Day 39 5.2.2018 Wednesday

(5.3.2018)

Mile 549-566

Well, yesterday proved to be one for the books. Maybe it was clearly the noderatly easy terrain. Maybe it was the cooler temperatures. Maybe it was that I set an alarm for the first time in a month in a half. Maybe it was knowing that I had a friend meeting me at the end of the trail. All of that combined proved to be motivation to knock out 17 miles before 1pm yesterday.

The alarm was set for 0530 and I was on the trail by 630am. We did not get snowed on like the forecast had called for but it remained windy all night and of course throughout the day. Our campsite selection did shield us from most of the wind so we were thankful for that.

Tho boys were behind us all day as they slept in a wee bit longer than Laura and I had planned. They eventually caught up to us at Highway 58 where I thought Greg would be waiting. The funny part of yesterday’s story is that I couldn’t wait for the beer I knew he had. The beer I he had already told me he was sharing with other hikers as they came off the trail. For the last 3 miles, I kept turning corners on the trail looking for his truck. I thought I had my eye on it but i had been fooled as what I had been staring at was not his truck. Well, long story short he was providing plenty of Trail magic to hikers at Willow Springs Road–which is an easier hitch into Tehachapi. We unfortunately were waiting 8 miles after that particular crossing. When I finally was able to get ahold of Greg–of course there was no cell service where he was eagerly waiting to get a photo of me–I had to explain that we had already passed that location. It would have been perfect to meet him where he was and I was sooooo glad that he was able to talk and hang with some hikers but I guess I wasn’t clear on our meeting spot.

So, now that Greg and I were finally in contact the boys (now Justin, Fireman, and Seeker) hopped into a car with a trailangel who just happened to be rolling by the Hwy we were at. Laura and I scored a ride from a lady named Roberta who had just dropped off another hiker from town and said she was headed back to Tehachapi. Roberta said she was going to get on the trail angel list for the PCT hikers. She’s been driving Uber as her retirement gig. She said she’d been getting more and more hikers requesting Uber rides that maybe she’d donate some of her time as a trail angel instead of doing Uber. Super nice of her!!!

Roberta dropped us off at Red House BBQ where we met up with the boys. Greg met us there. Mishap in location logistics, it was still an awesome visit with him. After lunch he drove us down to the Best Western were he had secured rooms for us all. After that, he dropped Seeker off at the store, came back, picked up Laura, Pacecar, Tim and myself and drove us to the Post Office to pick up our boxes. THEN he graciously picked up Seeker from the market, brought him back and then again, took the 4 of us there for our own resupply trip. So much running around for Greg but I think he really enjoyed his time as a trail angel.

He ended up leaving while the night was young. I should say this wasn’t the most convenient stop for him as he had driven down from Portland, OR. Tehachapi was a side trip as he is now in Santa Barbara celebrating his birthday weekend with friend there. It was super nice of him to come all the way out to see me and help out how he could. Happy (almost) Birthday Greg, thank you sooooo much for everything!

After that the day was almost complete except for dinner. We walked down to the nearest restaurant and ran into a few other hikers there. Pacecar and her husband were there and Luc showed up! I haven’t seen him in over a week I believe. We also found out that Shrink was in town but not at the same hotel so we wouldn’t be able to see him.

After dinner we all finagled with our overage of food supply. Kennedy Meadows is the next big place to get off trail but it’s also 144 miles away. At 17 miles a day, that’s roughly 8 and a half days before the next town. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna starve. Oh yeah, remember I said I was going to eat EVERYTHING I had before my next resupply? Yeah, well I didn’t. So maybe I won’t starve this time either.

I did purchase more candy this time around. As the miles creep up, I just need more calories. The balance is trying to find calories without the weight and bulk though. A lot of hikers live on Snickers. I went for a few Paydays, Reese’s, butterfingers, and some almond Joy. Variety, I always need variety. So we shall see how this round goes.

Seeker ended up staying the night as well. When we were at lunch he sounded convinced that he was just going into town to eat and resupply. I think he got stuck in the vortex but it was fun to meet an new person. He hiked several sections of the trail last year so it was cool to hear about his past attempt.

It was late when we were finally tucked into bed. We broke hotel rules and finished our laundry after 10pm. We also soaked our feet in the hot tub after hours as well. I’m becoming such a rule breaker!!!!

All in all a good day!