My husband Jason and I set a goal to hike to the top of Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite on a Saturday in July. We knew it would be difficult.
According to the trail sign, it was 21 miles round trip according to the mileage sign about 1/2 mile into the John Muir/ Mist Trail. Plus probably about a 1/2 mile to the truck beyond the trailhead… all said, it was about 24 miles. And we climbed 6,100 feet from the valley floor of Yosemite up to Cloud’s Rest.
We laid our clothes out the night before.
We planned and prepped everything for an early morning departure, including the hour and a half drive to the trailhead.
We were on the trail by 7 am.
Then, we tackled the mountain one step at a time.
We took several few minute breaks throughout the day.
We drank a LOT of water.
We managed our electrolytes using salt supplements which helped keep from cramping.
We ate small meals often.
And around 2 pm, we made it to the top.
To say the views were spectacular and breathtaking would be an understatement…however, they were.
Once we made our way down, we celebrated the fact that this was the hardest day hike we’ve ever accomplished. We congratulated each other and relished in what we had done. John Muir had it right when he said, “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
What are you doing to celebrate yourself in the goals you achieve?