The John Muir Crucible

[Sally]

Ellen, I'm just speechless. I never thought I could get so emotional reading a trip report. Thank you for sharing your story.

[guest]

Hi Ellen,
Wow, what a journey, both physically, mentally &, mostly, I'd imagine, spiritually!
I'm sitting in a hotel room, (after 3 months of little wilderness contact, argh!!) and feel like I was on some of that adventure with you. It seems that it comes down to our resolve, internal fortitude, motivation, desire, so many things wrapped up into completing a life long goal & extremely challenging journey.

I can only imagine what you must have gone through, there's so many things that come into play, little issues can become monsters, our internal dialogue can become psychotic, and we go through the dangers of self-doubt & questioning our purpose.

You really are an genuine inspiration, and I'm grateful to know you & have you as a friend & hikin bud!

Hope to put in a few miles with you this fall!

scott 2

[zippetydude]

Very well done, Ellen. Thanks for the TR. Sounds like it was both an adventure to enjoy and an ordeal to survive. Maybe too much of the latter, since "crucible" is hardly ever used to mean "fun".


Well, I'll tell you this, if I ever do the JMT, I'm definitely waiting for a drought year!

Did your little camera serve you well the rest of the trip? Got pics?

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Scott,

Wow, perfectly stated, thanks I'm looking forward to seeing you and other hikin' fools on Skyline this fall.

Howdy Z,

Of course the darn brand new camera died the morning of Forester. Probably didn't want to record my mental collapse Seriosuly though, I hope I can pull some pictures of the card.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[tinaballina]

My Pain Sister,

OMG, this is one of the best trip reports i have read:
1. because you accomplished your goal
2. because you are safe
3. because you are totally F*&%ing awesome!
4. because i adore you and look up to you
5. because you went to the "bad" place and still sucked it up and again accomplished your goal.
6. because I am so flippen proud of what you have done.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
ps-we have a lot to catch up on.

[DaddyLongLegs]

It was fun to relive the JMT through your words -- well, fun in that masochistic mountaineering sort of way. Congratulations on persevering!

[KathyW]

Ellen: Wow, a great report - you are so strong, both mentally and physically. I've never been on a backpacking trip longer than 6 days; so I can't imagine what it takes to do the JMT on a year like this.

[MooseTracks]

My dear mountain sister,

Outstanding story of your grand adventure! I am immensely proud of you for sticking to your guns amidst very difficult conditions. Every inch of you: brain, body, and heart, was used in this quest!

Way to remember my old saying:

Point your BOOTS UP, put your HEAD DOWN...

GO!!!

See you in the heights!

-L

[avid]

Now this thread includes both of my superhero female mountaineers. Hi Laura, I miss your posts at the Whitney Portal board. Have you been detailing your adventures anywhere else?

[recordalley]

You're an inspiration to us all Ellen. Glad everything worked out & you were able to finish your journey. While I'm not an "elitist" your TR encourages me to push myself harder as I approach 60 (yikes!!). "Miles of smiles" to you & "keep on truckin'" sister.