Dan's Outside

2003.06.01

***John Muir Trail offers a glorious hike, but only to the prepared
– “Another personal dynamic occurs on these long hikes. Everything inside you will settle, clear and simplify. Your body will feel purified. As you return home, you will realize exactly what counts in your life, and just as importantly, what does not.” [SFGate]

Although I have not done the entire JMT, I have done pretty substantial sections. The only major gap is south of Devil’s Postpile. I’ve done the entire southern part in Sequoia-Kings Canyon; parts of it several times. I recently linked together the missing pieces at the northern end between Yosemite and Devil’s Postpile. One day – soon, I hope – I would like to do the whole thing; most likely north-to-south, and probably solo.

This summer I’m doing a 10-day section of the JMT with a group of friends. In early August we’ll enter over Biship Pass and then head south over Mather, Pinchot, Glen, and Kearsarge Passes, exiting at Onion Valley. This is some of the most spectacular country in the entire Sierra Nevada. I can’t wait!

***Tom Stienstra will present
“Best Summer Hiking, Camping & Fishing” at 7 p. m. Tuesday at REI-Saratoga, and 7 p.m. Thursday at REI-Berkeley, and will be available for questions at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Stacey’s Books at 521 Market St. in San Francisco.
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June 1, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on 2003.06.01

2003.05.31

***Tioga Pass is open!
– one week earlier than previously announced. I wish I could go tomorrow!
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May 31, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on 2003.05.31

MinaretsBW2003|05|26

The Minarets from Minaret Summit. May 26, 2003.
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May 30, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on MinaretsBW2003|05|26

2003.05.30

Evening view of the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth, California. May 25, 2003.

It has been one busy week! Now I have a bit of time to go back over the photos I took last weekend at Mammoth.

The Minarets and Mts. Ritter and Banner from Minaret Summit. May 26, 2003.
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May 30, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on 2003.05.30

Eastern Sierra Sunset Near Mammoth

Eastern Sierra sunset near Mammoth. May 25, 2003.
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May 30, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Eastern Sierra Sunset Near Mammoth

TownsleyPlateau

Between Townsley and Ireland Lakes, Yosemite National Park. October 12, 2002
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May 29, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on TownsleyPlateau

Lyell Fork Tuolumne River

Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Summer 2002.
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May 28, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on Lyell Fork Tuolumne River

2003.05.27

Owens Valley high desert and eastern Sierra Nevada crest near Convict Lake. May 26, 2003.

***Winter behind me, summer in front of me
– That’s the thought that occurred to me as I skied down a final run at Mammoth at the end of a short cross-country ski trip to Minaret Summit. While I was skiing (winter), it was over 70 degrees (summer) and I could see the high desert of Owens Valley below.

***A true California moment
– As I XC-skied along the road to Minaret Summit I passed a cyclist going the other direction on the plowed, but yet unopened road.

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May 27, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on 2003.05.27

SierraCrestConvictLake

Sierra Nevada crest near Convict Lake with Owens Valley high desert in the foreground. May 26, 2003.
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May 27, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on SierraCrestConvictLake

2003.05.24

***Updated – Spring Skiing 2003
– Heavenly Valley, Kirkwood, Alpine, Squaw Valley, and Mammoth are apparently still open. I hope to be able to file a personal report by Tuesday!
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May 24, 2003 Posted by gdanmitchell | Commentary | Comments Off on 2003.05.24