Backpacking the John Muir Trail

Stroh said that he has changed his presentation from a documentary approach to one that would tend to encourage others to hike for enjoyment, adventure and good health.  He says that it isn't necessary to do the 222 mile John Muir trail all at once; try different segments and enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature.  The entire trail is a fantastic area to explore.  He said there is a 48,000 foot gain and a 38,000 foot loss, or about 16 miles of up and down over the length of the trail.  There are 10 passes or so that range in elevation from 9,700 feet to over 13,000 feet.  

            The John Muir trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the world and it is visited by hikers from all over the world.  In the hiker world, it is known as a premier hike.  Nature lover, John Muir, wrote about the Sierra's, the nature and the beauty and the insight he gained by hiking and enjoying; and the need to protect these wonderful resources.  He was the founder and first president of the Sierra Club.  He died in 1915, and the trail was renamed in his honor. 

Stroh presented a pictorial view of the awesome scenery along the trail that starts in Little Yosemite Valley and terminates at the top of Mt. Whitney; a 15 day trip for Stroh, his son that went part way and Stroh's buddy who finished with him.  He showed and talked about the development of the backpack to one that is now light weight, functional, convenient, streamlined and well designed; and other equipment, sleeping bag, bedroll, camp stove, hiking shoes, etc.  About every 25-30 miles there are locations where, ahead of time, you send food to re supply provisions along the trail.  The last segment is over a hundred miles so you pack carefully.  Stroh showed the awesome scenery and beauty of this wilderness; a place for enjoyment, peace and serenity.  Why did he go?  "It's worth it," he said.