I was reminded yesterday of a backpacking trip I had taken in Yosemite which was about 10 miles in and over 4,000 ft in elevation gain. With a full pack it was pretty exhausting. Most of the climb is in the first part after going across the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Dam through the long mountain tunnel with non-stop switchbacks up the side of the mountain.
You were rewarded with nice views of the flooded valley which John Muir spent a lot of time in and thought rivaled Yosemite Valley. Consequently, John Muir also fought the development of the dam and thought the reservoir was a travesty, and you can see what a treasure it was in the black and white photo below.
Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water-tanks the people’s cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.
To say the nation was deprived of a natural treasure is an understatement. But San Fransicko needs their water.
An interesting thing happened on the climb as it was pretty warm that day, and I blew through my 64 ounces of water to the point my blood was becoming thick, my legs were cramping forcing breaks to recover, and I was in desperate need of water. Luckily a conversation with a backpacker coming out reminded me of the Beehive mountain spring off the trail, so I didn’t have to detour to a lake for water. And that was some of the best cold and refreshing water I’ve ever had in my life. It reminded me of the time before the flood when there was no rain, with springs and dew providing water.
Refreshed and loaded up with more water the last part of the hike in was pretty easy. And I found a neat spot near a bear marked tree for camp.
Lake Vernon was a beautiful unspoiled mountain lake to enjoy.
The point of recapping this trip was by the time I reached my truck after hiking out, I was physically spent. In that moment I was incredibly humbled by the experience and all the bravado and pride of life was just stripped away. And driving out I was so thankful to God for all that He had done for me, I could really feel His presence with me in that moment of deep gratitude. And while listening to the following song, Anchor by Lifehouse, I looked in the side mirrors and noticed how dust was wiped away on both sides of my truck bed as it had been inspected by a bear (claw marks were later discovered in the paint). Consequently, If you watch the UFC you’ll often see fighters that really dislike each other be humble and hug after a fight, as all the pride of life is melted away at the point where you’re just physically depleted. It’s a magnificent way of humbling yourself before God, growing closer, and a different way of fasting.