A Journey in the Making

This journey began over a Christmas coffee (2014), between two friends. One asked the other what book she was reading leading to a excited discussion of the John Muir Trail (JMT) and surrounding area. One friend had already researched a guiding company to fulfill her current dream. The other friend had been dreaming of backpacking this area for years, and just couldn't find anyone that would be interested in going with her. A dream was about to be realized.

Emails went out, first to the guiding company SYMG, and later to various contacts to feel out any interest from the local crowd. In November 2015, at the local pub, the duo grew to three. A third had stepped forward to commit and the route was chosen. It didn't take long for three backpackers to become six. Dates were selected and SYMG confirmed our July 2016 Yosemite Grand Traverse (YGT) backpacking trip.

In the months that preceded the trip, the friends trained vigorously carrying packs up and down the local ski hills and over trails throughout the area. Several hundred kilometres were covered in preparation for the Yosemite Grand Traverse. 

SYMG say the following about this trip:
"Named by National Geographic as one of the 'World's Top 15 Trails', the YGT has reached almost mythical status since SYMG designed it in 2009. The route is a nearly 60 mile traverse through the heart of Yosemite and spends equal time in the most remote and most iconic regions of the park. Highlights include an ascent of Half Dome, a section of the John Muir Trail, and a lakeside camp beneath the famous Cathedral Peak."

www.symg.com


July 2, 2016
As six, we set off from the Toronto Airport, via San Francisco, to Fresno where we met with our guides at a local hotel. This orientation gave the friends the opportunity to discuss the details of the trip, check out the map, distribute gear and to ask questions. 

It was early to bed that night, in order to wake on time for a quick breakfast and a long drive to the trail head.

The YGT