Day 58: Meditating on Muir Pass

(Mile 831 to 845.5 = 14.5 miles)

Muir Pass is just filled with scenes like this.

Today we crossed over Muir Pass, 11976'.  It was magnificent.  Some passes are straightforward, and you can tell just where you are headed.  The trail to Muir Pass wound every which way, and one never knew what was around the next bend.  Waterfalls, meadows, creeks, alpine lakes, marmots, and peaks galore.  One after the other after the other.  Colors from every stroke of the painter's pallet.  Unbelievably alive and peaceful.

Amazing lakes around every corner.

Gumby, Kindergarten Cop, and I traveled "together," but kept a good five or so minutes between us.  It was the sort of place you wanted to yourself.  And without discussing, this is just how we set it up.  It was a slow ascent, but not a difficult one.  Only made slow by photographs and stopping to soak it all in.  A meditative sort of hike.  I figured out a thing or two about myself on that climb and reached the summit in a silent state of contentment.  So far, Muir Pass is my favorite.  And the descent was nearly as magical as the ascent. 

Fresh yellow-bellied marmot scat!  What a treat.

Tomorrow, we reach Muir Trail Ranch; our resupply.  We were blessed with trail magic from a JMT (John Muir Trail) hiker at the pass -- he gave us a bag of nuts and fruit and half of a salami.  Enough to get Gumby and me by until we reach our own food.  Things seem to work out just as they should -- like hiking a bit farther to this fantastic camp spot.  And with that, good night.  We have another big day 

tomorrow. 

A stone hut was the first thing to tell us that we had found the summit!

A tribute to John Muir.

Headstands for Muir Pass.

Food from a trail angel.  Just in time!

The north side of Muir Pass was as pretty as the south.

Glacial striations, baby!