#jmt2018

[finishingflight]

Last bit of sunlight at my campsite at Squaw Lake along the JMT.

[theadventurek9]

In high places with killer views, Silver Pass, elevation 10,745

[snarfalarf-rex]

JMT Day 8 Part 1 Mather Pass to start the day off The blueness of the sky is really hard to capture in a picture #johnmuirtrail #jmt2018 #optoutside #hikertrash #hiking #backpacking #thruhike #solo #summer #backcountry #ig_nature #nature #outdoors #hikingadventures #outdoors #outdoorlife #outdoorphotografphy #naturelovers #traveling #greatoutdoors #wanderlust #trekking #hikemoreworryless #forceofnature #gonorth #mountains #hikecalifornia #nofilter #matherpass #beard #beards #kilt #meninkilts (at Kings Canyon National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvLERYFoOQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jndvrw78hgxc

[beyondlimitsonfoot]

We sent in our resupply last week for Muir Trail Ranch. As of today in one week we will be on the trail. John Muir Trail here we come! Newest link in bio if you’d like to take a look! #beyondlimitsonfoot #jmt2018 #jmt #adventure

[finishingflight]

John Muir Trail, heading towards Silver Pass.

I ran into some people while taking a break to let Aayla swim in Purple Lake. They all ended up saying hello with Aayla, and I would run into them over the next day and enjoy a zero day with them at VVR.

[finishingflight]

Prepping our resupply...less than five weeks until we hit the trail.

[finishingflight]

The Hiker’s Water Taxi to VVR

The way to VVR was spent getting soaked by the spray from the wind.

But the way back was great. We had spent two nights (letting her paws heal) with a handful of people. So she was pretty good friends with the ones she met as you can see. It was great to meet people from all over the world on the trail. We also celebrated the Jewish new year with apples and honey that day.

[finishingflight]

I’m about two months out from my JMT trip with Aayla.

I originally had someone that was going to join me with her dog as well. Well she ran into some emergency vet bills with her second dog and it looks like she won’t be able to go. Part of me is relieved I won’t have to be responsible for someone else (it was going to be her first backpacking trip). Another part is sad I won’t have someone with me for this trip. I was a little excited to get someone into backpacking and enjoying the backcountry.

I’ve done a lot of traveling solo, so that’s nothing new. I like the independence and ability to just take care of myself. This will be my longest backpacking trip so far. Part of me still worries about being lonely out there. Aayla isn’t much for a conversation partner. That worry is actually why I kind of am glad I’m possibly doing it alone. If it bothers me, or scares me, then I should definitely do it. Gotta push those boundaries and out of my comfort bubble.