Last year, I set a goal for myself that I would hike 1,000 miles in a year. This goal encompassed exploration of new and old places, a physical fitness challenge, a philosophical, emotional, and intellectual undertaking, an outlet creativity, and a way to relax.I learned a great deal along the way, which I will detail …
Yosemite, Day 3: Cloud’s Rest
Distance: 14.2Elevation Gained: 2,500Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:50Critters: Deer, GrousesNew Trees: Mountain Hemlock, White PineDetails:After months of hiking, planning, charting, and documenting, it all came down to one last hike. I had tried to work everything out so that my last hike in this process would be a memorable one to make a fitting end for what …
Mt. Whitney
Panorama looking south from Whitney summitPanorama looking north from Whitney summitDistance: 15.7 MilesElevation Gained: 3,000'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 11:00Critters: Marmots, ChipmunksPros:- The most epic mountain views I've ever seen- Night hiking under an impressive canopy of stars- Sunrise at 13,600 feetCons:- Aside from a headache at the top, none- Having to experience the wag bag at an …