Day 16- Rush Creek Junction to Evelyn Lakes Junction
Distance: 11 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,640 ft
Starting Elevation: 9,640 ft
Ending Elevation: 8,900 ft
Cold but happy at Donohue Pass.
Today would be be a big day. We had already walked 180-ish miles and climbed nine passes. Today we would summit our final pass, Donohue, and continue downhill into the flattest section yet at Tuolomne Meadows. Our day, as was usual now, had a chilly start and as we packed we talked about how the "arctic chill" moving through the Sierras should be gone by now with warmer weather taking its place. After packing our gear and eating breakfast we started hiking through forested terrain which quickly transitioned to more exposed areas of slabby terrain mixed with small creeks. As we climbed this relatively easy section we noticed a cold wind that would not relent. Around each bend we were hoping it would subside but it seemed to build as we gained elevation. Eventually we reached the switchbacks which marked the final ascent to Donohue Pass and after a quick break for a Clif Bar and some water we put our heads down and pushed ourselves to the top. If at any point we lost a little motivation, we kept telling each other that this was the last hard day and the next few days we would be walking through the flattest, and one of the most beautiful, sections of the JMT very soon. Before long, we made it to Donohue Pass and after stopping for a quick picture in the frigid wind we began our descent into Tuolomne Meadows.
The descent was slow going, with steep switchbacks and unsteady footing nearly the whole way down (2000' elevation change). We stopped periodically along the way and gazed at the winding Tuolomne River below. We eventually reached level terrain in the mid afternoon and from there our pace quickened, enhanced by the beautiful views along the meadow. We covered the final three miles quickly and set up camp at the Evelyn Lakes junction. Under clear skies, Yana (a master fire-starter) got a campfire going, and while we warmed ourselves by the flames we cooked a hot meal and reflected on the accomplishments of the day. We had summitted our final pass (a huge accomplishment in our eyes), entered Yosemite National Park, and were less than 30 miles from our car in Yosemite Valley. Everything seemed to be looking up for us.
As we settled into our tent that night though we began to hear a low wind become increasingly louder. A light rain started to fall steadily and as we awoke periodically throughout the night the raindrops had softened into something we had not anticipated.
About halfway down the switchbacks into Tuolomne Meadow. Tuolomne River is seen winding its way throughout.
Down in the valley, grateful for flat terrain and the beautiful scenery.