Fwd: Dharma hike this summer on the John Muir trail

[Colin Leath]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: lesley McClintock <lesle...@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 3, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Subject: Dharma hike this summer on the John Muir trail



Hello friends. I hiked last summer a big portion of  the John muir trail and am excited to hike over 100 miles of the southern section, from Florence Lake into Evolution Valley, then to Mt. WHitney. I am inviting fellow rugged hikers or dharma practitioners to go on a hike. I think 2-5 people would be the ideal number.  I love the idea of meditating in the forest morning and evening, and practicing walking meditation, yoga, or reading some short books on the trail. It is amazingly sublime and beautiful up there in the high sierra! and it lends itself to spiritual growth. I have a lot of experience of hiking 60-100+ miles in the high sierra and trinity alps wilderness. I am a school teacher and have EMT training. Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me out there.
Anyway, The John Muir Trail is no joke! It usually involves a climb or descent of 2-3,000 feet if you hike 10-15 miles in a day. The trail is generally 8,000-12,000 feet in altitude.  If you are a runner or biker anyway, it should be fine. I am planning on hiking 10-12 miles a day, with a layover day every 3-4 days at a lake to rest and explore. We could hike more slowly, but that means a heavier pack b/c you have to carry more food. The re-supply points are limited on the southern section. One possible one is Road's End/ Cedar Grove where you can hike into KIngs CAnyon on the west side to buy food at the store or pick up a package. Another point is Kearsarge pass on the east side where you can hike out 7 miles to a road to meet a friend or hitchhike to the town of Independence on 395.  We will have to resupply once. I plan on travelling super light- about a 30 lb. pack at most with a rented bear can. I have an extra tent and pack to lend, but it
could be heavier.

The dates... I am doing a vipassana retreat until the 12th of July, so I am free after that. I was thinking mid- July start hiking and then hike into early August. If you want to join for a portion of the trip that is possible. The only tricky thing is getting a ride back if you hike one way. If you hike and then turn back and return the same way, that would work too.  If you are seriously interested, write or call me. I can get the entry permits from Kings canyon and/ or sierra nat'l forest. They cost $5 each though. (Hey that's pretty good for weeks of camping!) YOu would just have to buy your dehydrated food, gear, and arrange to ride with me or someone else. Overall- it's pretty cheap to travel in the wilderness!
Anyway, it is truly amazing to be out there on the trail.

I might be up for additional hikes in Yosemite or Kern Canyon in Sequoia in August.

Thanks, Lesley 510-649-1352 evenings

Maybe I will set up a short planning/ info. meeting on Tues. the 9th at 6, so stay tuned.