Of course, we enjoyed the hot springs area ourselves. But after a couple of days, it was time to head on. Still heading north, we wound our way through the Devil’s Postpile National Monument. This is an area of incredible scenery, all of it volcanic in nature. There are very few places on this planet as geologically diverse as this, and it is well worth a visit. But from this point on, our trail would change dramatically. We had left the high passes behind, and would now be entering a region of broad valleys, deep forests, shining glacial lakes, and strong rivers. We would be walking into Yosemite Valley. Our trip would soon be coming to an end.
But we would meet another new couple, and quickly added them to our “friends list.” Ryan and Loralyn joined us at Tuolumne Meadows, although we had first met them at Lake Edison, and then saw them again at Red’s Meadow. Together, we all climbed to the top of “Clouds Rest,” over-looking Half Dome and the entire Yosemite Valley.
But then the trip was at an end. Scott had left us a week before, as some of his Family had joined him. That left five of us to walk that last few miles down to the Valley. Our heads were held high as we all realized what we had accomplished together. Jerry and Marnos had never been out for more than 5 days, and Ryan and Loralyn had only been out for a few days themselves. I alone had been on an expedition of this magnitude and length. It was so uplifting to see the look of accomplishment and self-confidence on the face of my companions. They had pushed themselves beyond anything that they could imagine, and had done it with style and grace. They had walked 238 miles along the John Muir Trail, carrying everything that they needed to survive. They had endured harsh weather, rugged terrain, hunger, and intense physical work. They were now “veterans” of the long-distance hiking community, but they still retained a humility and humble nature. Still, our hearts were heavy as we realized that we would soon have to part company.
I want each of my companions and friends to know how proud I am of you. I love you all and look forward to the time when we can all be together again. I hope you had as much fun as I did, and that your memories are as special as mine.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall soft upon your shoulders.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
But we would meet another new couple, and quickly added them to our “friends list.” Ryan and Loralyn joined us at Tuolumne Meadows, although we had first met them at Lake Edison, and then saw them again at Red’s Meadow. Together, we all climbed to the top of “Clouds Rest,” over-looking Half Dome and the entire Yosemite Valley.
But then the trip was at an end. Scott had left us a week before, as some of his Family had joined him. That left five of us to walk that last few miles down to the Valley. Our heads were held high as we all realized what we had accomplished together. Jerry and Marnos had never been out for more than 5 days, and Ryan and Loralyn had only been out for a few days themselves. I alone had been on an expedition of this magnitude and length. It was so uplifting to see the look of accomplishment and self-confidence on the face of my companions. They had pushed themselves beyond anything that they could imagine, and had done it with style and grace. They had walked 238 miles along the John Muir Trail, carrying everything that they needed to survive. They had endured harsh weather, rugged terrain, hunger, and intense physical work. They were now “veterans” of the long-distance hiking community, but they still retained a humility and humble nature. Still, our hearts were heavy as we realized that we would soon have to part company.