The John Muir Trail: Where Talking About the Weather is Not Small Talk by Kendall Lam, DBSA CA Board President
- alombardi16
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
“Looks like you’ve got a storm to outrun,” said the weathered old man with his wife to me as I made my way out of Devil’s Postpile National Monument around 3:30pm. As I looked up, I saw I was just at the edge of the storm as the sun peaked through the clouds towards the clear blue skies ahead. I could hear the thunder behind me every so often breaking the rhythm of my hurried footsteps and labored breathing. I felt alive, in tune with the beauty and the dangers of mother nature.
That was day 5 of my 16-day journey on the John Muir Trail (JMT) which covered the official 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney - note: I ended up hiking 244 miles in total with detours to resupply and a side quest to Half Dome. What compelled me to decide on doing the entirety of the JMT which traverses 9 high Sierra passes over 10,000 feet and ends at the highest peak in the lower 48 states alone? The spirit of adventure, the call of the wild, and perhaps an escape from what Thoreau referred to as the “quiet desperation” of normal life.
Whilst I started the journey by myself, I ended with fond memories of folks I met along the trail whether for a brief moment of connection or a few days of companionship as well as stark and stunning vistas of alpine lakes, jagged palisades bordering the paths to epic mountain passes, and wildlife that would hardly bat an eye as we humans entered their home habitats (sadly but fortunately no bear sightings). Here are some of the lessons I took away as I reflected on our own precious DBSA community:
“The weather in the Sierras is dynamic.” -
Said unironically by a late 60s Pacific Crest Trail hiker after I told her the satellite weather report of clear mostly sunny skies for the rest of the day as encouragement for us to continue the 3,000 foot climb over the upcoming pass. No more than 60 seconds later the sky called the bluff and started hailing. It was a perfectly timed reminder that no matter how much we try to predict and control outcomes, life can take a turn in any direction at any time. As a hiker, I tried not to be upset when it rained, hailed, sleeted, or gale force winds gushed through the valleys laying siege to my tent. Doing my best to prepare for all conditions, the cold rainy days made me appreciate the nourishing warmth of sun filled days that much more.
Trail Magic is real. -
Affectionately referred to as trail magic by thru-hikers are the generous acts of goodwill, random moments of synchronicity, and inspiring moments that help restore faith in humanity. I had the crazy idea of hiking 120+ miles from my first resupply straight to Mount Whitney, skipping the box of food I had stashed further along the trail. Through the kindness of folks I met on trail I was able to scrounge together enough food to make my goal a reality. Similarly, on a particularly lonely day when I hadn’t seen a soul in either direction for hours, I met and befriended a fellow JMT hiker. We hiked for the next 3 days through the worst conditions of my trip.
Lastly, I reflected on the immaculate condition of all 211 official miles of the JMT. At times, the trail was so well maintained, I felt like I was out for a neighborhood jaunt in the Berkeley Hills. Like DBSA has our facilitators, the National Parks and National Forests have dedicated rangers to ensure people follow rules that help preserve the pristine natural beauty for decades and hopefully centuries to come. The other unsung heroes of the trail are the trail maintenance workers (mostly volunteers) that work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of the trail, clearing downed trees, adding steps and switchbacks, positioning rocks at river crossings, etc. It proudly reminds me of our DBSA CA board working to ensure the lights stay on for our wonderful peer community.
Happy trails wherever your journey takes you!
Kendall Lam
Board President, DBSA CA
Thank you for these awesome insights, Kendall!