I would have to pick up the pace to cover the 12 miles to Lake Edison to catch the 4:45pm ferry to Vermilion Valley Resort. Right away, the trail climbs 1200 ft. to Squaw Lake, an excellent camping spot with amazing views.

It was another cold night. I checked the temperature inside the tent around 6:30am and it was 32°F (0°C). The mosquitoes came back with the warmth of the sun.

I said goodbye to my fellow JMT hikers and left Reds Meadow to continue my journey. Right away I saw a huge number of burnt trees from a 1992 fire.

The eagerly anticipated arrival to Reds Meadow was happening this day. I had never gone this long without showering, and was looking forward to a hot shower more than the hot food.

Rain was still falling at 6:30am. The winds were strong all night, waking me up a few times as the tent’s rain fly flapped against the inner wall. I should have used the tent guy lines. The rain wasn’t hard but it was steady.