March 28, 2018
Vernal Fall Footbridge
Total distance walked: 3.60 miles
For the past several days I have been dreaming of hiking the John Muir Trail, something that I have ruminated and researched for years. I went back to the JMT websites that I have visited often and watched more YouTube videos. I even borrowed a JMT book from the library—one that I have already read.
What has rekindled and reenergized my interest in the hike? My son’s friend, Erin (his girlfriend’s twin sister) got a permit to hike the trail beginning on September 1, 2018. Her permit is for six people.
What a perfect opportunity for me to do this hike, I thought. Here was my chance since I would never hike this trail by myself. The more I mulled the idea, the more excited I became. The worst thing that could happen is that the answer is no. So, I asked my husband, “Can I hike the John Muir Trail with Erin.” After a short discussion, his answer was yes. However, Erin has already asked five people to join her on the month-long journey, but only one person has confirmed. She said, “If there is a spot, then definitely you can go.”
I was so excited that I thought, why do I need to be #7? What if I obtain my own permit and travel along with Erin’s group? So I tried to get my own permit with no luck.
To alleviate some of the excessive excitement I felt, I headed to Yosemite National Park where the southbound John Muir Trail begins. I could hardly wait to get out into the bright morning sunshine, the unbroken blue sky. There were people all around. I forgot that Easter week is often times the beginning of spring break. I paid no attention to them and instead looked to the high peaks surrounding the valley. They still held snow, but the ground was clear.
I walked the steep, asphalt-covered trail passing Illilouette Gorge and Illilouette Fall up to the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Along the way I pretended that I was actually heading out on the John Muir Trail. Afterwards I strolled along the river’s edge finding peace and solitude in an otherwise busy park.
Number 7 seems like a safe position. There is only a small chance that I may go. You see, not only is hiking the John Muir Trail a dream I’ve held for years, it is also a fear. Am I strong enough physically and mentally to do this? Do I train for the exhausting elevation gains and losses? Do I prepare and plan? Number 7 allows me to actively train and plan without any of the fear, until I hear otherwise. As #7 on a permit for six, I will continue to dream…and wait.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
I sure hope you will be able to go. You know, even if the other six decide to go, there may still be a way you could become #7. I read somewhere in one of the JMT blogs that 40% of the permits are reserved for walk in hikers. The only problem is the line for the walk in permits starts forming the day before departure. But how do you prepare yourself for crossing that scary high foot bridge?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the bridge! There is a very short bridge in Yosemite that scares me. How can I cross the Golden Gate of the Sierras? I guess I practice on Yosemite’s bridge.
LikeLike
What a lovely blog post full of aspiration and strength. I am convinced you can do this, because your attitude is so grounded. I will hope that you have the chance to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robin, thank you!
LikeLike
Good luck! If you want a local day-hiking buddy, call me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denice. Will do!
LikeLike
Many times dreaming about a journey is almost as satisfying as actually going.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right, maybe more satisfying since you do it from the comfort of your home.
LikeLike
This was written so well Janet you make me want to be #7. I hope you get it🙏🏻!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tina. 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you get to go on the John Muir Trail Hike, eventually. And you will–regardless of timing. Until then, thanks for letting us tag along on your training hikes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Patti. You’re right. If not this year, I definitely have the desire to do it one year soon.
LikeLike
Janet, dream and go for it! Tony, my husband and our son have done it in pieces and still have just a small piece to go. Tony is hoping to finish it next summer. The photos they have taken and the stories they tell are incredible memories for the two of them. With your love of hiking, it would be an amazing trip. Keep us posted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Terri, I will definitely keep you posted. I’d like to hear some trail stories from your family. What was their hardest part of the hike? Do they blog about their experiences?
LikeLike
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you get to go – but, either way it sounds like you win. I like how being #7 motivates to train and enjoy hiking other trails.
LikeLike