For most years in the last decade, my friend Julian and I have enjoyed summer trips in and around California's John Muir Trail. Either by ourselves or with his partner Kate and various others, we have explored much of the southern Sierra, falling increasingly in love with the region as we did so. It was only natural then, that the notion of hiking the entire trail came into mind, and about five years ago we began to fantasize about when and how we would accomplish this goal.
We were both to turn forty in 1998, and this milestone seemed like an appropriate excuse to take on the Trail. From end to end the "JMT" is 211 miles long, crosses eight major passes and ends at the top of Mt. Whitney, which at 14, 495 feet is the highest peak in the lower 48. What better way to convince ourselves of the insignificance of our fortieth birthdays than to conquer this beast? Circumstances conspired to keep us from the trail last year (when we were forty), but the stars (and my wife Ginie's good graces) aligned to make it possible this summer, and we made plans to hike the trail over 20 days beginning August 15 and ending September 3.
This site offers the story of our extraordinary trip, a few photos, a gear list and a links page. On the links page, you'll find some resources to help you out if you decide to hike the trail (we found these invaluable) and a bunch of testimonials from others who've hiked the trail. If we've missed yours, lets us know, and we'll add it!
Feel free to e-mail me with any comments or questions.
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