Saturday Day 49

5.12.2018

Mile 702-716

Team Seeker was back at it by 630. I missed a few of them leaving but was able to say goodbye to him and Heidi. I hope I see them again but like the boys, they are going to VVR as well.

Matt and I packed up and went to Grumpys for breakfast. I finally put my bear can into my pack and believe it or not, I was pleasantly surprised by my packing skills. I mean, the downside is maybe I don’t have enough food for 7 days but I will be warm with my new gear and clothing choices. I now have a fleece jacket to hike in (or later at night with), my Nemo Hornet tent, my Nemo Tensor (new) sleep pad (so that I hopefully sleep better at night), my new Sawyer filter and my downbooties that will keep my feet toasty warm and make camp a little more comfortable to walk in. It’s like a whole new setup!

After breakfast I made one last trip to Triple Crown Outfitters. I grabbed a few extra snacks and meals then Yogi helped me ship my box to Independence. It should be there by Wednesday for me. Resupply from the trail is a little more tedious for me but doable. And I don’t have to bother my friends back at home as much looking for stuff.

Matt agreed to give the 3 of us a ride back to the trail. I was pleased to be done with all the town chores and hiking before noon. Luc had talked like he wanted to make it 15 miles. I had hoped for at least 10. Dude was in for at least the 15 mark too. The hiking wasn’t too bad, but we all were feeling the weight of the bear can and extra food. The bear can alone weighs about 3 pounds, shove it full of 7 days of food and you’ve got yourself a heavy pack. I guess the canister is a trade off for not having to constantly carry 4 liters in the desert. Take your pick.

We ended up making 14 miles to camp on the sandy shore of the south fork of the Kern River. It was a beautiful hike today. There’s a bridge here and there’s probably 50 swallows that nest under it. OJ – who is camped up on the hill – walked down for a personal close up of the birds. He said it was exhilarating to have them fly around him so close. It was quiet a show. I don’t think you’ll be able to see them in the photo but I tried to capture moment.

Setup this evening wasn’t bad. I’m excited to sleep on this new pad. Not sure I love the Sawyer filter right now but I’ll see if it grows on me. And with less real estate in the Nemo tent, it’ll take a little adjusting to but I like that I’m back to a freestanding tent for the time being. Light isn’t always better. We shall see if I go back to the Duplex or not.