Day 6:
Final push on to Glacier Point
Woke up tired from sleeping lightly, due to all the noises, and fear, in the night. After making some breakfast, and packing up camp, I headed over to the river to filter some water. I looked up, at just the right time to see this:
Amazing sight, as he slowly walked across the log. I was very lucky my phone still had a very, very tiny amount of battery in it. The shot is actually a still from a very brief video I managed to shoot. I was very fortunate with timing, but in my haste, dropped my filter and bottle.
The bear dissapeared into the woods, slighty downstream of me. I then noticed that I was upwind, and had just had breakfast, so he might decide to take a walk upstream to investigate. As he was actually over in the direction I needed to hike in, but I had no idea where, I kept myself quiet, and managed to re-spot him again, sure enough, making his way upwind.
I manged to get a little video of him coming closer, and he had no idea at all I was there.
(Don't worry, there is quite a lot of digital zoom going on - he wasn't as close as this photo makes out) Unbelievably, he still hadn't seen me, dispite, seemingly looking right at me.
I decided that it was close enough, pulled out a hiking pole, and made myself known. I had no idea that something that big would ever be able to run that fast! Luckily, he went away from me, and not towards me, lol
Amazing sight to see it up close, and to see how fast it could run. My heart was beating fast, but I was glad that I had finally seen a bear on my trip, as it would be the first thing that anybody would ask me.
The only problem was that he ran in the direction I needed to go, and now unsure of exaclty where he was, I was keen to get out of the area fast. I set off, up the trail towards Glacier point.
The trail to Glacier Point was very, very hot, and by this point in my hike, and after the fairly long trip the day before, I was pretty much beaten, and had nothing left. I had to take frequent breaks in the shade, while watching families pass down, on setting off on their own mini adventures to Vernal, and Nevada Falls, no doubt. I didn't take much water from camp, as I knew Glacier Point was close, but I still managed to run out on the hot, dusty trail.
By the time I arrived at Glacier Point, I was so happy. It felt odd to be back in Civillization again.
You get some strange looks from all the normal tourists when you come stomping into their world, looking knackered, covered in dirt, and probably reeking to high heaven!
The food at Glacier Point tasted amazing to my deprived tastebuds, and my stomache was pleased as I gorged myself stupid on sandwhiches, chips, hots dog, sour snakes, and ice cream!
It felt amazing to be stood with people who were looking at the view, marveling at it, knowing that in previous days, I was in that view, doing things, and seeing things that most of them will probably never experience. I was glad I took the risk.
I had half hoped for a ride down from Glacier Point, maybe on that Disneyland style train thing, with the popemobile on the back, but I couldn't see anything, so reluctantly, set off down the Four Mile Trail, wondering which gap lead to the top of the Ledge Trail, I passed about three contenders.
Feeling much more energised, I set off down the trail, eager to keep up a good pace, and get back to the Valley for a shower as quick as possible. After about ten miniutes, I found my rythm, and was setting a blistering pace, passing poeople all the time (very satisfying). The families coming up all looked very tired, but I admired them for getting out and doing it.
As the elevation decreases, a few really nice views open up, and I was very glad I took the trail, rather than seek a ride.
As I passed who was comming up, he litfed a rock he was carrying, up to his face, and warned "bear down there".... So I slowed down, hoping to catch a glimpse, before it saw me. A family (lovely guys) who I passed higher up the trail came along, and I warned them of what I had been told, before setting off again.
It wasn't until about 15 miniutes later that I saw the bear, as I rounded a corner. It was sat square on the trail, with it's back to me, about 20 Meters further along. It looked completley different to the mornings bear, which was obviously a black bear. This thing looked much bigger, with long brown fur. I tried reaching for my camera as he slowly walked into a bush next to the trail. At the point, the family caught up with me, and I warned them to be careful, as we slowly made our way forward. When we got close to the spot, I drew one of my poles like a sword, knowing that it would be futile, but is offered me some comfort. We couldn't see where he went, and continued on, cautiously. When I was sure I was clear, I once again picked up the pace, determind to set a really good time to the valley floor. I speed hiked, almost running in places for the next thirty miniutes, and was surprised when the valley floor came up very, very quickly. I reached the 4 Mile Trail bus stop, and was relieved to have made it to the finish.
A huge sense of relief, accomplishment, pride, and confidence washed over me. It had been a very, very rough two years for me, and but all the time, I kept myself sane by micro planning a crazy adventue that was a seed in my head 18 months before, that grew, and grew into a monser that I could not contain. Not matter who told me it was a bad idea, I was going to do it. No matter who told me my route was stupid, I was going to do it. No matter who said I would never get the permits for the route I wanted, I was going to do it.
When I started my planning, I had never hiked more than a half day. I had zero equipment, experience, or know how. But, with a lot of training, careful research, incredibly intricate planning, I pulled it off. I overcame my fear of the being so alone, in the middle of nowwhere, and faced head-on, my biggest worry of falling asleep, on my own, in a pitch black forrest.
All objectives (except for Dana) had been achieved, and the hike went almost perfectly to plan. I was elated, and settled myself down to wait for the bus.
I was caught completley by surprise when a gorgeous girl came running down the trail, and offered me a lift with her, and her parents back to Curry Village. Somewhat stunned that anybody had managed to match the pace I had set, who could refuse such a kind offer.
Half hour later, joined by my new friends, I was taking the most well deserved swim I have ever taken, in the river as it passed Curry Village. I have to say, as an English person, I find the friendliness of you guys over in the USA to be nothing short of staggering. In the UK, eye contact more than twice is grounds to start a fight, and talking to somebody you don't know is unheard of, let alone scoring a lift in their car after only exchanging a few words. I met some fantastic people out on the trail too, all very friendly, and eager to share their knowledge.
It felt so good to get in that river, and finally be just a little bit cleaner!
I had a perfect end, to a perfect hike. Said goodbye to my very helpful ride, and headed for the pizza deck, to get slightly drunk.
Steve
But who's gonna walk around with screen name plastered on them??? 
