As we ascend, my exhaustion is all-consuming. I think to myself, this isn’t enjoyable right now. The pass around me is breathtaking, but I am not enjoying myself at all. Haven’t been since I climbed shivering into my tent last night. The nagging question of why I chose to do this comes creeping back. But this time, through the haze of my discomfort, an answer starts to form.
We make it to the last switchback before the first raindrops hit, and we are passing Guitar Lake when we first hear thunder. The storm builds in fury, chasing us down the valley. We are overrun within a few miles of camp, the thunder claps closer together and the lightning all around.
We roll into our Mammoth Lakes campground late at night after 15 exhausting hours of driving, pitch a tent and go straight to sleep. The sun gently nudges me awake with its soft glow at 6:30AM the next morning. The 8000ft elevation builds a dizzying pressure in my brain and weighs down my movements, imitating a mild hangover. Our next four days are dedicated to acclimatizing since we will be starting on the south end of the trail where elevation is higher and a Mount Whitney summit looms at 14,505 ft only a few short days into our trek.
I have been asked many times about the John Muir Trail, why I chose to undertake this journey and how I have prepared. With my hike only a couple short days away, I felt the time was right to give you a glimpse into this trail and my preparation for it.
“I’m strong. I’m here. I’m ready.” As I step out onto the High Sierra trailhead, my forty plus pound pack strapped tight to my back, I whisper these words to myself. With each shaking step, I play them on repeat, over and over, until I start to believe them and my belief makes them a part of me.
As I wake to the sun rays shining strong through our frosted tent walls, I have no way of knowing the emotional roller coaster waiting for me along today’s stretch of trail.