The journey begins ...
If you've been following preparations for The Bee's John Muir Trail adventure, then you know that our first pair of backpackers is, ahem, inexperienced.
Perhaps that's why we haven't heard yet from Diana Marcum and Darrell Wong.
But we're happy to report that the first day was successful.
Bee outdoors writer Marek Warszawski joined Diana and Darrell for the start of the hike. Marek reports that they left the Happy Isles trailhead at 10 a.m. Tuesday and arrived at their campsite about 4 p.m. tired but in good spirits. Marek returned to Yosemite Valley on Tuesday evening.
The campsite was near the junction with the Clouds Rest Trail, 6.7 miles up the John Muir Trail.
Stay tuned for updates.
Comments
I just read today's blog and I'm glad to hear the packers made it in good shape after their first hiking day. Now, they're experienced backpackers!
Posted by: Patti Ogden | August 9, 2006 11:13 AM
I believe we have confirmation that they have "made it/completed their first day" but I think "good shape" is relative...just as is the word "Success". Success to me is that the helicopter "life bird" did not pick up anyone off the mountain trail on day one...now that is success indeed!!!! Tonight...a few friends will gather and roast...no...I mean "toast" Diana as she makes her way through this once in a life time experience. WE feel it is important to relish the "Diana we once knew" and anticipate/make wagers...on what the NEW Diana will be like upon her return. Will the backpack serve as a new pillow for Mac...or will she be ready to hike Everest in the Spring of 2007! Cheers Diana!!!! (and Darrell)
Posted by: Slaten R. Van Saun | August 9, 2006 12:46 PM
I'll wager that she DOES use the backpack for another adventure, even if she insists she will not. $40 for a burner, $200 for Boots, $60 for Capilene outdoor apparel, a backpack that does not fit into her "color scheme"... priceless.
Posted by: Murrmahn | August 9, 2006 09:14 PM
Frankly, I had my doubts. But one day leads to the next. Hurrah!
Posted by: Larry | August 9, 2006 10:08 PM
I heard from Darrell this evening. I got a call on my cellphone at about 9:15. They were about 10 miles from Tuolumne Meadows. They were able to leave a message on the blog phone line and he transmitted five photos. He says they are doing fine but sounded really tired. The area that they were in was too covered for them to lock on to the satellite for the phone to work. They need a clear, low shot to the southeast as the satellite they need to hit is somewhere over the South Atlantic.
Bill Haines
Director of Photography
The Fresno Bee.
Posted by: Bill Haines | August 9, 2006 11:17 PM