John Muir Trail: Preparing

Backpacking 2 Minutes

August 4, 2018

I am about to embark on the longest, hardest hike of my life: 170 miles on the John Muir Trail plus ten off-trail miles.  It will be my first long-distance hike.

The John Muir Trail runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains and is officially 211 miles long.  The starting point is Happy Isles in Yosemite National Park.  It ends at the top of Mt. Whitney (you still have to hike down) with eight major passes to traverse in between, 11 if you count the not-so-major passes—that is 80,000 feet of elevation change.

I have been slowly planning this trip since March when it was still a starry-eyed dream, before I knew if I would even get a place on the permit.  That month I spent a lot of time putting together a detailed itinerary.  I made lists and revised them.  There was a list for everything.

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Once my spot on the permit was confirmed, the dream evolved into reality.  I told family and friends about this incredible opportunity and began planning in earnest.  I engaged the help of two thru-hikers’ websites, ladies who have hiked the world: Wired and Rockin’.  I pulled my backpacking stuff out of the closet and purchased what I didn’t have.

Just beginning.
The new REI Quarter Dome single-person tent.

I made a reservation for an overnight stay at the mountain resort where Chris will meet me and bring a resupply of food.  I put together a meal plan and began filling the bear canisters.

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The food.

I rented a SPOT Gen3 satellite GPS messenger that will arrive prior to the trip.  I joined a support group called Ladies of the JMT whose collective knowledge of all things trail-related was, and continues to be, a tremendous help.  All of that was completed before July.

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The final draft.

Five months of preparing and planning for this adventure has been fun, but I am filled with doubt.  I worry…will my backpack be too heavy, and can I climb those mountains with a bulging pack?  How will I feel about not communicating with my husband for weeks?  What if it snows…will I lose the trail?  Will I remember what to do if I’m on a pass in a thunderstorm?  Am I bringing enough fuel to heat my meals?  Will my batteries stay charged?  Am I going to be too cold?  Do I understand what I am actually undertaking?

To be truthful…I am scared!  I have no idea what made me think that I could do this.  It’s not as though I’ve never backpacked, and I’ve hiked by myself, but I have never spent a night alone in a tent or weeks alone on a trail.  Hiking the John Muir Trail was a long reverie, something that I thought would never come to fruition even while diligently planning for it.

Filled with doubt, filled with fears, I plodded along and continued preparing for the trip of a lifetime.  Oddly enough, as I loaded the shelter and sleeping bag, the kitchen and hydration systems, my hygiene products, clothes, first aid and emergency kits, the maps and guidebook into the backpack, I became excited.  There was even room for my coveted creature comforts: a mini-bible, a journal, my camera, and a Jack London paperback.  For the first time in weeks I began to feel like maybe I could do this.

All the other things.
The clothes.

Twenty-nine days until we depart.  There are still a few loose ends to tie up, but “the mountains are calling, and I must go.”—John Muir.

Published by Janet

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36 thoughts on “John Muir Trail: Preparing”

  1. I just had a thought after reading this… is this post private for only family to read or can anyone read it?

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    2. All I can think to say is…better you than me! I wouldn’t last 100 feet, probably not even from the house to the car in the garage with that pack on my back — does it have a pull-handle like luggage?? What an amazing trek! Hope you don’t run into any gorillas or water buffaloes. Or worse — spiders.

      I AM IN AWE OF YOU, Janet.

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  5. I get really excited for you when reading about all your planning and preparations. This is going to be so much more than a little walk in the park and I know how much it means to you. But what I’m really looking forward to is your safe return and hearing all about the experience.
    Dad

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  6. I am so excited for you–and proud of you. This is an adventure not many will try to undertake, but you are courageous, determined, and an avid hiked. I know you can do this–and I am thrilled to think about the posts you may share about your accomplishment.

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  8. You are way braver and more willing to forgo comfort than I am. I am anxious about our trip to India and we will be staying in hotels. Good luck and God speed!

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    1. Thank you, Andy. Well….I’ll be on a trail, not in a different country. I can understand your anxiety. I’m interested in hearing about your trip to India.

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  13. Wow, this is very exciting! An adventure of a lifetime! I will be praying for you to have a safe wonderful journey and look forward to your return and hearing of all your experiences. Love and hugs! Maria

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  14. Janet, I loved this post. I am excited for you but also nervous for you too. I completely understand the fear, but admire your determination and bravery to realize your dream. You will be in my prayers for a safe and amazing journey. Looking so forward to your posts and photos once you are back. Please keep us posted as the date gets closer.

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    1. Terri, thank you for the prayers. I feel like that’s what’s really going to get me through. I’m not bringing anything technological (other than the SPOT) so I hope my camera battery lasts. 🙂

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      1. Janet,

        I’m so excited for you and your adventure. You are in my thoughts and prayers for a safe journey. Enjoy Red’s Meadows and Mulehouse. Stay Safe, enjoy the stunning scenery and I will be so anxious to hear all about it and see your beautiful photos when you are back.

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      2. I’ve had such an outpouring of love and support from friends and family. And to read this from you, Terri, brings tears. Thank you so much! I will think of you when I walk into Red’s Meadow. 🙂

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