The Trip 4 team departed from the White Pass trailhead today with trip leader Irene. They got on the trail before noon. Their itinerary called for hiking about 3 miles to the Sand Lake campsite and about 900 feet of elevation gain. Everyone was ready for adventure! By late afternoon they reported:

“At Sand Lake setting up camp; all good.

“All hikers are in great spirits and healthy. The llamas are sitting in a field and it’s very beautiful. It is extremely mosquito-y, but we are all making the best of it. We are looking forward to moving on to Snow Lake tomorrow. We are also looking forward to having a nice stiff breeze—to make the mosquitoes have to work harder!

The Trip 4 team learning to saddle and handle the llamas.
Trip 4 llamas loaded and ready to go. The llamas wear spit masks on the trail to prevent them from eating poisonous plants.

Trip 3 update

Trip leader Brian reported:

“Beautiful day! We’re technically a day ahead so we’re taking a zero to recharge. … Lovely rest day at Piped Spring. A chance to recharge, tell stories, connect, and explore a bit. Early start tomorrow!”

Trip 8 update

Trip leader Derek reported (humor and all):

“Good news! February and March photo shoots are complete (and here’s a little tip: March is going to be … HOT!). Reserve your 2023 Pass to Pass Wet and Wild calendars now! They will make great Christmas gifts.

We left Red’s Meadow this morning at 7:30 a.m and arrived at Island Crossing by 11:30 a.m. The temperature is hot, so we took a very nice cool swim, then ate lunch. We left Island Crossing at 1:30 p.m. and arrived at Iva Bell Hot Springs by 3:30 p.m. Today was a biggie: 13.9 miles. The team is doing great. We’re tired but everyone is in good spirits and getting ready for a soak in the hot springs or cool creek.

We are one day ahead of schedule, on purpose. The next two days will be 6-mile days with 1,500+ foot climbs. Tomorrow we’ll camp at the junction before Purple Lake.

The Trip 8 team on the John Muir Trail.
Iva Bell Hot Springs
Seth and Derek enjoying the hot springs on an earlier trip.

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