Day 42 Saturday

5.5.2018

Mile 602-624

so Fossil and I left camp just before 7am. He patiently waited for me as I woke just after 6 and he’d set his alarm for 0530. The plan for the day was to carry water from where we’d camped and make at least 20 miles for the day. We knew (from the water report) that there was a water cache at mile 616. The motto of the PCT is to NOT rely on water caches as they may not be refilled by the time you get there. But with this particular spot we knew we had a backup plan off trail to the Kelso River. Thankfully, our gamble today paid off and the water cache was well stocked. Fossil and I both fill up to our 4 liter capacity as the next water supply is another cache. The next reliable stream is mile 643 which we will most likely make it to tomorrow evening.

As far as the miles were concerned today, the pace was nice. We had 9 miles knocked out by 11am. By checking the first trail register (I should have taken a photo but didn’t, darn) Fossil and I were behind Justin by a mere 30 minutes. I swear this is NOT a race. But his comments were “Karen catch up” … a few names later Tyler had written “She’s not far behind”–as he had just passed me. The comedy out here is unreal. I finally caught up to Justin as he was taking break around 1230. Fossil and I sat for a few minutes and then continued on as I knew Justin was going to catch us anyways and eventually hike more miles in the day. I’m pretty sure he’s camped 4 miles from where I am now. If I don’t run into him tomorrow, I’ll see him in Kennedy Meadows Wednesday or Thursday. I’m pretty sure I will make KM by Wednesday evening if I keep at the mileage I’m doing now.

So the rally cars were kind of a bust. The water cache stop served as an hour and a half daybreak with race entertainment–so we hoped. Not sure how the whole thing worked but we only saw the cars come by once, there was probably about 20 of them and it was the amateur group for sure. We all thought it would be crazy Subaru Rally Sport stuff at high speeds. But hey, who am I to knock someone’s else’s crazy habit right now. Either way, I’m sure those guys (or kids) were having fun in the dirt too.

I was able to meet a few more hikers today while we sat waiting for the rally cars. I talked a bit to JJ (his real name) who carries an American Flag. He served 24 years in the Navy. When you ask him about his flag he had plenty of reasons for carrying it, serious ones for sure, but the funniest being when the wind blows from behind it helps push him up the trail. He calls the flag “Wilson” but I didn’t get a reason why.

I also had a short conservative with Pony Express. Ran into Fireman a few times today. He ran out of water early on in the day and had to go off Trail to find a source. But he just passed our camp about an hour ago so he’s back on track.

I got a message from Laura. She said she’s trying to make it to Walker Pass by tomorrow. That’s mile 651, I think that’s where she is meeting her husband Andrew who will be hiking with her soon. Not sure if she will take a day off but I’m sure I’ll run into them in KM as well.

So after the hour and a half break, we were back on trail at 330. I could tell Fossil was ready to get back to hiking before then, but it was too hot for me. I waited out as much of that sunshine that I could. We still had 8.5 miles before we could attempt to make camp. We were covering 2 miles an hour and stumbled upon a road crossing. JJ, Pony Express, and Wild&Free were hanging out there. To our surprise there was a bit of trail magic. I was lucky enough to grab the last 8oz can of Coke. It went down nicely with the bag of chips that I picked up there as well. The best part was the 6 pack of beer. The worst part was deciding ‘do we drink it now or later?’ As Fossil was just about to open his I said “I think I’m going to enjoy mine with dinner at camp.” I’m pretty sure every guy there thought I was crazy. “But what about the bottle???? You’ll carry it empty!” Yes, yes I will. Fossil took his “to-go” as well.

Fossil and I caught up to JJ, then somehow they let me lead into camp. I must have gotten my second-wind of the day with the thought of camp (and beer) on the horizon. I kinda took off in my usual fashion and made those last 2 miles go by as fast as possible.

Fossil and I set up camp at mile 624. There’s about 6 other hikers here tonight. We had dinner (only the best ramen for us both) and enjoyed our beer together. I shared my cookies for dessert. It was a great way to end the day. The sunset was super pretty tonight and we had an amazing starry night to complete it.

Still feeling good out here overall. The body is tired, altho I would have like to get more miles in this evening, I know it’s best not to complete push past my limits. And knowing me, I’ll fall if I night hike and really dork-up something. We can’t have that. The feet are still mostly blister free and I think I’m eating enough through the day that I’m not losing too much weight… and of course, amongst all the hard miles, I’m still having fun. Hope you’re all doing well! Hope you had a great Cinco!

BTW I don’t think these cows were nearly as friendly as the ones outside of Warner Springs.