I’ve been there and it was not an easy trail. The fact that you made it and went to all the 7 lakes is amazing. So proud of you!!! Well Done. Keep doing you.
Thank you so much! The video was shot entirely on my iPhone 14 Pro, and a few of the stills were on my Canon T7, some with a kit lens, and some with a Canon 24mm f/2.8.
This was such a lovely video. Watching you reminded me a lot of how I am when I go out...sometimes struggling, but talking myself into making it through, and then reaping the reward of seeing such beautiful, remote places. I hope to hike in the Sierras some day; those craggy peaks are so magnificent! Thank you for this love of labor in sharing your experience!
I hope you get to see the Sierra! There are so many beautiful places to see. The struggle is real sometimes on these hikes! 😫 But boy, the scenery and quiet are worth it!
@@WanderingSwitchback I was like wow you made a great recovery. But Its Okay take your time. One day at a time. My knee still gives me problems some days. I have osteophytes and they stick in like little daggers. Thats what they look like on mri also. But it hurts the most when im going up stairs. Some days are real bad and I cant do anything but rest. But some days are great. Heres to the good days!
@@dixiecup3928 I sure wish my knee would heal that fast. Still using the cane at the moment, but starting PT tomorrow. I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with your knee stuff. It sounds super painful! I hope you're able to get improvement with treatment!
@@WanderingSwitchback The doctor told me it would require surgery and they cut the little pointy bone growth. Im not in severe pain so right now its something I can deal with. If it gets worse then i'd have to have surgery. PT really works. Do the excercises and it will strengthen you knee. It speeds up the healing by working on the supportive muscles.
@@dixiecup3928 I can totally understand not wanting to rush to surgery. I've dealt with this knee issue for over 20 years and nothing else was working anymore. Luckily, my PT is also a backpacker and hiker (we want to do a trip together), so she will NOT go easy on me! 😆
This trip was simply 2 nights at the North Fork Big Pine Lakes trailhead, camping at 2nd Lake for both nights. Now that I've been there, I'd probably camp further up for future trips, if only for the solitude! Third Lake was just as pretty as Second Lake, but way less crowded.
@@zacd7094 Their website is in line with most retailers. But I have a TON of tips that will help you save money on gear here: ua-cam.com/video/fQc8m5jfI5c/v-deo.html
@@zacd7094 I appreciate that! It's a lot to record while hiking and doing stuff- it definitely slows things down. I have so many hikes and trips I need to catch up on editing... You can find my IG here: instagram.com/wanderingswitchback/
did you make this hike this year? If we head out early, is it possible to make it to the first and second lakes and back in a day and still have time to enjoy the lakes?
This was in August 2023 (I’ve been editing old trips while recovering from surgery), so the conditions are far from current. It’s certainly possible if you head up early to do that, especially if you’re strong hikers. It’s worth the trek!
Thank you! Yes, it was awe-inspiring there! It’s the REI Sahara Shade hoodie! I have 5 of them, and now there are new colors, so I may have to get more. I wear them a ton. For anyone else curious, this is the shirt: alnk.to/bPcHq3z
Thanks for sharing, great video. UGQ quilts are the best. Btw, where did you get the sleeve for your pillow? How is your recovery going? I just recently badly sprained my left ankle and did a bad number on my left knee. Going to be out for a long time. probably going to miss backpacking season this year :(
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that. How frustrating! I hope you’re not having too much pain and recover soon! The sleeve is basically a Buff. The one in the video is made by Hygge Headbands. I bought it years ago, so I’m not sure if they still make that one or even if they’re still in business, but I bought several of them a long time ago.
@@lilianm7151 it works great! I've learned to use a separate one from the one I'm using for hiking. I don't like having to smell my neck sweat when I'm trying to fall asleep!🤣
Yes, I agree. I was exhausted, and after looking for a more suitable site for about an hour, I took what I could find. Generally, I try to stay at least 200 feet from a water source unless it's a designated site.
I’ve been there and it was not an easy trail. The fact that you made it and went to all the 7 lakes is amazing. So proud of you!!! Well Done. Keep doing you.
I appreciate that! It was a tough trip, especially while sick. I hope you enjoyed it when you went! It's so beautiful!
The JMT was by far my favorite thru hike so far.
I can believe it!
I loved your video. Thank you 🙏🏼 what are you using to record your video?
Thank you so much! The video was shot entirely on my iPhone 14 Pro, and a few of the stills were on my Canon T7, some with a kit lens, and some with a Canon 24mm f/2.8.
This was such a lovely video. Watching you reminded me a lot of how I am when I go out...sometimes struggling, but talking myself into making it through, and then reaping the reward of seeing such beautiful, remote places. I hope to hike in the Sierras some day; those craggy peaks are so magnificent! Thank you for this love of labor in sharing your experience!
I hope you get to see the Sierra! There are so many beautiful places to see. The struggle is real sometimes on these hikes! 😫 But boy, the scenery and quiet are worth it!
Wow!! Just loving the scenery - We would never want to leave! Thanks for sharing!
“Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY
Thank you! It’s truly gorgeous there!!
So lovely! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! 😊
What a beautiful place!! I love that little bird that came to visit you! So cute! So happy you are feeling better!! May all your journeys be easy.
Thank you! I wish this was now! This was in August, no backpacking on this knee yet.
@@WanderingSwitchback I was like wow you made a great recovery. But Its Okay take your time. One day at a time. My knee still gives me problems some days. I have osteophytes and they stick in like little daggers. Thats what they look like on mri also. But it hurts the most when im going up stairs. Some days are real bad and I cant do anything but rest. But some days are great. Heres to the good days!
@@dixiecup3928 I sure wish my knee would heal that fast. Still using the cane at the moment, but starting PT tomorrow. I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with your knee stuff. It sounds super painful! I hope you're able to get improvement with treatment!
@@WanderingSwitchback The doctor told me it would require surgery and they cut the little pointy bone growth. Im not in severe pain so right now its something I can deal with. If it gets worse then i'd have to have surgery. PT really works. Do the excercises and it will strengthen you knee. It speeds up the healing by working on the supportive muscles.
@@dixiecup3928 I can totally understand not wanting to rush to surgery. I've dealt with this knee issue for over 20 years and nothing else was working anymore. Luckily, my PT is also a backpacker and hiker (we want to do a trip together), so she will NOT go easy on me! 😆
Thank you for sharing. Would you mind uploading your itinerary?
This trip was simply 2 nights at the North Fork Big Pine Lakes trailhead, camping at 2nd Lake for both nights. Now that I've been there, I'd probably camp further up for future trips, if only for the solitude! Third Lake was just as pretty as Second Lake, but way less crowded.
Awesome video, funny I was just looking at that a7 and Nemo bag. What was the average temp on this trip?
How funny! This trip was last August, and I think the night temps at Second Lake were in the high 50s, and mid-70s during the day.
@@WanderingSwitchback I’ll have to find your instagram I enjoyed the video. I can’t imagine what goes into a solo trip plus editing/recording.
@@WanderingSwitchback sorry to bombard you but is there a good online store to buy Nemo gear? I’m assuming it’s more expensive from their website?
@@zacd7094 Their website is in line with most retailers. But I have a TON of tips that will help you save money on gear here: ua-cam.com/video/fQc8m5jfI5c/v-deo.html
@@zacd7094 I appreciate that! It's a lot to record while hiking and doing stuff- it definitely slows things down. I have so many hikes and trips I need to catch up on editing...
You can find my IG here: instagram.com/wanderingswitchback/
did you make this hike this year? If we head out early, is it possible to make it to the first and second lakes and back in a day and still have time to enjoy the lakes?
This was in August 2023 (I’ve been editing old trips while recovering from surgery), so the conditions are far from current.
It’s certainly possible if you head up early to do that, especially if you’re strong hikers. It’s worth the trek!
Absolutely beautiful, was this recent? I have a reservation early may!
Thank you! This was this past August. Have a great time!!
So beautiful! What a great adventure! Is that the sierra shade hoodie? I just ordered one.
Thank you! Yes, it was awe-inspiring there!
It’s the REI Sahara Shade hoodie! I have 5 of them, and now there are new colors, so I may have to get more. I wear them a ton.
For anyone else curious, this is the shirt: alnk.to/bPcHq3z
Thanks for sharing, great video. UGQ quilts are the best. Btw, where did you get the sleeve for your pillow?
How is your recovery going? I just recently badly sprained my left ankle and did a bad number on my left knee. Going to be out for a long time. probably going to miss backpacking season this year :(
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that. How frustrating! I hope you’re not having too much pain and recover soon!
The sleeve is basically a Buff. The one in the video is made by Hygge Headbands. I bought it years ago, so I’m not sure if they still make that one or even if they’re still in business, but I bought several of them a long time ago.
@@WanderingSwitchback that's a great idea to use a Buff as a pillow sleep.
@@lilianm7151 it works great! I've learned to use a separate one from the one I'm using for hiking. I don't like having to smell my neck sweat when I'm trying to fall asleep!🤣
seems like you were camped a little too close to the lake
Yes, I agree. I was exhausted, and after looking for a more suitable site for about an hour, I took what I could find. Generally, I try to stay at least 200 feet from a water source unless it's a designated site.
Holy hell. That looks soooo amazing! I want to go!
It’s so incredible!! I highly recommend it, even if you can only do a very long day trip!