Wednesday Day 46

5.9.2018

Mile 683-702

The sleeping weather out here has been amazing. And when you wake up and hardly have to put that second layer of clothing on to start the day, it’s going to be a good one.

Since we had camped at Fox Mill Spring (elevation 6522ft) our morning climb to just over 8000ft seemed easy. The sun was still rising and the temperature still had a cool chill to the air. We packed up and left earlier than normal today and we were able to get more miles in earlier AND beat the heat.

The views are already getting better. The surrounding mountains and snow capped peaks are all within viewing range. Getting water today was easy as well. Again, a sign that we are just more steps closer to the mountains. The first sight of the Kern River today was actually breathtaking.

Oh! And since I saw one rattlesnake yesterday. I saw yet another today. This one was on trail but too fast for me to get a photo. I saw this guy and we thought he was dead. Fossil went to move him and he quickly showed us he wasn’t dead. Sorry Glen–I still don’t like them. The only mistake we made in planning today was thinking that the “junction” to Grumpy Bears Retreat (where we planned to camp in KM) was 17 miles. I’m actually we ended up walking to mile 702, then another 9/10 of a mile to get to the Kennedy Meadows General Store. We were thankful Brad at the store was still open for business. We grabbed a burger and a beer there, then I ate half a pint of ice cream. We chatted with JJ who was just about ready to head back to the trail. He waited out the heat yesterday and arrived into KM at 3am. No thank you!!!! After I passed my ice cream over, we contacted Doug over at Grumpy Bears and he arranged a truck to come pick us all up.

At Grumpy Bears we quickly got on the shower list. Write your name down and the bartender lets you know when it’s your turn. Some of the guys were outside playing football. Some of us (with less energy) just caught up chatting with those we hadn’t see in a while. Ran into Seeker here, Meg and Simon (who I haven’t seen since Big Bear), the Canadians, and Laura and Andrew. I got a message from Justin and they went high class and arranged a room in Ridgecrest. I think he’ll be coming over here tomorrow.

We had beers for the night and talked strategies about the next few miles. Tomorrow I will check out Triple Crown Outfitters which is owned by a veteran hiker named Yogi (Jackie). Matt will be here Friday with my gear so I’ll have more chores to do once he’s here’s. It’ll be good to see another friendly face. Cheers to another great day on the trail. The saga of my trail name continues. Nothing has stuck but as I enter the Sierras and meet more new people I’m sure it’ll happen.