A lake named Wanda
We stayed in the Evolution Basin at 11,400 feet last night. There is ice on my sleeping bag, but my water bottle didn't freeze.
Many people camped up in this high-elevation spot last night. We saw a party of seven on the other side of Wanda Lake.
The lake is named for one of John Muir's daughters. It is surrounded by glaciers and 13,000-foot peaks. No wonder we couldn't find a place to send over the satellite phone.
We'll be moving down LeConte Canyon, probably dropping 4,000 feet in the next day and a half and then beginning another slow ascent of 12,080-foot Mather Pass.
Comments
This is great, I really wish I was with all of you!
HAppy Trails.
Posted by: Rich | August 24, 2006 01:47 PM
Anyone out there wondering if Mark & Mark are ok?
a worried wife.
Posted by: susan grossi | August 26, 2006 11:06 AM
I'm checking in several times a day hoping to read of their hike but having been there, i know it can be very difficult to establish contact with that phone system. susan, i'm sure he's doing fine on the trail. those two together, a patched pair, and well-experienced. probably over 100 years outdoors wisdom combined, eh???
eric zamora
Posted by: eric | August 26, 2006 06:15 PM
Ditto on the concern Susan. But I agree with Eric. Having tried to use GPS in the high country, even satelites can be out of reach. Having corresponded with Mark over the last couple of years, I'm sure he will be OK. See my comments elsewhere on his blog.
Posted by: Yosemite Dan | August 27, 2006 07:15 AM
Hey Mark -
I'm reading your updates but I have yet to see you hiking the JMT. Where are the blisters and callouses? Are you taking your vitamins, Rogaine and energy bars? Have you called Susan yet? I must see photos of you hiking in that beautiful place - I'm beginning to think you are in your office with your fifty something legs perched on your desk having a good laugh at all of us for believing a somewhat older guy like you could do something that is usually reserved for 20 or 30 year olds.
I need proof!!!!
TG
Posted by: Toni Grossi | August 27, 2006 12:11 PM
Am enjoying the blog and the comments posted by the reporters, friends and readers. Diana Marcoms postings were of real interest to me. Her 8 day backpack for roughly 80 miles was a real accomplishment for a first time backpack. If I remeber my statistics, most intial backpackers go for 2 nights, 8-10 miles. Congradulations Diana. I can feel her blisters, difficult stream crossings, lack of a nice comfortable warm bed and the occasional person who is not always as considerate as he/she should be. I any case, thanks to the walkers and the beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Ron Mackie | August 28, 2006 08:25 AM