Emily and I were able to hire a ride from VVR to our trailhead. Another gentleman accompanied us on the ride as he would be rejoining the JMT along our same route.  We shared enjoyable  conversation and learned this man was completing a solo journey he had to abandon last year. I was inspired to give him an art-prayer card and share that He would never be truely alone on the trail and that God loved him and would be with Him. This man went ahead without Emily and I with renewed faith in his heart and joy in his step.

We hiked for the rest of the morning along the bear ridge trail headed in the direction of the infamous “Bear Ridge” with the 90 something switchbacks we were avoiding. The views were breathtaking.  The dry, stock trail was clearly marked and easy on our feet. Thankfullness rose in me as my rhythm matched the cadance of the songbirds and  movements of wind rustling through the trees.

Our first night back in the wilderness we camped alongside Bear Creek and then hiked up increasing elevation to Marie Lakes and a beloved secret campground Doug discovered in the 8o’s.  Finally we hiked over our easiest pass yet “Selden Pass” and down past  beautiful Heart Lake and Salley Keys Lakes, and down more until reaching the Muir Trail Ranch and Zero days with Doug resupplying us.  ​

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