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Day 1 - Yosemite: Happy Isles to Sunrise Creek (8 mi, 3430 ft relief). The start of John Muir Trail at Happy Isles trailhead (4051 ft) in Yosemite Valley. The trail begins with its steepest climb, an ascent of 5652 feet from the trailhead to Cathedral Pass, before descending to Tuolumne Meadows. The original plan was to start in Tuolumne Meadows, and allow 21 days to finish. However, I arrived a week early and got in the permit line in Yosemite Valley at 5 am Sunday morning. After a 6 hour wait I was able to get a permit to leave the next day from Happy Isles. The change in plans adds 22 miles and 4500 feet elevation gain to the hike. I am also carrying four days of food, more than necessary for the two day hike.

All images copyright © 2013 F.W. Vollmer and may not be used without permission.