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John Muir Trail -- August 20, 2016
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Approaching Lower Crabtree Creek (view N)

Day 4. Backpacking Day 3.
Lower Crabtree Meadow to Guitar Lake

After two long days on the trail, I decided to take it easy today. I got up and out late and hiked up to Crabtree Meadow where I spent about an hour chatting with the ranger at his cabin. He even pointed me towards the spring where he gets water and drinks it without treatment.

Eventually I hiked up to Guitar Lake, the last good camp area before heading up to Mt. Whitney and finishing the JMT for others. As such, I had a lot of company, but I found a nice spot atop a granite outcrop that wasn't down in the crowd.

I went to bed early and set an alarm so I could get up early for an alpine start on the mountain, although I didn't sleep well. While tossing and turning, I noted groups heading out about 2 AM. Apparently it is a "thing" to summit Mt. Whitney in time to see the sunrise. It was, however, interesting to watch headlamps snaking up the switchbacks in the darkness.

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Lower Crabtree Creek (view E)
John Muir Trail
PCT -- Mt. Whitney trail junction (view E)
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Sign at trail junction (view NE)
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Crabtree Creek (view NE)
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Looking back down Crabtree Creek (view W)
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East end of Crabtree Meadow (view E)
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Trail sign at edge of Crabtree Meadow (view NE)
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Crabtree Ranger Station (view SE)
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Crabtree Meadow (view W from East end of the meadow)
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Camper toilet at far end of Crabtree Meadow (view SW)
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Camper toilet at far end of Crabtree Meadow (view SE)
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Crabtree Meadow (view NE from camper toilet)
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John Muir Trail at Crabtree Meadow Trail with Wag-bag box
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Hiking towards Guitar Lake (view E)
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Hiking along Whitney Creek (view NE)
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Looking back down Whitney Creek (view SW)
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Trail crossing a dry alpine meadow (view E)
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Trail crossing rocky granite slabs (view E)
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Passing Timberline Lake (view E)
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A wet alpine meadow along the trail (view E)
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Trail approaching tree line (view E)
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Flowers along the trail
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Flowers along the trail
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First view of Guitar Lake (view E)
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Trail descending towards Guitar Lake (view E)
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Trail descending towards Guitar Lake (view E)
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My campsite above Guitar Lake (view SW)
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Atop rocky outcrop above Guitar Lake (view SW)
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Heading towards inlet stream to get drinking water (view NW)
John Muir Trail
Taking time to send polluted water to downstream users
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Returning to camp after soaking my feet (view SE)
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Evening colors on the spine of the Sierras (view SE)
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Sunset from camp (view W)
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Fading light and ready for bed (view W)

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 170130

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