These images are from our thru-hike of the JMT in 98. We hiked from August 16 through September 3, southbound. The hike took 18 days to complete, covering about 220 miles. Solophile and I are indebted to Big Bird (of AT 97 fame) for the splendid hospitality in the Bay City, the time he took off to be our personal tour guide, and the great hitch out to Yosemite.
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Oh no, another trail IQ test! Vidette Meadow gate. Why the gates? Well, as I mentioned before, it relates to packstock. Packstock are grazing animals (horses and mules). I didn't readily see the utility until talking with a horseman later. When in camp, it's not always practical or ecologically sensible to tether the animal or stockade it, so many are free to graze and roam within the confines of the meadow or valley it is visiting. Unless spooked, most of these animals don't care to roam; the gates discourage those that might to stray too far. |
