Cloud rest trail junction to Upper Cathedral Lake, elevation 9659ft.
Today we traveled: 11miles 3439ft elevation gain 1122ft elevation loss.
JMT mile marker: 18.1mile.
Uphill never stopped, at least that’s how it felt. For the first 2miles we hiked thru a burnt forest. You can see new vegetation growing and the contrast between the tree blacken skeleton and the new green growth created a beautiful picture. After we had a breakfast break by a creek, the day turned into constant game of chase the water. About half of the streams that we passed were dried and we were a little worried we would run out of water. We skipped our planed lunch and opted for a snack that didn’t require rehydrating.
We got to Cathedral Lake around 6pm and we jumped in. It was surprisingly not freezing cold. The weather in the last few weeks been warmer and dryer than usual and today we saw the effect.
We set up camp and got most of our equipment under the rain fly. We saw too many creatures during the evening and we heard stories about squirrels eating holes in backpacks or walking sticks - being drawn to the salt.
Today was challenging no doubt but also very rewarding. It seems that whenever I want to start complaining or feel sorry for myself the trail changes and the view is so beautiful. It’s no wonder John Muir and the Sierra club were obsessed with this area, it is truly magnificent. I hope I got good pictures but I know it just can’t be captured the same.
Yifat.
Everybody needs beauty...places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.
John Muir
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