Yosemite 2021

[Drunk Monk]

I thought we decided on Tilt-ILL because that's how I felt. I was still depleted from the previous day's climb but this one - the shortest and steepest - kicked my ass. I was cramping. Worse was I was getting rather lightheaded. I'd take about a dozen steps and the world would start to spin. My vision would become starry and redder. I'd have to lean on a rock or tree to get support. Good thing I brought that staff to lean upon. That was a life saver. 

This was the roughest day for me. I was in so much pain, rethinking my commitment to backpacking. I started to wonder if this would be my final backpacking trek because I just couldn't take it anymore. Lots of dark thoughts about mortality crept in. Thankfully Greg kept pace with me, which motivated me to persist. 

When I was in Junior High, there was a class called Wilderness Experiences taught by Mr. Salerno and Mr. Cantrememberhisname. They were both backpackers and designed the class, which culminated in an optional backpacking trip. I went on that with a buddy of mine - Scott Carter who ED will remember well - and maybe there were a few others. It was a great trip and I learned a lot. It's mostly obsolete knowledge now. Those were the days of the old portable stoves that you had to pump and heat up by lighting some fuel in the top cup (I tried to explain that to the younglings but they just looked at me like when I try to explain what life was like before the interwebz and microwaves). They taught me to use Gerry Tubes and the magic of Sierra cups (these are going out of fashion, being replaced by titanium cups which, although tougher and lighter, don't lie as flat). They also taught me about Backpackers' toilet paper (it's Thimbleberry which I just looked up). That was such a great class. 

I remember I wrote an article about it in the school newspaper titled 'W.E. Shall Overcome' when the program was tentative and received many accolades on that title. That's one of the earliest memories I have of being praised for my writing. 

BTW, Corn Lily leaves are also recommended as Backpackers' TP. We were too taken by the beauty of their blooms to notice the wide sturdy leaves below. Take note. 

I thought we agreed that discussion of your underwear was off the table. TMI, bro. 

I was really torn about the group splitting up. That seemed so imprudent. But it worked out in the end. After they left us, we both got into our tents and laid there until nightfall. That was a few hours. I wrote in my notebook - some article ideas (one which I thought I already wrote after our previous backpacking adventure but didn't - this time I had Greg shoot a few pix so I'm more committed), also some interview questions for an upcoming piece, and the Haiku that I posted above, plus a few dangling notes. I know, I know, it's vacation but it was also a major inspirational refueling, and it triggered a lot of thoughts, thoughts I wanted to preserve.