The John Muir Crucible

[madmxe]

Congrats Ellen. That must really leave you with a feeling of accomplishment. For those of us who have only hiked San Jacinto and Gorgornio how does hiking up north compare? Can you get prepared for a hike like the JMT by staying down here and hiking our mountains?

[James]

Amazing trip Ellen, way to go!

[AlanK]

Congrats Ellen. That must really leave you with a feeling of accomplishment. For those of us who have only hiked San Jacinto and Gorgornio how does hiking up north compare? Can you get prepared for a hike like the JMT by staying down here and hiking our mountains?

I would say that Sierra experience is nice, but one can certainly prepare for the JMT by hiking in our local mountains. When I did the JMT with my son 5 years ago, we had not been to the Sierra in a year. But we had hiked up a storm in the local mountains.

[tinaballina]

hey pain sister,

i think after this trip you can put yourself in the "elite" status group.

[lilbitmo]

Ellen, I'm so glad you stayed the course and presented us with a TR like no other - you've always been one of my hero's and you continue to inspire me. It's amazing the amount of pain we subject ourselves to in the wilderness and the best part is you recognized why you did it - all the wonderful friends that became a part of your story (and your life from here on) - I'm filled with joy to hear about all the wonderful people that did special things to help you along, it gives me great hope (thank's go out to all of you trail angels that helped our dear friend when she needed it most, we are all grateful to you).

I'm look forward to seeing you on the trail soon and reliving in person what you so eloquently put in narrative form - Go Ellen, Go, way to keep the faith

[skunkboy]

Ellen, aka "Slow Twitch"...

You are amazing. You are truly an inspiration to all of us who stomp around in the great outdoors. Anyone who attempts to do the JMT, is among a very special, handful of adventurers. To do it in the conditions that you experienced... as Tina says, "Elite", hell yes you've got that covered. In fact, we may need to come up with a new classification for you. Chilled IPA's for you, the next time we meet. A heartfelt congrats.

Sincerely

Pat

[Cy Kaicener]

Ellen - Now that you've recovered, you will probably be missing the John Muir Trail by now. (just kidding)
The meet-up group are doing it starting this week end. Some backpackers on this board might be interested. Other interesting trips below
Details here - scroll down. The JMT is the last one (Aug 27)

http://www.meetup.com/SoCal-Hikers-and- ... m&rv=ea1.2

Hyperlinks (click on links) are on my blog below (just updated)




6 Peaks along the PCT on the Desert Divide San Jacinto Mtns
Added by kat
When: Where: RSVP:
Friday, August 26, 2011
7:00 PM Fobes Trailhead
Fobes Ranch rd 6SO5
Mountain Center, 92561, CA 92561 Yes

No



Description
:

The PCT winds northward through the San Jacinto Mountain Range; making its way from the oaken forests, chaparral, yucca, and cacti desert highland and eventually sub-alpine forests of pine and fir. This southern section of the San ...Learn more

More Meetups from this group

Aug 26 3:00 PM
CAR CAMP & DAY HIKE: Mt. Conness
No location yet

This is a day hike to the summit of Mount Conness, one of the more prominent peaks in Yosemite National Park. To get an early start, we will be camping near but outside the park Friday night. We will return to Las Vegas late Saturday evening. Total… MORE
RSVP →


Aug 27 6:15 AM
Aspen Grove XCTRY Loop: 9971',10K Ridge, Carmen, Lake, Grinnell ~15 ML~4500 G/L
Aspen Grove TH

Forest Rd 1N02, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

RSVP if you're GOING. I have the group permit. NOTE: strenuous hike, undulating route almost all xctry . XCTRY/TRAIL Route : Start Aspen Grove Th (7410') 2 miles 500' G to Fish Creek trail junction (7980') then xctry… MORE
RSVP →


Aug 27 8:00 AM
JMT in 15 days - More or Less
Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Tuolumne Meadows Campground, Tuolumne, CA 95389

We have 2-3 permits available for the capable and experienced backpackers who are really committed for the trip. You will have to carry all necessary gears, including the bear can, if you are unable to pair up some gears with

[Ellen]

Howdy friends

As the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard in Oz said: "Shucks folks, I'm speechless."

I am blessed to have such incredible friends here at home and to have met mountain angels who helped me along the way. I prayed daily to the Big Guy for the strength to complete this journey.

My blasted brand new camera croaked on the morning of Forester. I'll trying to retrieve pictures from the data card once I catch up on work. Fortunately, my mountain brother Calicokat took incredible pictures.

Since I've been home, I've been eating (I lost 8 lb), sleeping, sitting on my butt and catching up on my writing. I'm behind on a book revision, but as of tonight I only have one chapter left. Yippee!

On the humurous side, I've been eating an entire Cadbury milk chocolate bar each day since I've been home

I miss my friends and my sister San Jacinto -- I'll see you all soon.

I am doing the High Sierra trail with Sally in September and will make sure I have a working camera.

Miles of smiles and hugs,
Ellen

[Zé]

now that was a TR! awesome job Ellen!

[NormaR]

Ellen,

so what's new? been up to anything lately??

WOW!! what a personal challenge you endured and what an achievement you accomplished as a result of your brute strength and sense of humor. an "elite athlete" without your humility could never have stuck it out against the odds you were faced with. as the others said before me, you are still elite and you are made of IRON! even the little you loose when the red stuff finds a way to exit your body doesn't diminish the strength that comes from within.

i'm soooo happy for you and in such admiration of your fortitude.

thanks for taking us along with your excellent TR.

hugs!
norma