
The “Intelligence” within Backpacking
I woke up at 6:00 a.m. at the Reds Meadow campsite. As I began packing, I found myself captivated by the movements of the Canadian duo next to me—specifically, a young woman named Sydney.
Her packing was incredibly efficient and orderly. Watching her skillful hands at work, I was reminded that backpacking is not merely a test of physical endurance, but a true challenge of “intelligence.” Selecting the right gear, organizing it perfectly within a limited space, and preparing to survive in a harsh environment—the entire process reveals a person’s wisdom and resourcefulness.
Inspired by their example, I stepped onto the trail at 8:30 a.m., a bit earlier than usual.
Old Memories, New Paths
About 80% of today’s trek led through dense forest. There were moments when the scenery felt a bit monotonous, but once I crossed Duck Lake Junction, the world suddenly opened up, revealing a breathtaking vista.
The two-mile stretch from there to Purple Lake was a path I had just walked with my friend Kaye back in August. Even within the short span of a single month, the familiar landscape showed me a completely different face.
I arrived at Purple Lake around 5:00 p.m. and considered settling in for the night, but the suitable camping spots were already crowded, and the wind was picking up. Just as I was searching for a place, wondering, “What should I do?”, a fellow hiker called out to me.
A New Personal Best
His name was Tad, a fellow hiker also heading southbound (SOBO). “If you push on to Virginia Lake, it’ll be more sheltered from the wind and much more comfortable,” he suggested.
I took him up on his advice, and we set off toward the lake together. The hour we spent talking as we walked was a wonderful change of pace from my previous days of solitude—the kind of connection that truly defines the JMT experience. Since last night, I’ve noticed a definite increase in these opportunities to interact with other hikers.
When we arrived at Virginia Lake just after 6:30 p.m., a view so stunning it left me speechless was waiting. I expressed my deepest gratitude to Tad for leading me there. By the end of the day, I had covered 15 miles—a new personal best for this journey.
Preparing for the Impending Storm
Inside my tent, I re-evaluated my schedule. According to Tad, he planned to reach MTR (Muir Trail Ranch) in three days, by Friday. He predicted that “it might snow at Muir Pass,” and his plan was to wait out the weather at MTR for two days until it melted.
His judgment was incredibly practical and convincing. Early-season storms around Mount Whitney are something to be feared. While I had been taking a relatively relaxed pace until now, I realized I might need to push myself—perhaps hiking until at least 6:00 p.m. from tomorrow onward—to reach MTR as early as possible.
Finding Bliss in the Journey
Eight days have passed since I left Happy Isles in Yosemite. I am still struggling with the weight of my heavy gear, but physically, I feel surprisingly great. With each night’s sleep, my body recovers, and I can feel my legs growing stronger and more attuned to this rugged terrain with every passing day.
More than anything, my mental state is wonderful. I feel a pure, unadulterated joy. There is an overwhelming sense of bliss in simply existing as a part of the vast landscape stretching out before me.
“I am finally here, walking the JMT.”
It was a day filled with nothing but profound gratitude for that single, beautiful reality.
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