JMT Inspiration for All Ages

21 May

We are so grateful for all of the stories our fans share with us about how our project has inspired them to do new things. Here’s one from fan, Sandy.

Sandy, Helen, Paula, Cris, Tom, and Jim

“Muir Project – Thank you for the inspiration. You kept us motivated.”

Everyone had so much fun at the high school 40th reunion everyone wanted to stay in touch and do something grand for our upcoming 60th birthdays. A few had been feeling life pretty up close and personal; the joys of grand babies, remarriages, and the sadness of divorce, loss of parents, and the loss of friends to illness. A party cruise to Mexico, a beach house at Bodega or Tahoe for the summer wasn’t going to cut it. An adventure was needed – something life affirming – something that told us we really were as young as we thought we felt and looked (;-)) ) something that told us we were champions and would conquer this next phase of life so bring it on. A 5-day pack supported trip on 35 miles of the John Muir Trail from Mammoth to Tuolomne Meadows was in order. 4 high school friends (out of 25-50 who were asked), a husband, and brother signed up about 8 months before the trip. One gal was a recent divorcee, one was recently remarried and came out from Denver, another overcame a back injury, the other was the organizer and cheerleader of the group who had not been back packing for close to 40 years. Our idea of camping was the Holiday Inn.

We signed up. Paid the deposit….then…..then…paid the balance…then…

The dilemna was how to keep everyone motivated. The Muir Project trailers did the job. They were so beautiful. Inspiring. There was a petite woman like two of us. One or two didn’t look in super shape just like me! One said it “was hard.” Just when the energy began to lag another trailer came out and was sent to the Super Six! We had a blast. Everyday was awe inspiring just like the trailers. We sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” as we crested Donahue Pass down into Lyell Canyon and entered a new and fabulous time of our lives.

Epilogue: 2 weeks after our “trek” we went to a 60th bday party with about 30 of our old friends, yep we were the ROCK STARS!!!! 2 gals are continuing to hiking in their home territories of Sonoma County and the Rockies. 3 have signed up for a one-day trip up Half Dome & back & I have signed up for a 5-day backpacking trip in the Yosemite high country!

Next: Maybe the whole JMT for our 65th birthday! You never know!

- Sandy Finegan