I hiked the JMT northbound from Horseshoe Meadows (via Cottonwood Pass) to Sunrise High Sierra Camp and back to Tuolomne Meadows from July 13th to August 5th, 2018. I intended to go all the way to Happy Isles and hike Half Dome, but was foiled by the Ferguson Fire and had to turn back to exit at Tuolomne Meadows. This was my first major backpacking trip and though I embarked alone, I met many wonderful people along the way, so I didn't spend much time truly alone. I had a great experience despite an excessively rainy/stormy/smoky trip.
In the "Trip Preparation" tab, I have expanded on the details of:
In the "Daily Trail Journal" tab, I provide my personal daily experience with photos.