JMT Day 5 – June 5, 2012

Zero day in Lyell Canyon.

Free Maps Online – Day 5 – Zero – Map 14

Photos Open to the Public on Facebook

Last night was the coldest so far and one of the coldest we would face on the whole trip, and it was the warmest I had been thus far. All the new gear worked splendidly and the feet-in-stuff-sack trick, Brilliant!

Despite that. It was still very cold outside when I awoke. As expected, my boots were frozen solid. There was frost all over my tent inside and out. I spent quite a while trying to light a fire with wet wood. My efforts succeeded in wasting all of my fire-starter (dryer lint) much of our “excess” paper, and I got a wicked nice burn on the tip of one finger.

But, the sun came out and started to work its magic. Jake and I had a quick discussion and both agreed to take a zero, get our gear dried out, and let Donahue Pass – our first real test a few miles ahead – thaw out for the day as well.

With that choice made, we spread our gear out on large flat rocks in the sun and enjoyed a lazy day in the beauty of Lyell Canyon. We did eat a little too much of our extra/emergency food and squandered some iPod power as well – but it was a lovely time.

Stay tuned as the walking begins again on Day 6