tyla
New Member
Posts: 1 
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Post by tyla on Feb 18, 2017 20:01:22 GMT -8
Hi,
I'm a 19 year old college student and I wanted to hike the JMT this July (would fly in July 8 start July 9). I have never had any backpacking experience but I have a ton of bike touring experience (I biked across America and Europe). I wanted a partner to hike the JMT with because I'm honestly super afraid to solo hike. I will warn you I am a pretty slow biker so I'm probably going to be a pretty slow hiker, so if you're down for taking your time on the trail it should be a ton of fun!
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markskor
Trail Wise!
Mammoth Lakes & Tuolumne Meadows...living the dream
Posts: 651 
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Post by markskor on Feb 19, 2017 20:01:08 GMT -8
You don't say from where you start your JMT...got your permit yet? Nice plan!
Finding someone on-line is OK I guess, but IMHO, not really recommended. In July, you will soon enough pass, camp with, play hopscotch with, hike at the same pace as, meet tons of others of the same age...be one of the JMT herd migration. Figure passing/ hiking/ being with 100+ others each day doing exactly what you are doing. You will not be alone.
Going solo and then just meeting up with someone on the trail, (and you will meet plenty), you get to see and then choose who you would like to hike with, camp with, see who hikes at the same speed, similar gear/age/ demeanor, and you are responsible to no other person. (Self-contained, you can always stop or go where and when).
Someone you meet on-line - (thus no previous time hiking with) may sound safer now, but then you are under an obligation...responsible. What if it doesn't work? He/she bails on you? Is incompatible? If you do find someone from the forum, recommend you both get your own (solo) permits.
Have fun, good luck, and just do it!
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,388
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 19, 2017 21:05:41 GMT -8
I do have one concern: as this season is shaping up, early July may not be possible for the JMT. Much could change, of course, but the snow load is impressive as of right now. It could be one of those years when high passes aren't passable until August.
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Post by majatrucco on Feb 21, 2017 8:29:02 GMT -8
Hi, I am 17 years old (18 in May) and looking to do the JMT this summer as well to start off my gap year, but in August. Wish our timing was more aligned, or I would have loved to join you! I can totally relate to not wanting to go solo, even if there are already lots of people hiking the trail. Good luck!  |
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,388
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 21, 2017 9:10:25 GMT -8
On reflection, I do have another concern: it's not clear if in your bike touring you've done a lot of camping. But since you have no experience backpacking, I would recommend that you work on getting some before you start the trail. Get your gear now, and spend some weekends practicing. Carry a heavy pack all day, make camp, fix your dinner--and try out all sort of foods to see what you really like when you're dead tired--and generally work to make yourself comfortable on the trail. Who knows--maybe you'll even find that going solo isn't the worst thing.
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canadug
Trail Ready!
Avid backpacker, mountaineer and rock climber living north of the 49th parallel
Posts: 7
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Post by canadug on Mar 29, 2017 17:50:40 GMT -8
As of today the snowpack in most of the Sierra is 270% of normal. Snow is still falling....You may want to have a plan B. The West Coast Mtn ranges have had monumental snowfall totals so far this Winter and Spring.
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Post by Dave Ayers on Mar 30, 2017 15:09:46 GMT -8
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canadug
Trail Ready!
Avid backpacker, mountaineer and rock climber living north of the 49th parallel
Posts: 7
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Post by canadug on Mar 31, 2017 13:20:58 GMT -8
Ooops...Yes it is about 170% but higher at certain locales in the Sierra.
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Post by bharmandvm on Apr 6, 2017 20:57:49 GMT -8
Hey Tyla. Great goal. Like others, suggest you get in some miles with pack before JMT. I am doing JMT solo in September right after labor day...fewer people and easier for permit and snow long gone. Cool land quieter in the fall. It is most incredible hike on the planet!
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Post by nishanth on May 16, 2017 21:38:41 GMT -8
Hi,
I am Nishanth from India. Had an amazing opportunity to get a masters degree in california, after 2 years now I m graduating my 20th and after that back to India. In these two years was fortunate enough to explore the natural beauty of this land, and boy I was stunned and speech less when I first experience the land of Yosemite. Fell in love with it and since then have been hooked to walk the entire jmt. But the numb ass I am I could not get a permit, and I don't have any other time to hike jmt except June through July. I am all set with my gear and everything needed except for the permits.it is super depressing of the thought that I could not hike.
The reasons for me writing this up is if any one has any last minut cancellations of have an extra permit as some one dropped the hike in ur team who are hiking jmt this June , if I could join the hike or me get the cancelled permit. That would turne my world into million lights.
I am planning to hike on June 11th.
Thank u!
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