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Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, July 2003

Day 3

Emily and I woke up at 6 AM on day 3 and hit the trail about 15 minutes later, alone.  We had studied the maps the previous night and decided to attempt to climb out of the canyon in one day rather than in two with the rest of the group.  The main reason was that Emily had to work the following Monday at 6 AM and preferred a relaxing Sunday in the Bay Area to climbing 4,000 vertical feet.  In the cool morning air we walked along the river, admiring the spots that the rest of the group would be swimming at later in the day.  Soon we came to Pate Valley fought our way though the lush meadow.  I was slightly troubled walking through the valley since our map showed a bridge crossing the river at the start of the valley, which was not to be found (until the opposite side of the valley!).

Eventually we cut away from the Tuolumne River and began the climb out to White Wolf.  Some parts of the trail where exposed to the hot sun, but we had plenty of water and where able to collect it along the way.  With frequent stops for water and snacks we eventually made it up to Harden Lake.  At this point you can head back downhill for about 10 miles to Hetch Hetchy or continue about 3 miles to White Wolf.  We chose the latter but also took time for a swim with an amazing display of tadpoles.

As usual, the last few miles were the worst.  Sensing it was almost over, Emily began to feel her blisters, but we made it and soon found ourselves on the road, driving back to the start of the trip at Tuolumne where we would pick up Mike’s truck and drive it back to White Wolf so the remaining group would have a vehicle waiting for them; thanks Mike!  We made it back to Oakland in the early evening.

Day 4

Sunday we rested and ate at the Thai Temple.  The food was especially good considering that the alternative was climbing out of the canyon.  Bravo to Henrik for another great trip, I wonder what we will do next year?  Whatever it is, I will not volunteer Emily and myself to supply the food, as this was the only negative aspect of the trip as we brought way too much.

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