Iva Bell Hot Springs, a PCT/JMT Alternate Route

From Reds Meadow, where we devoured eggs and purchased more round pills, we veered off from the PCT/JMT towards the Fish Creek trail to head down and then up to Iva Bell hot springs, some 12 miles away.  After a burned section we passed through this amazing granite canyon.

Taun Taun writes, "Bright and early, I made my way slowly to the Red's Meadow Cafe, hoping eggs and pancakes would be medicine to my tendons. Where the cooked food seemed only to serve my hunger, the round pills helped push me forward. I leapt ahead of the group feeling invincible under the spell of modern medicine. I took in the awe, traversing across vast stretches of granite overlooking endless canyons."

And then, after descending to Fish creek, we ascended the valley among the biggest old growth trees that I saw along the John Muir Trail or Southern California...giant cedars and giant jefferson pines.

El Brujo among the big trees

"Eventually the awe and the drugs wore off as I slugged my way into Fish Creek Valley. Only 3 miles to Iva Bell Hot Springs. Somehow those three seemed like ten meandering through the giant incense cedars. J Bear, was on the same train with me, his feet riddled with blisters. His soft, deep Texas voice, carried me along as we wound up 14 miles for the day, camped out at the base of the Springs. Dan and Jamie had arrived earlier in the day. Phil with his quick feet and Rich with his magic Chopats, a couple hours before us. We joined the party with beers, and soaked our troubles away, at least for the moment.  With Brian's ankles, my tendons, and J Bears blisters we called a moratorium for day 4. Sought magic in the combination of cold streams and hot pools that dotted up the hillside. Happened upon Bruce, the Iva Bell host, who showed us all the right spots. Bruce was a middle-aged drunk from Anchorage, rumored to have been hanging around the Springs for weeks living off of the extra booze and freeze dried dinners left by visitors. Was feeling a bit better by day's end, giving myself a 50/50 shot of calling quits at Muir Trail Ranch down the trail." 
- Taun Taun

At the Springs...where we rested for two nights and nursed our sore feet and legs and El Brujo and Taun Taun rested their more severe injuries, employing some hydrotherapy to speed the recovery process while the rest of us hoped they would be able to continue the hike with us.

There were a couple springs way above the others with a spectacular view.

"At dusk, Dan and Jamie made their way back to Red's, sadly parting ways, wishing me strength and wisdom.  Possible the wishes meant something, as I zoomed up and over the ridge the next morning into Cascade Valley on the way back to the JMT. Feeling amped enough to slide ass-first down a cascade during our daily dip." 

- Taun Taun

To return to the PCT/JMT, we went up Cascade Valley with many waterfalls and swim holes along the way.  Here, Taun Taun prepares to go down the water slide.

John Muir Trail in Ansel Adams Wilderness: Garnet Lake to Devil's Postpile

Above Garnet Lake at dusk...While Phyzio taped El Brujo's sprained ankle and Taun Taun provided round pills, I scrambled across some rocks to take pictures.

And above Garnet Lake at dawn on our second morning on the trail...
"The sun cast pink and vanilla pastels over the gorgeous lake the next morning as we packed up and headed for Red's Meadow. My old pal Jamie was rumored to be meeting us along the way, known more for his big heart than knack for logistics. He'd be escorting Dan back to Reno a few days later, but'd come along for some fun in the mean time."  - Taun Taun

In the above photo, you can see Itchy and his tent in the foreground.

We came across three lakes with sandy beaches and we swam in most of 'em.
"We made it down the hill for our first genuine lake baptism. Nudists, us all, we stripped down and basked in the sunshine and cold water of Shadow Lake. What'd become a daily ritual, boosting our power for the next stretch. I marched forward, but the pain of my blisters turned into something deeper, something I wasn't prepared to face." - Taun Taun

Rosalie Lake

Gladys Lake
"Started as tightness in my foot, then fire in my achilles. By late afternoon, I was hobbling my way down the mountain. Step-by-step. Dang inserts, with your dang hard plastics. Like a true trail angel, came across Jamie and he carried my bag the final mile of the day, as we crept into Devil's Postpile after a 13 mile romp for the day. I was delirious. El Brujo hit me with all types of homeopathic tinctures and salves he'd brought along. A little slop, and I splayed out on my mat under stars, covered in Lavender Oil, looking for a cure." - Taun Taun

Exhausted at the end of the day in Devil's Postpile Monument

Start of the John Muir Trail: From Tuolumne Meadows to Thousand Island Lake

The boys on Highway 120 near Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park before our car drops: gazing and capturing the rising moon.  We started the Pacific Crest Trail heading south from Tuolumne Meadows and soon joined the famed John Muir Trail for the beginning of an epic 200+ mile journey together and the start of my continuation of the PCT south to Mexico.

Itchy in the meadow of Lyell Canyon in Yosemite below some waterfalls

Phyzio takes in his surroundings

Our first swim break, Lyell Canyon

Nearing Donahue Pass...

"We got our go late in the afternoon after picking up bear canisters and a fishing permit. Wandered along the pleasant streams and delicate meadows of Lyell Canyon, working 8 miles towards the base Donahue Pass. A nice first dinner on big granite slab along Kuna Creek and what would become our usual impulsive night time decision to camp at some patch along the trail. It was more of an exhaustive collapse than discovery of temporary domicile.

Day 2 brought the challenge of our first big guy, Donahue pass. We jammed up switch backs in the morning, grabbing brunch at a high elevation creek overlooking the whole dang valley. Salami and mustard tortilla gave me the power to whip up that hill. Hiking sure has a way of releasing all the little gas molecules  tucked in your sub-cockles, offering mini power boosts along the way. Big granite steps above tree line led me to top of Donahue at 11056 ft. Little did I know this would be a mere bump in the road compared to the later behemoths. " 

-Taun Taun

Deepak Chopat

Fire Belly

The Brothas

Gotta eat that food weight

Phyzio and Taun Taun atop Donahue Pass...

Johnny Muir

Bear and Itchy

The crew with Banner Peak in the background