We were back on the trail by 8:30 a.m., but the unusual heat wave from Day 1 had not broken. The temperature rose quickly, and the morning soon became another demanding test.

Our primary objective was Clouds Rest. This was the first of a few planned detours from the JMT—opportunities to add sights, experiences, and miles to our journey. We chose this side trip because it offered spectacular views of Yosemite Valley while allowing us to get a bit deeper into our John Muir Trail itinerary. Half Dome was the more popular choice, but Clouds Rest made more sense for this journey. We promised ourselves we would return and complete Half Dome another time.

Because we would be returning to the same campsite before continuing south, we left our tent, bear canisters, and everything we did not need for the climb behind. We carried only what we needed for the day.

A glowing seedhead beside the trail in morning sunlight
Morning light along the trail.
Yellow wildflowers beneath distant Sierra peaks
Small details beneath the mountains.

Not long after leaving camp, I suddenly could not remember whether I had properly closed our bear canisters.

They held nearly a week’s worth of food. If I had left them unsecured, we could return to find our food gone—and our carefully planned journey in serious trouble.

I had to go back.

Fortunately, we had hiked only about a quarter mile. Lynlee waited on the trail while I hurried back to camp. When I arrived, I discovered that I had closed both canisters correctly.

Better safe than really sorry.

The detour added about half a mile to the day and planted a permanent reminder in my mind: always double-check the bear canisters before putting on the pack.

When I caught up with Lynlee, I found her feeling a little uneasy after waiting alone in the wilderness. We quickly exchanged updates from our 15 minutes apart, regrouped, and continued toward Clouds Rest.

The trail was less traveled than the JMT and took us through stretches of rough, shrubby vegetation. Lynlee was also struggling to feel like herself. We did not know it then, but she would later discover that she had COVID. Not a great way to start the JMT. The difficult beginning, growing heat, and demanding climb made the morning feel heavier than we had expected.

Still, we kept moving toward the anticipated Clouds Rest.

The rocky granite approach to the summit of Clouds Rest
The exposed granite approach to Clouds Rest.

Along the way, we met a woman named Sue. We stopped to talk, listened as she shared part of her story, and learned that she had been exploring Buddhism. She was also open to hearing about our faith in Christ.

We had the privilege of encouraging her and praying for her injured hip, asking God to make His care and work evident in her life. It was another one of those trail moments that reminded us the journey was about more than miles, mountains, and destinations.

God had brought us across the path of someone in whom He was already working.

Eventually, the difficult trail led us to the final approach to Clouds Rest. Reaching the summit required crossing a narrow, catwalk-like ridge that tested the nerves a little, but the view waiting for us was extraordinary.

Half Dome and Yosemite Valley seen from Clouds Rest
Half Dome and Yosemite Valley from Clouds Rest.

From the summit, Yosemite Valley stretched out beneath us. Granite peaks, distant ridges, and the vast wilderness surrounded us in every direction. Photographs can preserve part of the view, but they cannot fully capture either the beauty or the uneasiness of that final approach.

Standing there, we were reminded again of the glory of our Creator—a theme we would revisit many times during the weeks ahead.

Layered granite slabs and distant peaks from Clouds Rest
Granite stretching toward the distant peaks.
A broad view across the high Sierra from Clouds Rest
The High Sierra opening before us.

After enjoying the summit, we retraced our steps and returned to our basecamp. We could easily have stopped for the day, but we surprised ourselves by packing everything and continuing another mile and a half toward our next campsite.

We did not regret the decision, but those final miles were slow. By the end, we were performing what I began calling the “hiker shuffle”—the short, weary stride of people trying to squeeze a few final miles out of bodies that were completely spent.

This would not be the last time for this shuffle.

Wildflowers and new growth among fire-scarred trees beside the trail
New growth along the fire-scarred trail.

Eventually, we shuffled into camp near the highest crossing of Sunrise Creek. We were exhausted, dirty, and grateful. Twelve miles and 2,714 feet of climbing were behind us.

We celebrated with Sweet Potato Chicken Curry with Rice.

What a Day 2.

A lightweight tent pitched among tall trees near Sunrise Creek
Our campsite near the highest crossing of Sunrise Creek.

Looking back

Reflections from Day 2

Highlight

Standing together on the summit of Clouds Rest—and meeting Sue and having the opportunity to encourage and pray for her.

Low Point

The difficult start to the morning, especially with Lynlee not feeling like herself, followed by the frustration of turning back to check the bear canisters.

Lesson Learned

Double-check the important things before moving on. A few seconds spent checking the bear canisters would have prevented extra mileage and unnecessary worry.

Seeing God at Work

It was beautiful to see how God was already working in Sue’s life and then gave us the opportunity to listen, share our faith, and pray with her. We had no doubt that He brought us into the path of someone He was already pursuing.

Gear Lesson

Last night, I improvised a small trail shower by poking holes in a water-bottle cap. Squeezing the bottle produced a simple spray that helped us get a little cleaner. The water was cold, but even a small “shower” felt surprisingly refreshing.