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DO HARD THINGS

Just got back from a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip with my 21yo daughter in Yosemite – my annual “Misogi.” Needless to say (if you’ve been to Yosemite), it was an epic adventure. And, it was hard – really, really hard. We’ll both never forget it.  Of course, if you’ve read my emails, you’ll know I’ll have some metaphors of lessons from my experience on the mountain. But first, the backstory:

I planned this trip about 3 months ago, since Yosemite requires a permit for backpacking which are issued via a lottery system on their website. It was relatively easy to get the permit, and admittedly, the trails and backcountry were virtually unpopulated – when we did cross paths with other backpackers, we usually stopped and traded greetings and campsite tips. Parking was not too difficult. We arrived in the late afternoon on Tue and spent the first night in a cabin at Curry Village in the valley – our basecamp. On Wed morning we left our car at Curry and took the shuttle to the trailhead. We accidentally got off a stop too soon and decided to start our hike a little sooner – adding a full mile to our trek. In hindsight we should have waited for another shuttle. Backpack weights: #50 for me. #20 for my daughter, Alana.

Standing in the valley and looking up at Yosemite Falls is a jaw-dropping experience. Realizing the only way up is almost a full vertical climb is a bit overwhelming. At the trailhead with Alana, I had to muster some false courage to begin the task. I knew we were going to suffer. Our climb began at 4000ft. elevation and peaked at 6800ft. – in 3.5 miles. With the exception of a .5 mile traverse at the halfway point, the trail was essentially steep switch backs all the way up, with the sun on our back most of the day. At about 2.5 miles in, we finished the last of our water – I underestimated our demand due to the heat. The last mile was steep and brutal. We took breaks every 2 switch backs. Day-hikers returning from the top offered us encouragement and plenty of accolades for making the climb with full packs. And, the stunning views at every turn were an awesome distraction from the task at hand. When we finally arrived at the top of the climb, 4.5 hours after our start, we both felt an incredible sense of accomplishment, relief and surprisingly – energy. We quickly found a beautiful creekside campsite with a park-approved fire pit. Two hours later we had dinner and down for the night. 

The next two days went by fast, 5-6 miles of beautiful hiking along the rim of the canyon, another campsite, and then a long, steep downhill to the valley (5mi flat + 3mi, 2800′ elevation drop). At the end of the trip we were completely smoked, but feeling a strong sense of accomplishment & pride (especially me for my daughter).

Now, sitting at my desk, fully recovered, here’s my final take-aways & metaphors from this epic trip:

• Plan for the unexpected. A little more research would have helped me prepare for the heat – and water needs. My filtration system saved the day fortunately.
• Push through fear. Or, as I like to tell my daughter, “pilots can’t panic because they’re still have to fly the plane. So, when shit hits the fan, keep flying the plane.”
• Be on the lookout for motivation everywhere. At 2/3rds of the way to the top while taking a break we were quickly passed by a tan, shirtless dude in shorts with no pack, no water and NO FNG SHOES running to the top! When I complemented his awesome effort (on hot, dirty, gravel & granite stone trail) he stopped and said to us: “thank you – I’m impressed you’re doing this with a backpack.”  We were humbled and very motivated to press on. 
• Do Hard Things. A physically hard challenge is powerful elixir for the body and mind. Consider committing to one very hard thing each year  (your Misogi). 

And, feel free to reach out for any information on backpacking in Yosemite. 

#notai #itsup2us