Those of you who have been reading the blog for years know that I don’t claim to be an expert on all things backpacking related, but I am a profoundly appreciative connoisseur of one thing: the hour-long, deeply satisfying, self indulgent, trail-side break. There is nothing I enjoy more!
Like most things, you will get a better experience if you put some thought into it. Here’s what I look for:
~ A Great Spot. I even go as far as doing a satellite map reconnaissance for places weeks before I hit the trailhead. Here are the key ingredients: a flat area with a view, some shade, some water, a sunny area so I can recharge batteries with my solar panel, and the right distance from my last stop (and my next one). A perfect example is this spot on the way to Donohue Pass. If you needs some ideas, check this out.
~ Re-Hydrate. I carry a bladder, so I do much of my drinking while I’m walking. When I take a break I’ll often break out the drink powder and mix up a Nalgene bottle’s worth of something flavored. This is also how I get my caffeine on the trail, since I don’t drink coffee.
~ Some Snacks. If you aren’t snacking during your breaks there is probably something wrong. Most likely you are dehydrated or you are suffering a mild (if there are no other symptoms) case of altitude sickness. Or you brought the wrong food. So many people decide that they are going to “eat healthy” on the trail and bring food that they end up not eating. (Thus, the overflowing hikers barrels at Muir Trail Ranch.) I once carried sweets for breaks, but I no longer do so. After years of trial and error I have gone full circle and tend to eat during a break what I did thirty years ago: GORP (the simple, unimproved version of “good old raisins and peanuts”). Snacks provide energy, are a wonderful treat, and often lead to that most decadent element of a break…
~ A Nap. I’ve experienced some of the best parts of the Sierra Nevada with my eyes closed — just like a lizard on a rock. I even carry the fleece vest I wear around the campsite near the top of my pack so I can use it as a field-expedient pillow.
~ Knock Off Some Chores. Sure, it’s a break, but you do need to get a few things done. I’ll often purify water, slip off my boots and rub my feet (or soak them), make an entry into my journal and write some notes on the map, take some photos, do a navigation and “day’s progress” check, put some layers on or take them off, do some stretching (especially of my Achilles tendons), and check on any nagging injuries, like strains, scrapes or blisters. I’ll also do a map reconnaissance of the way ahead.
If you are going to thru-hike the JMT you are going to do some goal-setting. There are a certain number of miles you need to cover each day. That said, part of your planning should be to spend at least a little (and if you can afford it, more than a little) time just relaxing and enjoying where you are. There is no better way to do that than with a good break!
Good hiking, Ray
p.s. One of these is good to have, too!
Hi Ray,
Richard here! I had the pleasure of meeting you and Kathleen when I was hiking from Glacier Point. Finished my thru-hike on the 28th morning. I am back in Singapore now.
Great to hear from you and great to hear that you finished the hike! I am so pleased to hear that you made it all the way north and then all the way home. As you have no doubt heard, it turns out that you started at just about the perfect time. Just a few days after you started the Ferguson fire started and it is still burning. In fact, they have closed the valley entirely. Once again, congratulations on you terrific accomplishment. If you make it back to the USA (particularly the Sierra Nevada) let us know!
I did my break before Donohue at the same place you showed, Next time I’d like to camp there and do my breakfast break (I tend to want to just get going right away and then stop 1 hr later) at the little rock crossing up a bit further.
I have the Helinox Zero Gravity chair and I know it’s a complete luxury but I really enjoy it
It is a great area to camp, but a known bear hangout. Just be aware. Thanks for the comment! (Hurray for us chair enthusiasts!)
Hi Ray –
I’m still enjoying your tip about getting off the trail for breaks. It has improved my wilderness experience measurably. Consider re-running it. The word has NOT gotten out! Most hikers seem to plunk down right next to or even directly on the trail itself for breaks.
Of course, OTOH, I don’t see the hikers getting off trail for breaks!
Great point and thanks for the kind words!
Ray,
As you know, I am a big fan of your tips for making the JMT both pleasurable and memorable. My own partial hike experience last summer suffered from too aggressive an itinerary, unfortunately due to limited time available. But I did take your advice and bring that REI chair…and with my bad back, it was a lifesaver! That will take precedence over any other luxury items the next time I head to the wilderness. My friends laughed at me when we were in the planning stage, but nobody laughed after the first day on the trail. (-8. Always good to read your blog, I’ve picked up endless tips from you and they have proved their worth. Thanks for putting in the time and effort to keep us all on the right path. Aloha! Bob
Thanks, Bob! Appreciate the kind words. I use to say that the two things I most missed on the trail was a place to sit and a flat surface to put things on (other than the ground). This solves one at least.
What will the park service likely do if the fire prevents a start from an assigned start (Happy Ilses on 9/5)? Coming from out of state, I would like to know if I should reschedule my flight or even send my resupply to Tuolumne P.O. If my permit is no good I hesitate to invest more money or have my daughter take her valuable vacation days on a no-go.
If you are unable to reach your trailhead due to a park closure, and if another part of the park is open (e.g., if the valley is closed but Tuolumne is open), you can go to the wilderness center in the open portion of the park and they will likely work with you to make you happy. If the entire park is closed (e.g., for a government shutdown) wou will not be able to legally enter the wilderness. That said, as things look right now there should be problem from the Ferguson fire in early September. Good luck!