Saturday July 17, 2021
Start: Tuolumne Meadows
End: Rush Creek
Miles: 15.5
Gain: 2936′
We started out from TM campground at 6am, after getting up around 5:10am. We hiked out of the campground and picked up the JMT as it dips behind the campground area.
We hiked along Lyell Canyon for a long while before we started climbing. By then, the sun had come out in force and the temperature was rising. We stopped around noon for a longer rest at Lyell Fork creek to soak our feet, filter water, and eat more snacks.
We pushed past our originally planned campsite and ascended Donahue Pass. The going was more technical towards the pass and the altitude made the gain that much more painful and challenging. We then descended into the valley, and had to hike until Rush Creek to find a decent campsite.
We arrived at 6:15pm, set up camp, and went about our camp chores. We had ramen bombs for dinner and then called it a night, getting into bed by 9pm.
Transcending Mountains 