JMT Day 2

Thousand Island Lake and Banner Peak

Date: Thursday, July 15
Miles: ~20
Cumulative Miles: 44
Camp: 1000 Island Lake

Our second day on the trail started off easy, with miles of relatively flat (actually gradually uphill, but after a 6000 foot day, it felt flat) walking through Lyell Canyon. We stopped a few times to take our shoes off and soak our feet in the cold, crystal clear water (a ritual which would end up being incredibly crucial in keeping Andrea's feet / shins in good condition).

We ate lunch just North of Donahue Pass, then began our hike up the first 11,000 foot pass of the trek. Snow proved to not be much of a difficulty; just patches in a few areas. The scenery as we moved closer to the top of the pass just got better and better, and after cresting the top, we left Yosemite and entered the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The views for the rest of the day continued to amaze us! We descended the south side of the pass, then hiked towards and over Island Pass (which was more of a gentle, rolling pass, much like Cathedral Pass, and didn't seem like much of a climb). We took a good long break at some of the small lakes on top of Island Pass, then headed down to Thousand Island Lake and setup camp just past the lake. The last 10 miles of the day were hands-down the best we had experienced so far in terms of mountains, lakes, and overall beauty. We fell asleep feeling good physically and excited about the next day.


The trail winds into Lyell Canyon


The water everywhere in the Sierra is crystal clear


Looking up towards Donahue Pass


Andrea and I enjoying the perfect weather


Closer to the pass


Towards the start of the climb


Gorgeous landscape


Looking North from partway up the pass


Day 2 marked the beginning of the stream crossings


Andrea hiking


Postholing!


Near the top with Lyell Canyon behind


The snow wasn't too bad


Top of the pass


Panoramic from Donahue Pass


Entering the Ansel Adams Wilderness


Andrea and I on top of the first "real" pass of the trip


Looking into the basin to the south, the direction we were heading next


A few hours later we stood on top of Island Pass


A nice place to soak the legs


This section of the trail really blew us away


The Sierra are an incredible range


Rugged mountain peaks


Banner Peak in the distance


Island Pass


Thousand Island Lake


Ready to call it a day