Reg and I spent last year, stuck at home, watching every YouTube hiking video we could find, dreaming of the time we could get ourselves back on one of Europe’s long distance trails.
“If only we were willing to camp with our backpacks -tents, sleeping bags, the whole bit,” we’d say. “Then we could hike some of the gorgeous trails in our own backyard.”
It was after a visit from friends Kathy and Doug early last spring that our plan quickly (impulsively) took shape. Their suggestion to my joking, offhand remark about needing a Sherpa if I was ever to backpack the John Muir Trail, was to look into one of the mule supported pack station trips available in the Eastern Sierra.
And that’s how we’ve found ourselves packed and ready to set off August 2 on a mule-assisted, 30-day, northbound backpacking trip along the John Muir Trail…and no, the mules are not for us to ride.
Distance: 243 miles, beginning at Horseshoe Meadow and traveling north, finishing at Happy Isle in Yosemite Valley.
46,800’ total elevation gain and 52,700’ elevation loss over the course of the trip.
There are seven of us in our group, plus the staff who will tend to all the details of transporting everything needed via mules, plus large bags of our stuff – including our tents, sleeping bags and pads, clothing and whatever other necessities we choose to bring. We will all carry individual packs with water and water filters, rain gear and whatever else we want to have at our fingertips.
There will be no end of day hot shower or comfy bed that we’ve enjoyed on previous treks. We’ll have to set up and take down our tents, roll up our sleeping bags etc. There will be a decent amount of roughing it. The good news is we will have three meals/day provided by the staff cook.
Should be an interesting trek. We’ll return with a full report once we’re back in civilization.
carryoncouple 
Fantastic! I can’t wait to go along with you…through your descriptive and elegant blog! Thanks for taking the rest of us with you! Better you than me… Have a great adventure! I know you will!
Jackie Bachman Board Member, Community Relations OHRA (760) 889-5122 Jackie.bachman53@gmail.com
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I hope to have an occasional connection to post a photo or two. Otherwise the blog will get done after the fact.
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YOu will love it. Sounds great. I have thought about doing part of the trail again this way as I have now had both my knees replaced. I think I know somebody going with you. Do all you can while you can. You will never regret it. Happy trails
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Thanks Lori!
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Have a great trip – stay safe. Wish we could be there to meet you at the end with a celebratory cake! Xx
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There’s nothing we’d like more. Looking forward to one day celebrating together.
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Oh my gosh, you guys! Sounds fabulous!!! Have a great time🤗 I’ll look forward to your reports!!
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Thanks Jeannie…ready or not, away we go!
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The trip is going to be amazing (and you two are amazing). We will be with you in spirit. 🏕
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Ha ha…I hope so since this was all your idea! 🙂
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Godspeed to you both!
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Thanks Joe. We’re nervous, but ready to go.
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Wow! Sounds like an exciting adventure! Best wishes to you both!
– Alex
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Thanks Alex. We hope for just the right amount of adventure…not too much!
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So amazing!!! Would love to do this one day!! Good luck to you!
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Thanks Melanie. We have one more day of walking. Looking forward to a shower. We’ll e back soon with photos etc.
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Nearing the finish line! Hope you’ve had a great experience 🙂
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It’s been an incredible adventure. We’ll be back soon with photos, etc.
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Reg and Sue, I got your text and you’re looking good! A strong finish for sure …YOU GO GUYS!! Little brother Joe
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Thanks Joe…one more day!
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So eager to hear about this trip!!! Must be absolutely wonderful!!!! So…after your first hot shower upon returning, I know you two will be sharing some fantastic pics!!!!👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️‼️‼️
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Huge adventure ad way more challenging than we could have imagined! Can’t wait to get together. One more day of walking and we get showers!
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