Pam and I drove to Yosemite Friday afternoon and stayed over at a hotel that night so she could get an early start on the John Muir Trail Saturday morning.  After a fitful night, we were off to Tuolumne Meadows, about a 90 minute drive from our hotel.

Permit in hand, we found the trail head and were on our way–the plan was for me to hike with Pam the first mile.  Mainly, we were just putting off the moment when we had to say goodbye for as long as possible.

Where you at, John Muir?

Here’s Pam at the official trail head; packed and ready to go.  Her pack was heavy, and we debated pulling some items out to lighten the load, but in the end, she decided to go with what she had.

We hiked together for about a mile, making small talk.  Finally, the time came to say goodbye.  That part was rough.

I watched her walk into the woods, and it was only moments before she was out of sight.

Pam is carrying a satellite communication device.  I do not recall what we paid for it–couple hundred maybe.  Whatever we paid, it is worth 10 times that price to be able to communicate with her in near real time.  In fact, Pam composed her first report from the trail via her device:

Long, hard day, for many reasons.  But I made it to my first campsite.  Beautiful.  All is well.

Gone Girl (no, not like the movie)

Here first day was just shy of 10 miles.  She camped at the base of her first big pass.  Today, Sunday, she climbed that pass, and another, before making camp at the top of a ridge overlooking a lake.  It was another very challenging day.  Pam reports the air quality has taken a turn for the worst.  We checked for fires in the area, and while there are several burning in the Sierras, none are close to Pam at the moment.

As of an hour ago, Pam had finished dinner and was set up for the evening.  Although the temperature has been dropping into the 40’s overnight, she is well equipped and has been staying warm.

Thanks to everyone who has asked about Pam and for those good people who are remembering her in their prayers.  Check back here for updates on the regular.