I'm gonna hike the JMT in August, starting next week, beginning in Yosemite Valley and finishing at Mt. Whitney.  Instead of working on meal planning today (I have to ship the resupplies tomorrow), I'm spending time putting my trip plans on the web.  Hmmm.

The red dots in the JMT Elevation Profile below will lead you to topo maps that show the relevant section of the trail. 

The spreadsheet at the bottom shows mileages and elevations. 

I've got my fishing pole, camera, solar charger, a solo tent, a lightweight  but warm down jacket for the cool nights, and a great pair of boots.  I may even take my backpacking espresso maker.  No (practical) way to offer updates along the way, but maybe I'll keep a journal so I can share a story when I get back. 

Wish me luck! That is, if you believe is that kind of thing.

   <------ Click here for Current weather (might be a little dark at night)

My route superimposed on a non-current weather shot  --->>>

Click the map to the left for current weather.

Aug 1:  My friend, Eric, the one who introduced me to backpacking and the Sierras 2 years ago, suggested I spend the last night on top of Mt. Whitney.  So, that's the new plan.  I'm too lazy to change the chart.  You can move dot 18 up the mountain using the powers of your mind.  The new moon will be night 16, just 2 nights before my Whitney sleepover.  The stars should be spectacular from the highest point in the continental U.S. 

Aug 2:  Because you can, here's the link to track my resupply bucket on its separate journey to Muir Trail Ranch.  I need it by day 10 (Aug 16th).   You're looking at nearly 20 lbs of dried everything on the floor, just before I tried (unsuccessfully) to stuff it all into that 5 gallon paint bucket.  Hmmm, clean socks or 2 dinners, socks or dinner, hmmm.   And some of you are wonder this:  "He's struggling to get all that food into a 5 gallon paint bucket.  How does he expect to make it fit into a much smaller bear can? Afterall, doesn't the bear can have to fit in his backpack?"  Good question.  Quick arithmetic, 9" diameter, 14" high cylindrical bear can holds 3.86 gallons.  I hope I got that right.  So I'll need to give everything a good scrunch, and I should be able to carry lunch and dinner for the first day after resupply outside the bear can.  And maybe I'll just eat what doesn't fit. 

Muir Trail Ranch's web site makes resupply seem easy.  I'll report later about how it turned out. 

Aug 3: The USPS has delivered, thru sleet, thru snow, this time thru total darkness.  I took the bucket to the Saratoga Post Office yesterday afternoon--a few minutes ago I received (automated, no less) email confirmation that it's been delivered to Muir Trail Ranch's PO box in Lakeshore.  Overnight delivery of 20 lbs of plastic paint bucket stuffed food.  Amazing.  Way to go, US Postal Service!  Now Muir Trail Ranch has the best part of 2 weeks to pack it in via strong hoofed animal to the ranch.   Now it would be really cool if my carbon fiber expedition-sized bear canister showed up outside my door...

Aug 4: Bear can arrived on schedule.  Last stages of packing today and tomorrow, and off I go.