I FAILED to complete the John Muir Trail
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- In June 2022, I headed out on the John Muir Trail.
Unfortunately, the trip did not go as I expected!
I still managed to learn a lot and I am excited to get back out there! Shoutout to all the amazing people I met along the way. You will never know it, but you lifted my spirits when I was down - the people you meet on the trail are some of the most amazing people in the world!
Be sure to follow along on Instagram: / elsbethweeks
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The single most valuable thing you experienced hikers can do is to share hikes that weren't perfect. It makes the problems, obstacles and mistakes for us amateur hikers easier to accept and handle.
Yes, thank you so much for sharing this.
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Someone once told me while on trail "any hike is a good hike." No matter how short or long it is, it's still a good hike. An accomplishment to be proud of. It's not the destination, it's the journey, and you had an exquisite one. 💗
Sounds like that non-sensical, hokey "everyone deserves a participation trophy" wisdom that our increasingly effete society tries to bandage over every defeat or failure. She should feel down on her luck and depressed, as we all would in like circumstances. She put a ton of preparation into this hike, only to have the whole experienced ruined by a hapless "bug", virus, or whatever she had. Then comes someone with your hokey conciliation prize, which only rubs salt in the wounds, no matter how good intentioned.
Many people go into the mountains on backpacking trips to learn that there life is more comfortable than they thought and that's all they needed
This was a very moving video to watch. Not just from a backpackers perspective, but as a human. You showed your strength and your humanity here! A lot of this is symbolic of how life is and how hard it can be to ‘just keep walking’ sometimes. Sometimes life is so difficult, to the point of it seeming pointless! Well done and you are such an inspiration!
Thank you so much for such a nice comment - the whole experience was definitely a major learning lesson for me!
@@ElsbethWeeks my friends and I hiked the emigrant loop last year and we got caught in the worst hail storm I’ve ever experienced. Our hillside campsite was covered in marble sized hail within 10 min, and then a river in 20. We went through it all, panic, confusion, disorientation etc. One of my buddies thought he was going to die at one point.
Although I never want to do that again, that experience is part of me. So, your journey on John Muir resonated with me so much in that sense. Thanks again!
It's not an adventure if you know how it ends.
The wilderness is both brutal and beautiful. It's about the experience. You were brave enough to face what most people can only imagine.
You go.
Kudos for hiking what looks to be 138 +/- miles to Bishops Pass Trail, then another 10 +/- miles on Bishop Pass trail for a total of 148 +/- miles. That is no mean feat. You had the good sense to realize you were in over your head. Thanks for an important video.
You should be so proud of yourself. 18 miles in one day is a victory in itself. Some people can't even do that. You are a fighter,have perseverance, and fight for your goal. Covid is very tough to get over. Most people need 2 weeks doing nothing but resting. I love the rawness of your honesty and mind battles. This is one true blog that shows we are human and you have not failed. Do we truly need a point A to B to define our accomplishments. You defined the odds of carrying on. You girl, are a rock star. A shining star at that!
You didn’t fail, you had a hell of an experience. I’m 51 and only made it 30 miles this year on the jmt before my body said “no more”. Planned on 115 miles, but proud of the 30 I accomplished. Be proud of what you did, hiking straight up and down above 10,000 feet is no joke.
So sorry to hear all this, I know from experience hiking through an illness absolutely sucks. The trail is hard enough as it is and honestly I’m glad people can see this so they stop romanticizing thru hiking - it’s hard and can wear you down, but worth it for those that love it. Just everyone be aware that could very well be you on day 13 and it may not even be any illness.
My first 200 mile thru hike I got eaten by bugs, blisters, low on food, sunburnt, washed downstream in a river, mild hypothermia, and fought a bear. I feels u. You can do it!
Wow ! Where was this?
You fought a bear? Boss af
Lol fought a bear. Girl…
Elsbeth, awesome job!!!!! Remember, you control it; it does not control you. Doesn't matter how long or how many times you try, you have a whole life ahead of you. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. You can do this!!!!! Love, Aunt AnnMarie & Uncle Gus... GREAT JOURNEY...conquer it...you've got what it takes!!!!!❤😃👍👋
Such a sweet message! Great aunt and uncle!
Cool name 😎
Honestly knowing your limits is so important in these moments. Hikers never talk about the hardships they face on trails like this and this such a perfect example of knowing when to stop😊 great video
Yes and learning to accept what we are given with gratitude and humility
Let me update the headline for you: "I did MORE of the John Muir Trail than most people will ever do!" There all better. We hiked from the valley up to the top of Half Dome- about 12 hours. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't too tired- we made it back before dark.
The altitude, likely dehydration or bad water and the rigor of the whole thing was a lot to deal with and contributed to why you fell ill. I start to feel the same way hiking in Moab, UT- often on flat ground. The dry air gets you. You did great. It would have been better to set smaller goals next time- like half the distance and work your way up to the full trail. That way you can get a taste for it. Maybe you can look at this trip like that initial scouting expedition. It would also be good to bring a hiking buddy for support and definitely a GPS phone/locator just to be safe.
Better yet, for your next adventure, simply go to St. John, USVI. Put your feet up on a beautiful beach with a drink in your hand and call it a trip! Look up Trunk Bay. If you want to hike there you can too. You can also volunteer and walk some dogs at the local animal shelter- they love the exercise. Many adventures to be had out there.
Cheers!
Haha USVI sounds great! I’m well overdue for a beach vacation!
@@ElsbethWeeks You should seriously go. We have been about 5 times now. It's a paradise and easy to get to from the East Coast. If you are on the West Coast, there is Hawaii. czcams.com/video/ZSNyrBbsQZk/video.html
Aww Elsbeth! I was crying right along side you! Could feel your disappointment but I am so proud of you! Total badass and inspiring me to get out there too.
Lucy!! Thank you so much for watching and for such a thoughtful comment :)
You are a big person to show a trip that didn't go as well as hoped. You made a great video in the process and sparked a desire in me to do the JMT at some point - so you inspired! That is a reward in itself. Keep on trekking!
Thanks so much for sharing. I've been backpacking since 1957 when I was ten and I never did as long a hike as you just reported on. My longest hike was 13 nights and about 100 miles from Bishop to Whitney Portal in September of 1970 with my ex. It was a trip I will always remember. BTW, in 1970 we needed no permits, not even for Whitney, and we legally spent night 13 on Whitney's summit. No resupply but we started with two backpacks weighing 60 lb and 55 lb. Ugh. Now most of my trips are two or three nights, with starting weights 25 lb or less.
I am proud that you put a plan together and tried, most people would not. People fail everyday at different tasks. It seems like you learned a lot and your still alive ,so it's all good. You are an awesome human being and very inspiring. We love your show here in Arizona. The reason why I made it is because I just took my time and drank a lot of water. That was the single most important thing that I learned.
Some very cool trail sign there at the beginning. But that illness wrecked you. Kudos for trying to soldier on but yeah that sounded rough. Incredible country though - sorry you didn't get to finish the trail but your video was extremely well done.
had a similar experience...started June 19th at cottonwood and resupplied at muir ranch, and while we were planning 10 day carries, at muir ranch we decided to get out at reds and take a zero...we even resupplied, got a ride set up for the following day and on that day cancelled. so we did 180 Mike's of the 230 in 11.5 days..why didn't we finish..I needed more recovery time and we had limited time out there. I thought at this point the remaining 3 or so days was just to say I finished it..not worth it. good job...don't beat yourself up...
Fantastic editing. Thank you for keeping it real. The JMT will always be there and you will have a great appreciation for it when it calls you back.
This was a great video. I wouldn't call it a complete fail. The fact that you went out there means a lot. When it comes to health, you can only control what you can handle. The fact that you kept pushing says a lot of who you are as a person. Stay safe. ✌️
Thank you so much for the kind comment :)
@@ElsbethWeeks no problem. I have been running into mental block myself.
Thanks for sharing. Such a good video. Who says that the trail must begin here and end there? Look at what you accomplished. Fantastic! And so. Beautiful.
I admire your strength and courage….and your honesty! Godspeed for your next adventure…Thanks for sharing what all backpackers have felt at one time or another
Honestly being sick and then still trying to complete the trail is baddie behavior! You rock! Super proud of you , thanks for sharing your journey! I hope to try this trail as well one day ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing your adventure! It was sad to see you go through the lows of being sick during your adventure, and exciting to hear your renewed enthusiasm after making Muir Pass. Being so close, I hope you get (or got by now) the chance to finish the hike.
So sorry you were ill its no fun on the trail the end is always the start of another beginning remember that. Despite what you may think your fortitude was outstanding.
Hi there, I have hiked, fished, camped in Yosemite for many years...
My start points were from the valley most of the time. I know the trails exceptionally well. Nice you did this hike on your own. It says much about you. Pat yourself on the back every once in a while... Things happen, and your health is always more important than anything.
Your achievements will be many. Feeling down and sick is terrible but you are strong. And most importantly very Human 🙂
You didn't miss anything at Kearsage Pass. When I did my PCT attempt one of the straps on my bag died and after having already done the pass to exit and reenter the PCT I had to do it a third time. The best part of it was that on the day I did it I had already passed over Glen Pass and made it to Rae Lakes when my strap died so after jerry-rigging my bag back together I not only did Glen Pass for the second time that day I also hiked over Kearsage Pass for the second time in two days. It was really exciting. I ultimately managed to make it to Lake Tahoe before I was forced off trail due to problems with my home life and funding.
I can semi relate I was so afraid to hike alone due to some of the stories that I'd heard so I always hiked with others and I've never finished a single section due to it. it left me embarrassed and frustrated with myself for not overcoming my fears. One time I had planned a weekend hike with my son, mom and her boyfriend, the goal: A simple 13 mile trek in one weekend. She's older so I figured this was definitely an easy goal to accomplish. We began and hiked over various tornado blow downs which really took its toll on her as we only managed 1 mile that day. by that night As we unpacked we quickly noticed we had one stove and the one tent I'd packed was my one single person tent! some how sleeping in the weirdest fashion we all managed to "sleep" together. Day two there was a race on trail, my mom is terrified of heights and the section ahead of us had narrow ledges, as runners went passed her she started to second guess herself and avoided a panic attack by resting several times. We made .5 miles total that day and by night fall it had started to down pour pushing against the walls of the tent with four bodies the rain came pouring in badly. I think those hiccup moments really make great stories later, But I can understand the feelings that encompass us in the moment. You went alone, you carried on, you carried on even sick and that alone is an accomplishment never feel "less than" when you actually attempt things versus dreaming them your entire life with regrets. Don't let it shake you, we learn and we rise back up and come out stronger from it. I'm glad you kept walking even though it wouldn't mean finishing. I ended up walking our last day by myself to my car when my mom's boyfriend was passing in and out of consciousness, I was really scared but my fears of being alone were dashed and eventually I found help from the ranger he'd ended up with heat exhaustion from the oversized pack he was carrying and we still feel like he'd also drank contaminated water. I felt like guilty when people asked about my trip bc It wasn't "fun" or "great" I was really scared. But the silver lining is that it pushed me to realize I COULD actually do it next time alone. I think it's great to see you CAN do it and I can't wait to be watching when you do! *Subscribed*
Don't beat yourself up. Adversity and disappointments are as natural as the great outdoors. I'd bet the farm that you will prevail on your next attempt! The tasks ahead of you are never as great as the power behind YOU. Stay strong.
“I’d bet the farm” - never heard that one before but I think I’m going to use it!
I did the PCT and had an absolutely amazing time. Every day was amazing, I loved it. I did the AT a couple years later.. and I just didn't have the same experience. I wasn't enjoying myself. But- I just kept walking. I probably should have just gone home at that point, but I didn't. Just kept walking. I still had a good time, but it was just walking. Sometimes I ask myself- should I have just quit? Sometimes it's harder to tell yourself it's okay to quit than actually doing it. You're strong to be secure in your decision. You realized what you loved about the wilderness- and to catch up and do 20 miles a day to finish the trail on time wasn't that. Maybe one day you will finish. Or maybe you wont- and that's okay! Do what you love in life and you've done what most people never have (follow their heart)
In Freediving we solidly believe, the moment you decide to turn around and head back to the surface, is the best & right decision you ever made, as there’s no such thing as deep or shallow when it comes listening to your intuition.
In this case, it’s miles.
You know your limits, you know your threshold. Showing up even after countless discomforts paints a lot of your heart. It’s not by any means, a failure. It’s growth, it’s strength. 🤍♥️
A valuable lesson for the next adventures.
on the contrary you didn't fail. when I first went to Yosemite and got off the bus it started to rain. after an hour or to it cleared up and was sunny clear as bell. I did Yosemite facelift so many time lost count. one year I did the 4 mile trail. heard an enormous tree crash to the ground up at granite point. hiked back down legs were like jello. next day last day in the park I had to do my upper yosemite falls hike. legs feeling good hike success. you accomplished a great hike minus personal challenges. you have absolutely nothing to be demoralized about, rather success to build off of. the calculations and challenges are the sweetness that builds character and morale. look more of it as essential hiking exercise experience a major hash tag in your wilderness experience. no failure, rather know experiences! Jim
You hiked your hike and did the best you cold. Congrats!! I tried my JMT this June as well solo. Started at Cottonwood Lakes and cut my trip short at Onion Valley (~70 mi.). I was in the same situation you were in. I wasn't having as much fun as I thought I would, and the walking just felt more like a job. HOWEVER!! The trail will always be there, and at least you got a good chunk of it done so less vacation days to use next time. Focus on what you accomplished. I was really bummed about not being anywhere close to finishing but my friends helped me focus on the things I accomplished. (Climbing Whitney, Hiking 70 mi solo, Walking 18 miles in one day, Forester Pass, Kearsarge Pass, and my biggest accomplishment was swimming in an alpine lake) Not to mention all of the other small accomplishments!!!
envy, for those living in California. living in a crappy Miami where there is nothing but heat, extreme humidity, and insects, Cali looks heaven for hiking and backpacking. - thank you for amazing videos, details, logistic info, emotion, for sharing feeling along the trip, and amazing scenery videos. only looking 👀 forward to set on another trip around pacific north west again!! don’t stop getting lost!
I hope you are doing better. You made absolutely right decision to quit. Covid or similar sickness can turn into a post-viral syndrome for type A people. If anything, you should've quit earlier when you returned to Mammoth Lakes. Take care of yourself and good luck on your journey!
We have a dream that we can do anything.
There was an invisible wall to what you're trying to do, but in the not too distant day your beliefs will overwhelm you.
The challenge is beautiful.
So you are a happy person.
I hope you are feeling better. The older you get, the more you realize that life doesn’t often go as planned. You adapt and keep going- just like you did on this journey. Great video.
sorry you got sick and lost your joyfulness on the trail, hopefully you can indeed do it again when you are feeling great, and maybe with a hiking friend
I can really relate to your hike. I've been toying with the idea of walking the JMT, literally, for years. I'd solo and making the preparations and fact-finding, etc., would be the worst for me. Years ago I did the Mt. Whitney Hike (in a day) and reflecting on that, I found I was walking, just to get the trip over with. It was hard for me but I made it. Well, I'm afraid the JMT may be the same thing. I fear that hiking it would be a repeat of Mt. Whitney-----after so long, I'd just like to get it over with. The scenery is great but in my mind, would I be able to appreciate the same scenery, day after day? I have a romantic heart but especially, after viewing your video, I don't know if I could hike the trail for the right reasons. Thank you for your honesty. A lot of soul-searching needed here but time's running out. I'm 71 now and who knows what kind of shape I'd be in, in the near future. Decision time.
People are just animals with souls. We are different because we have a complex set of emotions and habits. We should thank God for the courage to try. Put that journey in your pocket. No one can take it away. Just don't stop. You are not the first one to get sick on the trail and don't feel bad because you did. It happens and thank you for taking us along.
Looking forward to seeing you on your next trip.
For sure , one of the better hiking videos on YT! And very useful for planning a trek. Thanks for sharing and baring. Nice video shooting, by the way. That saps energy.
I really enjoy your Channel, Elsbeth and I often watch in admiration of all that you set out to achieve. I also respect your honesty when some journeys do not go as well as you might have wished. To quote, I think, John Wayne, ".... you've got True Grit"!! All best wishes for your future adventures.
Oh thank you so much for such kind words! I try to be honest with the channel, but sometimes it is really hard - making this video was actually quite difficult :p
You did a great job, you can't control sickness (or a ton of other variables). On the plus side, you can always go back and re-tackel the JM trail. I hiked the AT in 2021, you played it right by listening to your body and what you wanted to do at the end of the day. Get well, be well, hike on - and get back in the saddle..... Trail Name - Smooth
Be proud you made it out there. A lot of folks who haven’t hiked a mile. I’m proud of any amount of a hike I do.
loved this video, was sad when you were sad but the journey was so beautiful!
This trip was an excellent teaching moment for all of us. The journey that you took is what’s most important, not just getting something completed.
On the bright side, you did more of the Muir trail than I’ll ever do.
you did what you could...it seems like you rearranged your goal and that's when your mood improved. it's a life lesson. Do what you can.
You did pretty good considering. I know those feelings precisely. Experienced them last year on the GDT here in Canada (I didn’t finish). I discovered that backpacking is not my thing. I’m a day-tripper. Max 4 days. A heavy pack and crappy sleeps are fun killers.
Thanks for sharing.
Don’t get down on yourself, keep moving forward to new horizons ahead!
Thanks for sharing and your honesty. Hopefully you will get back to try it again
Thanks for the video Elsbeth. I was rooting for you. If I were 40 years younger I would be knocking at your door. Hang in there. Kevin.
I absolutely felt your emotions , right along with you! Thank you for being authentic! You kept right on trekking ! Yes, I too feel the mountain’s calling me! Blessings of healing & strength on your journeys! Great, great vid! Better than watching the Discovery channel!
Most people won't even try. So you are not a failure; you tried.
On my first through hike I came out to fast and injured my quid. There was nothing I could do but get off the trail. I tried to work through the pain but it only got worst. It took nearly two months to heal. I came back much stronger, lighter and I paced myself much better the next attempt. Things worked out great and I learned a lot. I am not really sure what you could have done differently. Losing five days I am sure it put a lot of unnecessary stress on you and you had time restrictions. I hope you give it another try and I am sure it will work out for you the next time. After I had covid I don’t think I could have put in long days on the trail. It took me a good couple of weeks to feel good again. You did your best. The mountains will always be there for you. I wish you well and thanks for sharing your experience. Take care
Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. You’re humility is very admirable. Thank you for the courageous effort .
Cool monster rock at 20:14! Thank you for sharing what so many of us would love to do! Altitude plus illness can zap your mood, don't let it bring you down. Another time you will be dancing down the trail!
Elsbeth, you did not fail! You are dedicated & determined & what you accomplished is EXTRAORDINARY! Think of all you gained from this experience & you will see that it was anything but failure ❤
I’m so sorry you got sick… this vlog feels like a microcosm of life lately… just trying to survive this pandemic. My little girl also just started daycare and I’m sick all the time. It’s hard. Parenting is hard, it makes you question everything. Way to go getting out there and keeping moving. No mistakes, just happy accidents…
4 days ago...?
Don’t ever let a set back detour you from getting back out there. I’ve done three JMT hikes in the last four years , the first, 2017, was planned for Happy Isles to Mammoth, which I completed. I had at least a couple down days where I contemplated turning around or exiting early, my second, in 2021, was Mammoth to Bishop, which I completed. This summer I attempted mammoth to Whitney Portal. I encountered tough weather, I lost my tent, I shattered a trekking pole. Nearly everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I sadly ended up leaving once again at Bishop. Yes it was a bummer. I really want to get back out there. Making it to Whitney is becoming a real goal for me.
The fear of every hiker is that something will sabotage the best made plans, so it was bitter/sweet watching this video. However, you filmed the highs, the lows, the grief and finally the acceptance of defeat (this time). Anyone who has been through an abandoned hike wants to hide all those moments, so I salute you for your bravery and allowing me to come on the journey with you.
Thanks for sharing! I did a lot of hiking when I was in the military and your video made me realize the difference between the two types of hiking (and why I frequently get into trouble when I now hike with my wife :-)
In the military, you hike because you need to go from a to b and the terrain is almost always as bad ad the part where you missed the shuttle. And walking extra miles because the maps (or your own navigation) was wrong is also pretty frequent. Not even speaking of catching one form of sickness or the other along the way.
I nevertheless always enjoyed these hardships. But maybe this is not something that other people can enjoy and what actually becomes a huge demotivation. Therefore: Thanks again for sharing, will help me to plan our future hikes with more motivational boosts. :-)
But nevertheless: You still did a hell of hike and it was absolutely the right decision to do the remaining parts another time! Keep going!
I know how feel I've felt the same way while taking pictures in Yosemite. Nature can and sometimes will kick your ass as well as your spirit.
A fine attempt and succeeding at traversing such a beautiful wilderness that far too few ever make it to. Every step you took in labor and in light made possible by every step prior. You hiked to your limit and that is all anyone can ask of themselves. When we are exhausted and in that state between euphoria and our breaking point, it's there we find our true selves. At those points the most disappointing thing is not finishing or having to deviate plans. But remember, you carry the love you have for such beauty and that is what reinvigorates you to come back and press on. That is truly living. Very inspiring Elsbeth Weeks.
I've done a lot of trekking and watching your video I can see that's one hell of a consistently beautiful trail.
Give yourself the grace, and take all the time you need to recover. The trail will be there next year and beyond... :)
You dared to fail by beginning in the first place. I say well done! Thank you for sharing your honest experience on trail with us:)
Don't be hard on yourself, you'll get it done one day. Falling ill on the trail just knocked the legs out from under you. Absolutely gorgeous scenery there.
Excellent video. So what did the Mountains say when they called? I watched your incredible journey and I cried with you, but you persevered and went on and you also smiled, a lot. The hike looks difficult under the best of circumstances. Point 19:50 of your video was powerful, what did the Mountain say? Looks like a success to me. Thank you for sharing this.
Hoping you recuperate at home.i think that is was remarkable that you were able to do as well as you did being sick.You gave it all you had and with that be at peace with what you did accomplish.
Thanks so much for sharing your lows as well your highs, and being so honest about it. You are inspirational. As you said, the JMT will always be there and next time, when you are feeling well, how sweet it will be!
Before the pandemic, a family friend walked the Camino in France at the age of 70+. Sometime during the last third of her walk she came down with pneumonia and ended up bussing to the end and went home early. Post pandemic she went back and finished that last leg of the trip plus a little extra. She was going to go back this year for a different Camino rout, but cancer put a hold on those plans. There is nothing wrong about walking/hiking a trail in sections.
Your video showed up on my CZcams home page, probably because I follow some female long-distance hikers. I am a small man (5’6” and 130 lbs), so I often find female hikers more interesting (equipment choices, etc.). The JMT has been ruined; it is overbid. Sad. When I was an adolescent backpacking in the Adirondacks in northern New York State in the 1960’s, I and the other members of my Explorers Post never saw anyone else in the woods. You can still have this experience. I was in the Wind River Range last month. I well remember my two weeks wandering the Sawtooths in Idaho. I saw a total of 8 or 9 people, most of them on the Alice Lake/ Toxaway Lake loop. As for the Sierras, yes, Thousand Island Lake is cool, but so are the Chocolate Lakes at the base of the Inconsolable Range. There are over 400 National Forests. The quiet and stunning beauty of nature can be found in so many places. I feel so luckily to be able to hike at my age, an age when many former athletic young men are in armchairs.
Sweetie, you were sick. You are run down and exhausted and you need to take care of yourself, stop, and rest. The trail will always be there and you can continue later. This is a tactical retreat for the sake of your health and your happy state of mind. I know you are conflicted, disappointed, and sick! So call it quits without guilt and simply say, " Not today! But later!" You can trust yourself to make the right decision by putting your emotions on the back burner and being practical. If you continue when you are sick, you may really get yourself and others into more serious trouble. Just say, Ok. and take a break.
I did the JMT in '97, half way thru college. Planned it as 14 days, did it in 10 days including a half day rest/resupply. I almost didn't make it. End of the third day, day after Red's Meadow, lost so much electrolyte that my body started spasming and I could not hold down food. I exerted myself so hard the first few days and didn't eat properly. Started at Toulume Meadows and was about 45miles in. Someone I met on the first day caught up to me and gave me electrolyte pills and I was able to continue. Muir Trail Ranch was my resupply.
I'm sorry you didn't reach your goal this time, but this was a lovely video. It seems like all the elements for a thru-hike of the JMT were there, you just got sick and ran out of time. Thank you for sharing and best of luck to you in the future. Following!
I just came off 70 miles of GA, AT...day hiking and meeting my husband for supper and bath and bed...
I think that any hike should involve flexibility...as one hikes into the unknown...
Your videos showed fantastic views...and the true grit of hiking...I consider your hike more than a success...and yes do return when feeling better...even for a few day hikes.
Yes, always good to go in with a flexible mindset since the unpredictable can always happen!
@@ElsbethWeeks So, I was forced to change my John Muir Trail plans vs "failed",
To me is healthier...not only for you but for each of us that plan a hike and change our plans...to fit the current situation...
It takes courage to share your raw emotions, whether euphoria or complete meltdown and tears. It also taked guts to admit you failed (in your mind). You got both. Only people that thru hiked long trails in the past will understand your feelings. It might not offer any comfort, but one thing I learned from all the long trails I've done is that it is eventually not the start or end points that matter, nor is the the name the trail. It's the journey inside you go through. With all the hardships, glorious moments and sheer disappointments. It is a reflection of life, but in a much more extreme point. You've done your journey and it was as it was suppossed to be. You can always go and hike the JMT again, or just go and live the many more hiking dreams I'm sure you have. I feel for you. Take care and be well.
Three attempts for me. First attempt: I did it plus a couple hundred miles more. Next attempt was a solo hike starting at Whitney. I got pulmonary edema on the mountain and woke up 2 days later wondering what had happened. Last thing I remembered was crawling into my sleeping bag without eating. By pure luck, I made it to the valley and was feeling a lot better. So I went up the next pass and got sick again. Figured out what was wrong and hiked out into Kings Canyon. Then about 400 miles hitching rides back to my car. Third attempt was with a good friend. We started in Yosemite, got over Muir Pass. Then ran into a ranger who was warning everyone about a huge storm coming. We hiked out over Bishop Pass. That was the most memorable attempt mainly because it's the only one less than 40 years ago. I really enjoyed your video. It looks much like it did all those years ago when there wasn't even talk of a pass system.
It wouldn't be an accomplishment if Mother Nature didn't get in the way now and then. After many more years of big hikes and long treks, the main thing I've learned is that no matter how much experience you have in the backcountry, don't ever get overly confident. Shit happens on occasion. If you're seriously thinking about turning back or ending a trip early, do it. It's the people who keep going that you hear about on the news. I'd much rather live for the next adventure. Keep hiking.
You did great things. Don't beat yourself up so much. It was truly beautiful to go as far as you did and you have another time coming to do more of this trail or to pick another one.
In a social media world that only shows the end state and the successes, it's refreshing to see something like this. Most people wouldn't have posted anything at all if they hadn't made it, or the even worse possibility of trying to push themselves too hard to make it. One of the best parts of this hobby is that it will always be there. Those mountains and that trail will be there in a few months, in a few years, in a few decades. The next time you try you'll be better prepared and know what to anticipate and I hope to see that video in the future!
Sometimes we forget how so few people even have the opportunity to attempt what you have accomplished. Trying is better than never trying ❤
Excellent video. I think these videos can be as inspiring as one with a big triumphant finish. You listened to your heart and mind (and body!) and stopped when you needed to. When the time is right, you will return to trail, have your triumphant finish on the JMT, and it will be so sweet! Hike on! 🥾🥾
If you could get a MT Whitney portal to J.M.T permit. I would highly recommend it and get the full 28 days soak it in and smell the flowers!
So good to see people hiking on the trail with you so that you are never alone
You got it all together organized to go and did as much as one could with the variables and challenges. Sometimes life throws a curve ball and no matter how disciplined or dedicated, we have to make a major change. Better safe than sorry with your health, with injuries, with your job. One can always section the trails up to complete, whether seasonly or years later. We all keep records of sorts. Right down to remembering where we set up camp last time thru. It's the beauty, the feeling that one seeks... you will fullfiil your souls desire, in many ways ... a joyous heart finds a way. Peace , good health to you young one
As far as I'm concerned you ROCKED IT!! Don't let go of being a superstar. It's never over. U have complete freedom to do it again or anything u want. At least u tried. Sooo many people never do..we learn and become so much more when we have r failings. Take ur experience and use it!!! Take ur fears and use them too. If u use and harness all this it can make u powerful force. Use it.
My friend and I attempted (and "failed") the JMT in '01 - the record breaking snow year. Also left out of Lyell Canyon. First night camped at little lake just below Donohue Pass; my friend accidentally spilled his pot of boiling water on my ankle. Severe second degree burn; but I persisted including a visit to Mammoth ER, and onward. Crossed Bear Ridge, and was staring at Bear Creek with an ankle in severe pain and aborted back to VVR. I made it 77 miles on a burned ankle; that wasn't failure. Neither was your outing. Way to persist!
Also, I’m screenshotting all your gear, clothes & esp your hiking shoes! You look stunning in everything! Thank you, beautiful friend!
First of all, great job. The JMT is not easy for someone in complete health, much less if you got sick. My second time on the JMT I had to bail off because of the fires in 2018. As much as I wanted to complete it, the smoke was too uncomfortable and too unhealthy. You have to know when to bail to come back another time, good job for recognizing it and taking care of yourself. BTW, the video quality here is outstanding.
Awesome video. So real with the emotions. You'll be back, for sure! The Muir quote is one that always calls.
Great footage, educational. Thank you.
You are an inspiration for all people 💕💕
I hope you took the time in Dusy Basin to admire the Palisades. Nice Job kiddo. Now you can finish as a section hiker. That's how I did it.
Dusy basin is one of the absolute gems of the sierras - if it’s any consolation, when I start again later I get to go through dusy again!
Great Video! Rest up and feel better
Thank you! Will do! :)
Aw, tough getting sick during your hike. That takes a lot of the fun out of things for sure, but you made a great effort. Thanks for sharing the story!
Thanks for such a nice comment!
Beautiful honesty. Well done Elsbeth. Very well edited and hooked from the start.
A day on the trail, is a great day regardless of the time spent on the time.
I hiked the JMT over 10 years ago with a group of 4, only 2 of us made it to the Mt Whitney Portal. Fortunately I was one of them, it wasn't easy, but we made it. Definitely go back and do it with some friends, your journey has just begun.