September 12, 2019
Reds Meadow to Devils Postpile
Total distance walked: 4 miles
The last hike of summer was a doozy. After last year’s (2018) disappointing end to my JMT trek, I had to get back out there and try again. I planned a four-day, 30-mile hike beginning where I left off but couldn’t find anyone to go with me. One thing I learned from last year’s trip was I don’t want to backpack alone.
Then Michael, my middle son—bless his heart—who is not a backpacker at all (well, now he is) agreed to join me even though it was to be his wife’s 30th birthday while we were out on the trail. Of my four children, Michael is the only one who has not been backpacking with me. In fact, he’s only been on one backpacking trip as a child with his Scout troop to Death Valley. He’s in good shape, enjoys bowling and bike rides, and has hiked and camped a multitude of times. I hoped that would be enough to get him through this trip.
It was a warm mid-September afternoon. Chris dropped us off at Reds Meadow Resort then headed home. I was a little melancholy upon his departure and wondered how Michael was feeling. He seemed to be in a pensive mood.
Spending the night at Reds Meadow Campground before our hike would hopefully give us a chance to acclimate to the elevation. We stood on the asphalt, fatigued from the long drive, and hoisted our heavy packs (here we go again). It was a half-mile walk down to the campground where we placed our tents side-by-side.
Afterwards, we strolled, packless, through the woods to Devils Postpile National Monument. We sat on the cool granite benches staring at the unusual rock formations before us, then climbed to the top of the Postpile.
That evening, our feet hurt but we didn’t mention it to each other. We laid in our tents (even though it was only 7:00 PM) silently concerned about pack weight, the next day’s climb out of Reds Meadow, and our swollen feet.
To be continued…
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Sounds like the beginning of a doozy!
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🙂 It was.
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Impressive. I look forward to the rest of the adventure. And these photos are great! i have wanted to visit Devil’s Postpiles for quite some time. Thanks for sharing.
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Patti, it’s an interesting place to visit. I’m glad I had the chance to go back and see it again.
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Fascinating! I can’t wait to read your blogs on the rest of the hike. And my back aches just looking at the size of your backpack.
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Thanks, Dad.
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So happy that you and Michael had this time together.
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Thank you. Me too. 🙂
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I am so happy you are out there again. My fingers are crossed and I am wishing you both well. Happy trails. Rae
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Thanks, Rae! 🙂
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Great scenery, glad you have a hiking partner. Enjoy your time together. You make me want to ho hiking.
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Bill, go hiking! 🙂
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Love the photos of Devil’s postpile. I have pictures from when I was little climbing all over them when it was still allowed. That is home for me and I love seeing the photos. Can’t wait to follow your journey. I hope you and Michael made some great memories together.
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Hi Terri, I decided I really like the Reds Meadow area. I’d love to bring my whole family there for a camping trip one day. Lots to do, so pretty, and the resort is great.
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It is great! Every year when we are back up there we go down and have breakfast and spend the day. So glad you enjoyed it.
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To be continued??? !!!
OK. Waiting.
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My favorite hike as a kid was Red’s Meadow to Ediza Lake. It doesn’t get any more beautiful than that. Good luck on the hike. Sounds like you are in for an adventure.
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I love the Red’s Meadow area. Haven’t made it to Ediza Lake…yet. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
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You can do this! Sending positive vibes & love!
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Thanks, Peggy! 🙂 Yes, we did it.
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