https://youtu.be/yE6kzxqIoew
This trip had me in the wilderness for 5 days and 4 nights. 2 of those nights no one near me at all. The other 2 nights a few other backpackers shared the same mountain. I was aware of my slowness as other folks passed me on the tail but I took the slow and steady pace on the uphill climbs. I can say I had to face my fear of heights on the narrow granite ledge on the way up to clouds rest summit. It was accelerating to reach the top and take in the most amazing few. The delightful moments were the trail conversations with other hikers and enjoying the beautiful landscape. The challenging moments included the pesty mosquitoes, almost water filter malfunction and one splat face down in the ground. This trip the big decision was to leave the stove and tent behind so my backpack weight was 36 pounds. Still to much but the best i could do at reducing.
Trip highlights included reading a Dallas Willard book, helping a lost hiker on the trail and standing in awe after scrambling up the half dome cables. i became the photographer as hikers moved out on the diving board for the one of a kind picture. I finally decided I could be brave enough and ventured out on the ledge myself. My 35 mile left me feeling accomplished!
