Editor's Note: The following is pulled from the journal that I kept while hiking the John Muir Trail this past month. I'll post each entry, each day, for the next few weeks.
Friday, July 23rd. Day Five. Writing by firelight. Camped up from Lyell Canyon a few clicks, 9500 ft or so. Big pass tomorrow, Donahue, 11,000 ft. GREAT hike out of Tuolumne. Flat for 7 or 8 miles, thru the most exquisite meadow/canyon I've ever seen.
The river ran right thru all day, multiple fly fisherman out there, cool breeze, birds singing...I wept at one point, as my heart was overflowing with it all, too much to take in. That was our hike, all day, till an hour of climbing at the end. After 3 miles or so, came upon a deeper section of river with nice rocks to jump off...was in a good hiking groove, but some things must not be passed up. Water 10º cooler than up the meadow yesterday. HURT, it was so cold.
There are joys in life that are fleeting, and enjoyed quickly: a knowing look from a beautiful stranger. An icey dip in a mountain stream. The seconds between dreaming and waking that bridge the gap. There are other things that we are meant to enjoy slowly, to be savored. The love of a good woman. Fine scotch. A hot bath. And the Meadows of Tuolumne.
-llg