John Muir Trail - Hardest Hike of My Life - Southbound

8/2 to 8/8/21. I made the decision to do this about 3 months before, but was too late for the normal JMT permit starting from Yosemite Valley, so was finally able to snag a wilderness permit entering at Lyell Canyon. I had done the 20 or so miles from Yosemite Valley before, including half dome 3 times, and cloud's rest, and cathedrals lakes and the meadows area just that weekend before starting. This was aggressive and very tough, as I went from Lake Virginia to Crabtree Meadows in 4 days solo. Along the way you go over many mountain passes, Donohue, Island, Silver, Selden, Muir, Mather, Pinchot, Glen, Forester, and then near Trail Crest along the Mount Whitney Ridge. You can snag a hot meal at Red's Meadow I did) or Vermillion Valley Ranch (I didn't), and see Devil's Postpile (I did). There are numerous gorgeous alpine lakes along the way, too many to name.