What Does It Mean?

To quote an unofficial mascot of the trek (Double Rainbow Guy) “What does it mean?” Tomorrow, I drive from Tahoe to Vermilion Valley Resort with Evan to meet up with Annette as she completes the third segment of the trek from Devil’s Post Pile.
It is too soon, perhaps, to assign lofty meaning. Still as I head off for my fourth encounter with the Trek in progress, I can only tell you that Annette and her fellow trekers are thriving and that great things are transpiring.
Devil’s Post Pile was home to family camp, as three plus families gathered to welcome Annette and help launch the third segment with Audrey (from Canada) and Kara (from Cool, CA). The Schwartz family, the Paccini Family (sp?) and the De Bow Lancet family set up camp joined by the intrepid hikers for the 3rd segment Kara and Audrey.
But as Saturday progressed our encampment enlarged with the Stowe family and Ronit’s parents, Roni and Joanne. There was a lot of talk, lots of love and support and lots of great food and hikes to Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Post Pile. The trekers strategized on food to pack in and how they could lighten their loads.
Annette spoke so enthusiastically of her experience of being on the trail. The many souls hiking the John Muir Trail make up their own culture and it was a little difficult to step out of that culture even into the loving arms and hearts of family camp. As departure day and time approached Annette seems to me like the house in the movie UP. She has so many helium balloons attached and she really wants to take off and fly up the JMT.
Well I go on too long and have failed to convey how right this hike seems to be for all involved. Hopefully these pics add some to this accounting.
If you want to check out the ecstasy of the double rainbow man, much discussed around the campfires here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

May you all find your own personal double rainbow.

Gambaro

Marc