Rant: Someone told me my 20 mile days in the Sierra were missing the point

A guy I met on the John Muir Trail last summer said I was just 'collecting miles' and not really seeing anything. He pointed out I'd blow past a perfect side trail to a lake because it wasn't on my planned route. I changed my next trip (a 5 day loop in the Trinity Alps) to only plan 10-12 miles a day, with one zero day built in. It felt weird at first, but I actually spent a whole afternoon at Emerald Lake just watching the light change. Has anyone else had to slow down after being a mileage-focused hiker?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_christopher1mo ago

Remember that guy was still wrong to tell you how to hike. Glad you found a style you like now, but doing big miles in the Sierra is its own kind of point, seeing huge chunks of wild country. Maybe the real lesson is not to let anyone else make you feel bad about your pace, fast or slow. What matters more, the miles you cover or the way you feel when you stop?

olivia_lewis1mo ago

Both matter, but feeling good matters more.

zarapalmer23d agoMost Upvoted

Oh, that's a good point. I read a trail journal once where someone said they finally stopped counting miles and just walked until they found a good spot to be still. That changed everything for them. @olivia_lewis is right that feeling good has to come first, or else you're just punishing yourself out there. The miles will happen either way, but you only get the good feeling if you choose it.