John Muir Trail, August 2005 Day 1: Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake. 14 Miles. Those familiar with the trail will immediately understand that I took an alternate route. Only following the JMT proper for the first 5 miles, I left the trail and continued up the Merced River Canyon to Merced Lake. Then on the second day I passed Vogelsang and dropped into Lyell Canyon to meet back up with the JMT at Ireland Creek. This route is also known as Starr's AR-3, and is a couple of miles shorter. I went this way to avoid Tuolumne Meadows, and also because I love the Merced River Canyon between Little Yosemite Valley and Merced Lake.

Studying the maps before I left, and testing the macro feature on my new Nikon S1 digital camera that would soon take all these pictures.
Trailhead at 6:30 am. 211 miles (340 km) to Mount Whitney.
Vernal Fall from the bridge, with van-sized boulders.
Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall
Shot from Bunnel Cascade, looking west back down the Merced. East Moraine Dome on the right, Cascade Cliffs on the left.
In the Bunnel Cascade, looking upriver.
Just after the river crossing NE of Bunnell Point.
The Merced River canyon approaching Echo Valley. Pretty sure Mt. Florence is the background peak.
Arriving at Merced Lake.
Merced Lake, looking east. Lewis/Fletcher Creeks canyon on the left, Merced River and Washburn Lake up the canyon on the right.
Merced Lake, looking west.
Campsite at Merced Lake.

----- Day 2 >