Day 60: Into the Sierra

Day 60 (Thursday, June 16): Kennedy Meadows Store (.77 road + mi 702.23) to mi 720.42, 18.96 miles. (up/down:+4184/-1300)

Last night I met Legend (from MN) and Raven (from UT) who are past and present hikers who are also trail angeling.  They would be making pancakes at the bridge over the river. So when I was all packed I headed to the bridge and was greeted by Legend with a coffee and pancake order as well as more great and thought-provoking conversation. Shortly after Raven and Anmi joined us. I would have liked to stay all morning but knew I needed to get some miles in. I hit trail at 7:40.

I stopped at the delightful Kern River for a short break and water as the rest of the way until I’d meet the river again in about 10 miles where iffy. Not too long later, I stopped at a crappy creek to get a little more water and was met with the presence of a trail crew…at least I assume so. I never saw people, but met their horses and dogs, one of which was very intrigued by my water filter.

After a long climb up hill, the trail finally leveled out into a beautiful meadow. I could have walked in that all day. I also got lucky with the spring on the way as the water report had me worried it might be dry. All along my way here, I ran into a lot of people hiking the opposite way, including a couple big groups. The rest of the afternoon I only saw north bounders.

I reached my goal of the Kern River just before 3:30. I stopped for a nice break, but it was too early for me to stop. There were another campsite and creek a few miles up I would go to.

It was a nice gradual climb up as the temperature slowly started to go down. I reached the trees but never reached the campsite or water. It seemed to be non-existent and dry. I was nearly out of water and the trail started to climb very steeply. I was lucky to find a pool of water up the trail but pressed on slowly and with damaged motivation.

Every once in awhile, I’d find a somewhat suitable spot I could set up my tent. Though it was still before 6  and figured if I’ve gone this far, I might as well keep going. After an unrelenting climb, I finally called it quits at a nice little spot. I didn’t see people for a couple hours and just wished someone would stop and camp with me. I didn’t want to spend my first night in the Sierra alone. There is a reason bear cans are required… As dark approached 3 hikers passed by but pushed on. Looks like I’d be camping alone.

Day 59: Rest for the Wicked, Not for Me

Day 59 (Wednesday, June 15): Manter Creek (mi 693.55) to Kennedy Meadows Store (mi 702.23 + .77 mi on Sherman Pass Rd), 9.48 miles. (up/down: +771/-796 ft)

We left camp around 6:45 and made our way to KM. It was beautiful weather and awesome terrain and scenery through the basin. Just following rolling hills with frequent shade until we got to the Kern River. From here I would say bye to my dad and stepmom and just meet them 4.5 miles later at the store.

After the river it became more exposed and hot even though still morning. I made it to mile marker 700 (woohoo over half way)! From here the trail got a little tricky as it passed through a couple washes and near sandy roads – I hoped my dad would figure it out.

I finally reached the road and started the walk up the paved today to the store. It was longer and hotter than I was expecting but worth the round of applause upon arrival to the store. I knew my dad and step mom wouldn’t want to hike the road so I drove down to meet them.

After waiting sometime I finally saw two heads in the distance that looked like them (thought I could see the orange bandana). However, they took a turn off trail and I saw them disappear being a hill. I still want certain if it was them, but worried they would get lost if it was. I waited sometime, not seeing anyone else resembling them. They should have been out by now. And if that couple were them, either they were long gone or would have turned around by now. I saw an older couple emerge on the road, and I asked if they had seen my older couple – they had only seen “kids”. That must have been then. So off I went to find them back on trail in my crocs.

A short walk later, I came over a hill, and there they were! They had in fact took the wrong turn but eventually turned back. They were every so grateful that I had the truck waiting for them at the road. From there we headed to Grumpy Bears for lunch.

After a tasty burger and frustrating logistical planning of when and where I would meet them again (had planned to do Mammoth to Toulumne, but changed mind) and food sorting, we said so long. The rest of the evening I relaxed on the store porch and resorted my food again to try and rid some additional weight.

Kennedy Meadows is a place many look forward to. It’s no oasis. Many stay for a zero, but it wasn’t for me. I was ready to leave. If I hadn’t already set up camp, I would have hiked out. After dinner, I chatted with an array off hikers around a round table including various debates about hiker ethics. With plans of leaving in the morning, we slowly said goodnight and retired to our tents.

Day 58: Risk

Day 58 (Tuesday, June 14): 3.5 miles on Chimney Basin Rd + PCT mile 687.8 to Manter Creek (693.52), 9.22 miles.

This morning we drove from Bridgeport to Kennedy Meadow. We had some car trouble along the way and had to stop in Bishop to get it checked out. Thankfully they said it was okay to keep driving as long as the engine light wasn’t flashing. It was very interesting to drive through the recent burn and to see so much fresh char. We passed the closed Crane brake rd which would require us to get a ride all the way around to Walker Pass and come from the south. Though shortly after we passed  Chimney Basin Road which was only closed to thru traffic as the road was supposedly washed out a mile down. A light bulb went off.  Perhaps another option as my companions (dad and stepmom) wanted the easiest/shortest option.

We arrived to Kennedy Meadows – not as magical as I was thinking, but still filled to the brim with hikers. I saw a few I recognized which was surprising as I’d been off trail for so long. I also ran into Honey again (who I met at Cajon Pass McDs)! We caught up on how things have been and said or goodbyes. I would be headed south to do the section back to KM and she was headed north that afternoon.

We finally found Scott who kindly offered us a ride on Facebook. To my surprise it happened to be Devilfish who was volunteering at Ziggy and the Bear!  After some deliberation and map studying we decided to checkout Chimney Basin Rd and decided to risk the unknown and try this way versus the 2 hour ride to the campground.

We crossed the road closed gate and were on our own. It was 1:42 and warm,  but not unbearable. We passed a few houses and storage containers out in the middle of no where. Thankfully no one came out with shotguns accusing us of trespassing, which we probably accidentally did as we missed one of the road/trail junctions. Thank goodness for my gps as my hikerbot app wasn’t completely accurate. The road was never washed out,  but did disappear with over growth and brush. It was a steady and gradual incline all the way up to the trail. It was slow going with my dad and step mom with their fresh legs,  but gave me an excuse to take it real lazy. Along the way we ran into a rattlesnake on trail; the fourth one I’ve seen but the first I was able to get a picture of before me or the snake ran away.

Many breaks later we met the PCT at mile 687.8 around 4:50 and continued downhill from there. It was getting cooler and made for a nice walk. We weren’t sure how far we’d make it or when a decent campsite would show up. My step mom was struggling a bit so I offered to carry her pack part of the way to get us to camp before it got too dark. I needed to make up for the miles I missed and prepare for my heavy pack to come – it helps even out the weight distribution anyway.

We finally made it to the beautiful rock basin and found a campsite near Manter Creek around 7:30. I didn’t sleep well,  but it was my best nights sleep on trail yet. Tomorrow we would have a short day to KM.

Day 46-57: Sun & Surprises

Thursday, June 2 – Monday, June  13.

So perfect timing to get off trail! I luckily just missed the Chimney Creek Fire and dipped out during extremely high temperatures which led to quite a bit of snowmelt.

On Thursday, we made a trip to Ikea for some couch shopping then hooked up at a local RV park. I then surprised my boss at work by just showing up (my co-workers knew). It was definitely a shock for him. I got to do sone catching up on the program and kids. That afternoon, I spent the day at the pool working as a staff with a handful of kiddos. It was so nice to see my kids and surprise them. Surprising kids with autism give for an interesting experience : P That night we met my sister for dinner.

I took my first shower in 10 days Friday morning before walking 2.5 miles back to work. There were very few kids at the program today, thus I had no one I needed to work with. There was a going-away lunch for another coordinator so I tagged along. Yet again, I surprised everyone there because no one knew I was back. I was glad I joined – one of the most fun goodbye lunches for sure (complete with goodie bags and an awesome speech). I was also able to surprise some of my staff once back at AIM. It almost felt like I never left.

Saturday was another day for surprises. It was hard to not post anything prior to me coming back to Utah, but I didn’t want anyone to know. I took an Uber to my UFC Gym and confused/surprised one of my coaches – she had to take a double look. I just love seeing people’s faces when I show up unexpected (so far all good responses). I stuck around for kickboxing and yoga. Man, I sure miss hitting things. After walking so much, I’ve noticed my body has slowed down significantly. Running isn’t very doable anymore, and upper body strength is gone, but I could do squats all day!

After the gym, my boyfriend came down to meet me with my pup, Dakota. It was so nice to see her and she was very excited to see me too. So excited, she of course had to attack me like usual, but this time with some more squealing, running in circles and gnawing. From there we took her to Dimple Dell for a walk, but it was way too hot for her feet so we made it a short loop back through the shade and stream. That afternoon, I took a nap! Holy cow, it’s been a while!

Sunday, we took Kota for another hike. Somewhere she and James found near Roy, but was new to me. We started early, but not early enough. It got hot quick. On the way back, Kota was dying; trying to stop in every tiny piece of shade. It got to the point where we had to carry her to give her a short break. We finally got back to the first big stream crossing where she just laid in the water. The rest of the time she literally did not move, until we made her go to Petsmart to pick out a bone and get a nail trim. She was happy to go, but looked like me after a long day of walking – just hobbling. Poor pup.

Monday was a long day. I bummed around the house, packed and sorted what would come with me back to Cali and what would stay, and caught up on computer work. Dakota still didn’t move all morning. Finally around 10, I dragged get outside to go potty. A few hours later she surprisingly acted like she wanted a walk. We made it one house down then she just laid in the street refusing to go either way. Silly pup.

That afternoon I took the Trax down to Murray where Kaili (UFC Gym coach) picked me up so I could do a couple more classes before I departed (woohoo). Nice to catch up with my fit fam. After a couple classes, the manager took me back to the train station. I got to the station around 8 and my train didn’t leave until 11:30. It was going to be a long wait. The station didn’t even open until 10 so I waited outside joined by the occasional drunk and crackhead…and people are surprised when I say I’ve only been in downtown Salt Lake just once.

All aboard! Loaded up for my 12 hour train ride. Thankfully it was overnight and I’d be getting some shut eye during the most awful/boring part – Nevada. I woke up just in time for the tail end of the sunrise. Once we finally hit the scenic part starting at the Truckee River I made my way to observation car to enjoy the views!

The next 6 days I spent at my dad’s place about an hour from Tahoe doing a lot of yard work and projects…I gotta make money somehow! I helped build 2 gardens, take down gutters, clean wood floors, deep clean and power wash garage. I’m glad I had stuff to keep me busy or I would have been extremely bored. Each day I also walked to keep my legs in somewhat shape. Not too worry, I did relax as well. I even took another nap along with a trip to the River.

Lastly, Monday was a travel day. My step mom had a friend visiting and we had to drive her to the Reno airport. Along the way we stopped in Truckee and Tahoe for some lake time. One stop was at Emerald Bay and had some miscommunication. I thought they had walked the mile down to the beach, so after parking that is where I headed. Oops. I guess they just were stopping at the Vista point for a picture. I had no cell service and couldn’t be reached. Thankfully I didn’t fall off a cliff like they worried, but I’m terribly sorry for making them worry and delaying their actual plans. After Reno, we drove a couple more hours to get us closer to Kennedy Meadows. Here my dad will park his car and a lovely trail angel will shuttle us down to the Chimney Creek Campground where my dad and step mom will join me for the 20 mile section to Kennedy Meadows.

Day 44-45: Passing Time

Day 44 (Tuesday, May 31): mi 636.55 to Walker Pass (mi 651.29), 14.74 miles. (up/down: +1425/-2589ft)

I left camp early, around 6:10a, to beat the heat. I was excited for today as it is mostly all down hill. I would also be meeting my mom at the WP Campground to get a ride back to UT where I would spend a few days waiting for snow melt and see my dog! Without much effort I achieved 10 before 10 (traveling 10 miles before 10a). Along the way, there were beautiful views of snow-peaked mountains in the distance. I also came across a strange sight. Scat right in the middle of the trail, with a snake in it! I  really want to know what it was from – I am guessing a cat of some sort. The rest of the hike down, I kept my eyes peeled and scanned for critters.

The heat quickly rose, making me even more determined to find shade and get to the pass. I took just 2 breaks all morning and made it to Walker Pass Campground at 11:30. I was happy to see some trail magic: water, an ice chest, snacks and wine (though I only helped myself to some cold water). I found a nice shady spot to hide in until my mom would arrive – hopefully around 2pm. Today, I also tested out my knee and didn’t wear my brace for the first time since getting it in Julian. It turned out to do fairly well, but don’t know how well it would have turned out in a longer day.

I rested for a while and tried to stay somewhat cool. The couple from Ohio I had met rolled up in a car with one of their friends – beer and McD’s in hand, offering me some 🙂 I then joined them at one of the picnic tables. Squirrel and Clockwork joined and the couple soon left to go to town. Squirrel, Clockwork, and I sat at the table enjoying our beer and some skittles until my mom arrived closer to 3 (their truck overheated on the way up). My mom was happy to offer hikers a small little wine bar, and socialize with the gang.

We eventually packed up and headed on our way to Salt Lake. I was able to check out some trail towns (Lone Pine, Independence and Bishop), and wasn’t too impressed. We ended up staying the night in the Bishop Von’s Parking Lot for the night.

Dirt Tan

Day 45 (Wednesday, June 1):

More driving. Nevada, yet again sucks. I bought my train ticket from SLC to Colfax
(going through Truckee).

Wow – am I lucky! On our drive, I learned about a fire that just broke out on/near the trail between Walker Pass and Kennedy Meadows. I had been thinking about pushing through to Kennedy Meadows instead of getting picked up at the easier accessed Walker Pass. If I had done that, I would have walked right into the fire at Chimney Creek Campground Area (mile 681). I guess I picked a good time to get off trail!

Credit: E. Schwimmer & PCTA.org

 

 

Day 42: Meadown’t understand…

Day 42 (Sunday, May 29): mile 592.95 to Butterbredt Rd (mi 617.78), 24.83 miles. (up/down: +3858/-4326ft)

Today started off hard, but ended up being one of my favorite sections. I hit trail at 6:50 a and started immediately with a climb, which grew steeper and steeper before finally heading back down hill. Meadown’t (I don’t) understand how I can be this far into my hike and it seems like days/climbs are getting harder and harder; not easier like I thought they would. Quite discouraging. Despite killing me, the terrain was beautiful as I walked through meadowy hillsides. I kept passing signs saying I was in an open range – I was hoping I’d see some cows, but never did 😦

I love not caring what I look like!

I barely made it to mile 600 with my baby steps. Though still morning, it was getting way hot. I took a short little break at this milestone then pushed forward to Robin Bird Spring where many hikers were resting and filling up. Thankfully, the next water was not too far away and I didn’t have to carry 5-6 liters like I had been. A couple hours later, I made it to Lander’s Camp where there was another spring. We were like cows at a watering hole, swarming it and finding relief in the shade nearby. After lunch, a break, and debating how much water to bring in the next 42 miles waterless stretch. There is talk of a 2-3 water caches; but you never want to count on them, and you also don’t want to carry 2 days worth of water. I opted to press my luck somewhat, but not as much as others. I would carry enough water to get me to the potential second water cache just over 20 miles away.

The next section of trail was by far my favorite of the day and the trail so far. There were beautiful wildflowers that smelled like purple jolly ranchers, scenic views, rolling hills vs big climbs and little desert terrain. From here, there was a big decent down to Kelso Valley Rd where there was to be a water cache!

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I got to Kelso around 6:10 and found water..woohoo. This means I could camel up and not conserve quite as much in the next stretch to the next potential cache. The cache was right on a road, and didn’t leave much room for camping. There was 2 okay spots, but heard there might be another site a mile or two up the trail. I had already gone over 20 miles, but decided to press my luck and see what I could find. There was nothing – except a lot of rabbits (5 more to add to the 2 from yesterday). It didn’t help that it was quite windy as well. I finally got to a patch of Joshua trees where I could get a little wind protection and found a crappy spot that could work. I dropped pack and decided to  scout another quarter mile up to the road. There wasn’t much except a sandy flat spot right next to the dirt road, but it was better than the last. I walked back to retrieve my pack to return back to the site.

 

Unfortunately, I failed to notice all of the red ants that also called that spot home. They immediately started crawling all over my stuff and me. I dragged my tent down about 3 feet where it was slightly better and threw all my stuff in my tent as soon as possible. As I ate dinner, a couple of OHVs whizzed by – I sure hope this doesn’t last all night. Thankfully they only went by one more time. I didn’t see anyone since leaving the cache two miles back. As the sun went down behind the hills, one person walked by, but it looked like I would be camping all my myself. The first time in quite a while.

Once I got into my tent for the night, the critters came out. I could hear them scurrying by my tent and checking out the unfamiliar tent and gear in their way. I swore they were chilling right on the other side of my tent wall. When I would sit up and look, I couldn’t see anything. As soon as I would lay back down  I could hear them again, or at least I could hear something – I may have just been going crazy. I just swatted at my tent, they would leave, then shortly return. I put in my ear plugs and continued this game until I fell asleep.

Everyone needs a gross foot picture…

 

 

Day 43: Failing

Day 43 ( Monday, May 30): Butterbredt Rd (mi 617.78) to mi 636.55, 18.78 miles. (up/down: +4280/-2544ft)

I woke up to find that my trekking pole had been someone’s midnight snack. I knew there would be some more climbing first thing in the morning, and I wanted to make sure I did as much of it as I could in the cooler morning temps, so I was on trail by 6:30a. The climbing wasn’t too extreme, but it was pretty constant with a little relief of downhill once in a while. Surprisingly, I crushed the morning climb, unlike yesterday. I think it helped that the sun was coming over the mountains and shining directly in my face, therefore I could not see the trail or the incline that I was covering. It’s not as bad when I can’t see what I am doing. That is why I usually stare at the ground 1 foot in front of me when I have to climb. During the first part of the morning, I saw another 3 bunnies – too bad I can’t pick my own trail name!

Early off, I started to leap frog Dayhike. Throughout the morning, we continued to pass each other taking turns out in front and taking a break. Once in awhile our breaks would overlap in the same spot for a short bit. Though slight, it was nice to have a little company. He also noticed (as Digger did before Tehachapi) that my pack was lopsided. This was getting frustrating as I could not figure out why it was doing so. At first I thought it was my hip belt just being crooked. Then I thought I was just sucking at packing my pack even though I would readjust it continually with not much change. Finally, at one of my breaks, I investigated a bit more and found that it wasn’t me! It was indeed the pack – the hip belt was ripping from the pack. Damn.

Steep beach climb

Now my trekking poles AND pack were failing and giving up. With this next climb coming up, I wanted too as well – but I didn’t! It took me over two hours to go two miles. Remember the dreadful beach walk hike from the Snow Canyon Faucet to Ziggy and the Bear? Well, it was that all over again, but now uphill – including a 700ft ft climb in 1 mile. It felt like I was putting in so much effort in walking but wasn’t going anywhere. I just gave my self tiny goals – walk to that one single Joshua tree where there was a foot of the shade and stop. Go to the next tree then stop. I did that all the way to the top. Then finally all downhill to Bird Spring Pass where I would hope to find another water cache.

Hanging under my umbrella

There it was – water! Woohoo. I got to the cache at about 12, after waking up a couple of sheriffs on their break. Sorry. It was hot – way hot. The water was a delightful sight, however the huge climb behind it was not. There was also another 20 miles until the next reliable water source. Not wanting to carry more water up that mountain then I had to, I made my first hot lunch (swapped my lunch and dinner).  I sat with a new group of hikers, including Dayhike. After lunch, we all sought small patches of shade under the trees for some rest. Of course, everyone napped but me. Amidst the middle of our afternoon siesta, a dark cloud came over with some unexpected rain. It didn’t last long, confused the shit outta me, but was quite welcomed. It left just as soon as it appeared. I contemplated leaving, and packed up my stuff in preparation to go. I got up to refill my water, and quickly changed my mind as soon as I stepped in the sun. Way too hot – I’d guess 90’s, and the trail was completely exposed.

At 4:30, I decided to fight the heat and the climb and get back on trail. It had been a 4 1/2 hour break and I was going stir crazy. And there I started the 1600 ft, 4 mile climb. I was determined to push my self and not stop. I knew if I stopped for even a 5 second break, that I would lose all momentum. I made it up over half way and rewarded myself with a break, and met a couple from Ohio. I was happily surprised to make it that far without stopping. I know my body can do it, the biggest struggle is all in the mind. From there I finished the climb and started the descent. From here it would be mostly downhill to Walker Pass. The terrain switched vastly once over the peak from desert sand and rocks to trees, lots of green and trees. I passed a couple campsites, but decided to push on to see what I could find.

A fine line between desert and forest

Camp for the night

At 6:55p, I made it to a flat spot perfect for camp. With the number of people still at the cache, I figured others would join me. It got later and later, and it would again be just me – camping alone for the second time in a row. Their loss – they missed out on an amazing sunset. I settled into my tent for the night, thinking about how perfect of a spot this would be for mountain lions. Shit. I was thinking about Storytime and her friend’s encounter with a mountain lion she had a couple years back somewhere between here and Kennedy Meadows. To make matters worse, I was playing a card game with myself and the second card to be dealt was about mountain lion attacks. Probably a bad decision, but I opted to not wear my ear plugs that night.

Day 41: Deja Vu

Day 41 (Saturday, May 28): mile 569.41 to mile 592.95, 23.54 miles. (up/down: +4547/-3855ft)

The wind was blowing hard all night. Every few minutes the wind would catch my sleeping bag and blow it up/off. This has officially been the worst night’s sleep on the trail yet. I think I maybe got one hour of sleep. I still don’t know how I am managing to function with such little sleep and covering so many miles. As frustrating as it is, it is at least nice to rest the body/lay down for a few hours every night and I saw a nice sunrise.

I get my best/sometimes only sleep right when I go to bed and right before I have to get up in the morning. I could “easily” get up and start walking at 3 a but then I’d miss my potential 1 hour of sleep from 4:30-5:30. So I finally knew there was no chance I was getting more sleep and I had a decent climb today, I got up and ready, hitting trail at 6:50a.

It was a very slow start. Days after being in town are usually hard, but today my body was fighting me. My feet started doing that numb/tingly thing again. I was going slow….Very, very slow and stopping every switchback or less to try and get some normal sensation back in my feet.

I finally made it to the first stop, which was just a couple miles in, where I took a break with a couple other hikers for second breakfast and cookies. I then passed on and passed Smiles and a small water cache. I chatted for a minute and kept going. I already had enough water and didn’t want to lose too much momentum.

The trail was mostly down hill, with a few small climbs all the way to the next water source. Yet again, I walked through another windfarm. I swear these things never end! Along the way, I also ran into a big gopher snake who didn’t want to move. Thankfully, I was on a wide dirt road and could just walk around him.

Between about mile 575 & right before the spring (583), I didn’t see a single person. I have been walking solo for pretty much the whole trail, which is an incredible experience, and much different than walking with others…but man, I wish I had some company sometimes.

Just before 1p I ran into Woodchuck again just as we pulled into the Golden Oaks Spring, a lovely green algae and muck filled horse trough. Thankfully there is a small pipe that feeds clean water into the trough. There were also many other hikers (most if not all, I’ve seen before) taking their afternoon lunch and siesta break.

Golden Oaks Spring

During my two-hour lunch break, I again took no nap and pondered how far to go the rest of the afternoon. I figured a couple more hours would get me 5-7 miles further which would mean a nice 20 mile day. I walked along ANOTHER EFFIN WIND FARM & I saw some nice sites just a few miles in, but it was only 4:30 and way too early to stop. I ran into another snake on trail who refused to move. I’m pretty sure he was a harmless garter snake, but didn’t want to try to step over him on the narrow trail. I banged my poles, kicked dirt, whistled and poked at him. No movement. After waiting a couple more minutes, I just has to push him over with my hiking pole.

As I continued, I leapfrogged another girl for the whole way from the spring to camp.  I ended up not seeing any more decent campsites and hiked 10 miles from the spring, 5 more than I planned, making for an almost 24 mile day. It was killer. There were a couple climbs to get there and they were brutal on my exhausted legs that happened to also be carrying 19 miles worth of water. Finally I started to descend and reached the campsite for the night. Ate a no-cook/waterless meal, socialized with the others at the site and retired top my tent for some much needed rest.

Ate:
Probar meal
Pop tart
Cookies
Dried fruit
Refried beans and cheese crackers in a tortilla
Cookies and cream hazelnut spread
Honey mustard chicken and crackers
String Cheese
Oreos
6 liters water

Day 38-40: Ruffing It…Not

Day 38 (Wednesday, May 25):

Yet another bad night’s sleep – the trains nearby didn’t help. I tried to “sleep in” a little, or more so just delay exiting my tent. Though the sprinklers were set to go off at 8a, so I had to be packed up by then.

Once I got all my stuff together, I walked into town to find some breakfast and met my mom. I first went to the Apple Shed and they weren’t open until Thursday. I then walked to Kaceys Cafe, but it wasn’t my vibe (no hikers either) and headed across the street to Kohnen’s Bakery. Delicious pastries!

There I reaquainted with some hikers I hadn’t seen in a while. My mom arrived about an hour or two later and we headed for Arizona. She had to go back to Lake Havasu to get some stuff and I went along for the ride to waste some time before my Friday event. My package some how never made it to Tehachapi either and I had no way to figure out where it was. My dad has the tracking number at his house and he was on vacation in Portugal. On the way back from Arizona we’d stop back at the RV on Acton so I could get more of my (homemade trail) food.

It was a looooong drive and it’s hard to sit for so long when I’m used to walking all day. I did get Dairy Queen, a gyro, cookies, laundry, and my old memory foam bed – so it was worth it.

Day 39 (Thursday, May 26):

Lazy morning around the house, a few errands, and another long drive back to Acton.

Day 40 (Friday, May 27):

D Day! Well Dog Days anyway….Today was the wine tasting event in Tehachapi that I was joining up with. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a pup…bummer…but we brought Lucky with us (one of my mom’s rescue dogs).

A hiker, Lisa, who I met way back at the faucet before Ziggy & the Bear, had a possible stress fracture and was stuck in Tehachapi. I invited her and Rusty to come with us, because who doesn’t love wine and dogs after some bad news.

The Dog Days of Summer at Souza Family Vineyard was a hit. It was their first of the summer and was quite busy with lots of dogs, including a blue one that matches her blue owner! Sorry, didn’t get a picture. Patty and Bob were great hosts and helped me out by selling some of my bandanas! The wine, dinner, and music was also great of course. I got to meet and chat with quite a few people as well.

Post Dog Days: Hwy 58 (mi 566.4) – mile 569.4, 3 miles. (Up/down: +637/-137ft)

I headed back to trail. We first dropped Lisa and Rusty back off at the airport. They tried to suck me into staying there for the night. Very tempting, but I wanted to get a couple miles in of the upcoming climb and I knew I’d struggle with it. It would also be nice to get an early start from trail in the morning. I avoided getting sucked in. Though by the time I got to the trail, hanging out at the airport park or going back to the RV sounded really good.

Finally at 7:40p I started walking again. My pack was heavy with 5 days of food and 17 miles worth of water. It started off flat and following parallel to the highway. Why in the world would Cheryl pick to start here! I can see why she struggled so much. Some big climbs, dead heat, and long waterless stretches.

The trail passed some bee hives then jetted left and into a wash. It was getting dark and it was very hard to follow the non-existent trail. I made my way up the rocky incline until I couldn’t go any further. At this point I didn’t know where the trail was, but I knew I had to go right. Soon after I met the path again and continued climbing in the dark.

It started to get windy and I just wanted to find the campsite. Finally at 8:50p I found it, where another hiker was already cowboy camping. There wasn’t much room, but I tucked myself into a circle of Joshua Trees. I was hoping they’d provide some protection from the wind. I was dead wrong. The wind blew hard all night. My sleeping bag kept getting blown off me. I didn’t sleep.

P.S. Be careful mailing anything to the Tehachapi PO. They have very slow service. I spent well over an hour during my two trips there. You also can’t call them. They leave their phone off the hook most of the day.

Day 38: Wind Drunk

Day 38 (Tuesday, May 24): Tylerhorse Canyon (mi 541.6) to Willow Springs Rd (mi 558.5), 16.9 miles. (up/down: +2730/-3427ft)

I packed up my pack under a blue sky, but had some clouds spitting on me. I was on trail by 6:45a and again was happily surprised with cold desert weather. I packed 6 liters of water as the next water source was Tehachapi, 35 miles away. There were two ways into town, a road in 17 miles or a key in 24. I wasn’t sure which option I’d choose, but opted to carry the extra water just in case…and it gets me ready for the 40 mile waterless stretches to come.

The morning started with a moderate climb up and down through some washed out parts of the trail until I came to a big climb. It wasn’t too terrible, but it was kicking my ass. Finally, at about 10:15 I reached the top and was delighted to see some magic: chairs and water. I didn’t need the water but was happy to sit in a chair surrounded by other hikers.

From here it was a nice hike down with some rolling hills. The wind was again brutal today and picked up as I neared Tehachapi and more wind farms. I felt drunk trying to walk through the sandy trail mixed with the winds pushing me around.

I made my way through the windmills, with even more than the day before. I reached Willow Spring Rd at about 1:45 and waited for a hitch into town with 5 others. This road was easier and safer than hitching from hwy 58. We dish have to wait too long until a pickup turned around to pick us all up!

This kind fellow was named Joel who has been living in his rv with his rescue Chihuahuas. Turns out he worked for an animal rescue and was currently working with Marley’s Mutts in the area! How crazy! I had no luck getting a pup for my event in Tehachapi and he offered to help. Even if I still can’t get a pup it was neat to meet another person with a similar mission and maybe I’ll see him at Dog Days with his pups.

He dropped off the 5 hikers to their hotel in Tehachapi and then kindly took me to the airport where I planned on staying. It was a cool, yet loud experience to stay at the airport park. Many hikers were already camped and spending their zeros eating, chatting, buying resupply and going to movies.

I knew there were hot showers but wondered where. I saw a portapotty just sitting in the middle of the lawn. Low and behold it was a beautiful hot shower! After getting cleaned up, I laid in my tent for a good two hours. Still no napping. I could have stayed in there all day, but decided I should move a little. I chatted with Tall Man from Germany and we eventually made our way to town to explore. Pretty much everything was closed, but I went to a pizza joint for a beer and yummy lemon cake.

 

When I got back to the airport, there was a news crew interviewing hikers. A local pilot was also giving rides. I watched from a far as planes went up and down the runway. I now wish I would have volunteered for an interview to spread my mission – oh well. I instead cooked up some dinner and socialized with more hikers. I love how nice people are-you can really pick up a genuine conversation with anyone and in a short period of time, meet people from all around the world.

I tried to stay up as late as possible, but tried to my tent around 8:30 for another night of tossing and turning and listening to blaring train horns.