I’m leaving in a few days for a northbound hike of the John Muir Trail. I’m starting at the Cottonwood Pass trailhead and am planning for 23 days on the trail.

I am posting an account of my hike on Trail Journals at http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/22515 just in case you are interested in reading about my trip. Sign the guest book if the mood strikes you.

At present, all the journal contains is accounts of my efforts to get ready. I will not be posting while I am on the trail, rather, I will keep a written journal while hiking and then transcribe it, with embellishments and photos, to Trail Journals when I get back.

I’m feeling a bit less sanguine about this trip than I have in the past; I’m 80 this year and certainly don’t feel as strong as I did on my last JMT walk four years ago. I plan to keep my pace slow and my daily mileage to an average of about 10 miles per day. Still, I’m excited to be going and optimistic that it will go just fine.

Good luck, Pika! Your fellow octogenarians are rooting for you!

You'll only be hiking 10 miles a day? Up and down 12,000 ft. passes? If I have even 3/4 of your hiking abilities at age 80, I will be extremely happy about that. Good luck . Bring back good memories and lots of photos!

Good luck on the JMT! I've enjoyed your Trail Journal entries, and looking forward to more...and pictures.

Have a great trip, Pika. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, it’s still a successful trip - the parameters just got tweaked to a more realistic level!

I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and pop out at the other end just fine.

You rock, Pika!

I'm jealous! Good luck Pika!

Have a great time Pika! I just got back from a Sierra trip, went in over Kearsarge Pass, then Glen Pass, traveled a bit of the JMT, but cut off over to 60 Lakes basin. Rainy afternoons, but beautiful mornings and evenings.

Check the Cal Fire map before heading down, we could smell a bit of smoke on our way out over Kearsarge.

And I think you'll rock the hike. One of our group of three is 78. :-)

Thanks everyone! I’m finishing packing today and leaving bright and early tomorrow. I’m getting excited!

I’m on my way. Heading to I-19 and then to Tucson and I-10. Then, to Phoenix and Parker and Needles where I’ll spend the night. Next day to Lone Pine then I’ll start walking on August 2nd. I’m hoping for good weather and a steady tailwind. Back in a bit under a month😀.

Good luck and smoke-free skies!

Smoke might get interesting as you approach Yosemite. We even have some of that smoke up here in the Portland area, although fortunately only in the upper atmosphere where it's blocking the hot sun a bit. Here's hoping the wind blows away from you while you're there!

Looking forward to hearing from you when you come out the other end!