Bishop to Mammoth

Matt's girlfriend, Kerry, joined us in Independence and began hiking at Kearsarg Pass. We have gone 120 miles or so since then and she is doing quite well. When she joined the group I lost my place in the two person tent that Matt bought for the trip. I was without shelter for that 120 miles. I just slept on a Tyvec sheet, my sleeping pad and in my sleeping bag. I now have a poncho that I can tie the hood and use it like a tarp for shelter. It will work as long as the bugs do not get too bad. We had a fun stretch. We stopped at the John Muir Trail Ranch, and it just so happened to provide enough food in order to take a zero day and relax at the hot springs a quarter mile away. When we awoke the next day, the four people I was with all were talking about how food a cold beer would taste. I said I would jog the five miles to Florence Lake to catch the ferry that we thought cost seven dollars each way. Got there. Called the ferry. He came to pick me up and once he was in easy range I began talking to him. It was great to be on a boat the day after the Fourth of July! Turns out it is a dammed lake that they drain in August and September for hydroelectricity and agriculture. The little store there did not sell alcohol. Kept on talking to Dan who drove the ferry. He said after the last ferry run he would take me down to Mono Hot Springs. It was only seven miles, but it took about half an hour. Took a dip in the hot springs, got some beer for everyone, got a warm meal for myself that Dan was so kind to pay for and returned to Florence Lake. Seeing how Dan had already taken the last boat across for this evening, I was staying there. I did not bring my sleeping bag or pad. Dan provided me with both, and I slept well next to a fire just like I had been doing since Kerry joined. Took the first ferry across the next morning. Turns out the ferry trip is $23 round trip. Dan gave me both my rides for free. He was a great guy who had just finished nursing school. Just hanging out for one last summer. He had done the John Muir Trail which runs along the Pacific Crest Trail for most of its 220 miles. I hiked the five miles back to camp and made ear to ear smiles on multiple faces. Cracked the brews. Swam in the "Warm" Lake. Jumped off about a 20 foot cliff. Had some fun. Took a few dips in the hot springs, Blayney Hot Springs. Mingled with three rather Earth Childish ladies from California. All very nice. One was a certified yoga instructor and the four of us did a yoga session by firelight with an ambient night sky above. They were all artists and had some pretty cool sketch books. I was planning to sleep by the fire alone, but they decided to me. Talked for awhile with Carissa before we went to sleep. She had studied abroad in Ghana. We finally made it out of the hot sprigs after three days. A great time with Dumptruck and Murphy! Finished the strut to Reds Meadow where we took the trolly down into Mammoth. Hung out there for a couple nights and enjoyed the local Mammoth Brewery. They had a great Happy Hour! Finally got back to the trail and hiked to a water fall. Going to stay here this evening and get back to doing some miles. I have been talking with New Mexico Tech about the possibility of going back to school to study Mineral Engineering. It would cut my trip short and I would not make it to Canada, so we shall see what comes of it.

Tehachapi

Matt and I both decided to cowboy, sleeping outside without a tent, at hiker town.  I woke up in the middle of the night with a full moon beaming down upon me, thinking it was someone with a flashlight.  Before the moon came out, the stars were amazing.  Awoken quite early by the call of the many chickens they had running around near where we slept.  Still did not get on the trail as early as we would have liked, but I did get some fresh eggs.  They were almost orange, so I am curious as to what all the chickens ate.  Hiked along the Los Angeles Aqua Duct for a short stint. It was warm with no shade. We survived and made it over twenty miles to the next water source. It was a nice little creek in a valley. Matt got going the next morning before me, and was able to avoid charging through the heat of the day.

We strolled into Tehachapi unsuspecting victims of what was to happen. We did not know where to stay and both of us were getting hungry. We ended up getting a room at a hotel just the two of us. Greatly enjoyed it. Relaxed. Go in the hot tub and pool. Went down to the bar where everyone we asked said people went on the weekend. Had a fun time mingling with some random people. The next day we were headed out of town walking through the art fair, and we ran into a very kind lady. She said she was headed to a great place for meat just up the road. We had heard this from others and told her we would met her there. She had a seat saved for us when we got there. Got to talking to her, and she invited us to come stay on her 60 acre ranch in a 25,000 acre gated community. Of course we said we would love to join her. We stopped at the store and got quite a few steaks for our stay on the ranch. Loved it there! Did some odds and ends for our dear host, and greatly enjoyed the conversations we carried to the wee small hours in the morning. We eventually got a ride back to the trail. Hiked a bit and she picked us back up and we went back to stay at her place for couple more nights. She and Dutchess, a friend of hers, then brought us up to Kennedy Meadows. From there we have enjoyed some spectacular views in the Sierras. Have eaten fresh caught golden trout at a campsite far removed from society above 10,000 feet. Climbed the highest point in the contiguous forty-eight to watch the sunrise. Continue to enjoy each day. Suffering from blisters due to the new super feet and boots my mother was so kind to send to me. We are moving slowly with heavy packs full of food and in no rush. The weather has been spectacular, and we have the food to take our time. Each day brings new and kindred spirits into our lives.

Hiker Town

We struggled to get out of Casa de Luna. We finally got a ride to the trail at about six or so after yet another wonderful day of relaxation. They make pancakes with cinnamon in them each morning. Quite tasty! There is taco salad each night as well. Great people always. Some come and go faster than others. We got by nicely with just three nights total there. Enjoyed all the time spent there. We hiked out eight miles from there. My pack was feeling pretty heavy after so long without hiking. We planned to do a pretty good day, but ended up only doing about twenty miles. Wanted to get about ten miles outside of hiker town. We only got to about 14 miles out. Once we got there, Richard took us to the gas station to get some food and beer. We were planning to just nap here and keep pressing on through the Mojave. Place ended up being a little too nice to leave behind. Got showered. Did laundry. Ate well. Relaxed. Planning to head out tomorrow. We shall see what happens.

Vegas

We finally cleared the poodle dog bush area after eight miles the next morning. We got to a Kampground of America just in time to attempt to get some free food from a generous family on Memorial Day. We sat in the shade and enjoyed getting out of the heat? Got to talking to a bigger guy, and he was interested in our story. Eventually, he offered us some turkey burgers and hot dogs with a bag of chips. Mr. Wizard and Jamie were not intent on hanging out all too long, so they missed out on the free food. We pressed on later than we had hoped, but were not too worried about it. We pressed on to arrive at Hiker Heaven also known as the Saufley's. Arrived in Agua Dolce just in time to run into Cactus for Mexican food. Went inside and saw a bunch of people we had not seen in a few days. Enjoyed some good warm food, went and got some beer next door and headed to hiker heaven. What a majestic place it was! Got there after dark and got the tour. They had laundry bags that you just put your stuff in, marked it with a post it note and set it in the line next to the washer. Finally got my sleeping bag washed. They had spare clean clothes for everyone to wear. They had a trailer out back with a TV and movies, a kitchen and a bathroom. There were huge tents with cots that offered amazing comfort. There was a campfire with bails of hay around it. There were bicycles down below for hikers to ride the mile into town. There were port a potties. There was all sorts of new and used gear that one could obtain. They had a mailing station where everything could be done and have the package just set out to be picked up. I happened to be in the adage talking to them when they were tlking about bear canisters. I had not yet acquired one, so I was interested. When I began to pose questions, they asked if I had one. It turns out someone had dropped out who had obtained a free loaner bear canister. I happened to be the lucky one at the right place at the right time. Got it for just the five dollars shipping that it cost to send it to Kennedy Meadows. Saved me quite a bit of money. It was at the Saufley's that we spent a couple of nights of complete relaxation and jovial times. From there we got knack on the trail about twelve for a twenty teo mile surge to the Anderson's, another trail angel. They say to get your chores done at the Saufley's because one parties at the Anderson's. Turns out to be true. We arrived at Casa de Luna after dark in a van with Terry. We were not sure what to expect, but we certainly ran into a good time. caught up to some people that Terry had managed to slow town. Also caught up with Trip who happened to have two of his fellow Kiwis en route to pick him up to go to Vegas. He stated they had two extra seats and that Matt and myself were more than welcome to join. We spent one night at Casa de Luna, and the next morning we were in a car named Falcore heading to Vegas with three New Zealanders. None of us had been to Vegas before. The car was a late 90s Honda Accord with no air conditioning, over heating problem in the desert sun and an inoperative driver window. The back seat was completely full with Matt, Trip and myself. We all rode the whole way with our shoulders at an angle and warmth blasting us in the face. Penny, Cameron, Trip, Matt and me all stopped at a Goodwill in Palmdale to get new outfits for Vegas. We got some dandy ones. Got a very cheap hotel room that we split five ways. We had a blast in Vegas! We all got along quite well and had the same mentality of doing Vegas as cheap as possible. Would have gotten away on my budget had I not managed to lose my cell phone. An unfortunate event in my circumstances because I do not have the money to replace it. Thus, these updates may get fewer and farther in between. We managed to make it out of Vegas after two nights. We all left feeling as though we had had a great Vegas experience, and did not spend too much money. Matt and I were walking down the strip after the Kiwis had gone to bed and noticed the sky was starting to let light. Neither of us had phones or watches. We watched the sunrise on the strip and went back indoors to enjoy the darkness. We arrived safely back at the Anderson's with a little Whiskey left over wondrous if there would be a good party group here. Indeed there was. We stayed two more nights at the Anderson's for a grand total of three zero days with Vegas mixed in there. Best first Vegas trip i could imagine. Today is cooler than it has been, and we are ready to do some high mile days in order to catch back up to many of the people's company we had been enjoying.

North Fork Ranger Station

The feeling of packing up each morning; taking down one's home, leaving a land known and heading to the unknown; gets better each day. We often stay in beautiful places with breathtaking views and great people, but the prospect of better views and people makes keeping going all that much easier. The last couple days we have been hiking through a closed area except to us as thru hikers. We are able to camp in closed campgrounds and enjoy the solitude that it brings. My sleeping bag has begun to smell quite awful! I should have washed it at least before I came on this trip. It still keeps me warm as of now though.

After breakfast at Newcomb's we went outside to try and hitch back to the trail. Took a bit of time, but a fella drove by and said he would go unload his car and come back to pick us up. Very nice gentlemen, and he actually did do it. Back on the trail and hiking after a brief break for a warm meal. The rest of the day brought some unexpected climbs and with them many breaks. Came to the point of a poodle dog detour and headed 4.6 miles down a dirt road. It was a nice easy walk, but it curved on for what seemed like eternity at the end of the day. Got to water and met a kindhearted gentleman who gave us some hot chocolate. Slept well amidst the poodle dog.

Headed out the next morning even later than usual. The gentleman last night had been doing trail maintenance and told us that people had been walking the first part of the trail to the first road crossing then walking the road. We did it. If Matt and I did not get poodle dog before, we have it now. It was a finicky day. We walked a good deal along the road and then dove back into the trail. The constant drain of staring at green vegetation all day to see if it is poodle dog is quite taxing. By the end of the day, I was thinking various plants were poodle, and we got into some poison oak. Got to the campground where we were planning to take our evening rest. There was a station and house across the way, so Mr. Wizard and I went over to see what the deal was. We got a couple of beers out of the deal and made sure it was ok to have a fire. He brought about eight more beers out to us. Interesting guy. Enjoyed a nice fire, beer and camping on Memorial Day weekend at a place closed to the general public due to a forest fire three years ago.

Newcomb's

We got a ride to the trail from a very nice lady who happened to be headed our way, but not quite as far as we were trying to go. She took us all the way to the trail though. Our day began about 1300. We had a nice time hiking leisurely. Took breaks often. We climbed over 3000 in less four miles to summit Mt. Baden-Powell at 9400 feet. A nice 360 view! Headed back down a little and got into camp about 2130 after a nice 14 miles. Matt and I both had the best night sleep we have had thus far! The next morning was pretty cold. Matt called for rain. Joe said not a chance. We got some puissant winds and some peculiar precipitation on top of the mountains. Stopped midday in a valley a little out of the wind, made a fire and made an attempt at getting warm. Pressed on and the day got better as we continued. There were some tough climbs, but it culminated in a nice three mile flat ground right into a campground with a nice building. As it turns out the building is a boy scout outing post of some sort. None the less, Matt and I joined nine others in a one room building for a warm night in the mountains. It got well below freezing, and we stayed quite warm. People filed out at various times. We were the last to leave. We do not know how the building was found, but we left it locked. Hiked about three miles until we got to a point a mile and a half away from a restaurant. We stood in an attempt to hitch briefly then made the choice to walk there. Got a ride after about half a mile. No service at the restaurant, but they have wifi. We have crossed the 400 mile mark and are getting close to the Mojave.

Adapting

After walking about a mile to a ranger station on Mother's Day to call my mom and grandma, I came to the realization that I have not been all too clear on what exactly we are doing. We have gone over 360 miles since the Mexican border and I am just now taking my third true zero day. A zero day is when no miles and the trail are walked. I do not plan to even pick my pack up today.The Pacers won and it was an unbelievably fun evening. Many of the people we had been meeting along the came to the bar and we stayed there pretty late. Continued it at the hotel until early morning. We hung out in the room for a bit the next day. Got up in order to get to the grocery to resupply for the next few days. Able to get a ride back to the trail from the same person who gave us a ride to the bar. Back on the trail and met up with Baro, H-Bomb and Jangles. Had a nice ten mile hike to where we camped that night with the aforementioned for the first time. Slept well but got going slowly the next morning. I was the last one to leave camp. Met back up with them, Staci, Dubs, Mr. Wizard and Tim for a nice midday break. Matt bet Staci ten dollars that she couldn't do fifty push-ups. She got ten dollars richer. Pressed onward until we were walking along a creek. Saw that there were fish and a place deep enough to get in the water. Matt caught a beetle and attached it to the hook that hung off the end of his trekking pole with fishing line. Within twelve seconds Matt had a fish on the line. It was deliciously prepared over a nice open fire with some seasoning salt on it. The following day awaited a decision as to do the detour away from the supposed unsafe bridge and hot spring or partake in frivolous activity. Our decision making could not have been better. There were a few spots that were washed out on some fairly steep slopes but nothing unmanageable. The topless women and wonderfully warm waters were enough to make even the down and out man happy. There was the unfortunate event of a gentlemen sitting on edge of the hottest pool who managed to prop his uncircumcised member loftily in the air. We spent the night there and enjoyed the stupendous views the evening had in store. Marched until about lunch time when we came to a parking lot with a trail angel awaiting us. Warm hot dog, beans and potato salad. It was all scrumptious and much appreciated. Matt and Hollywood wanted to stay there and I decided to press forth. It was only going to get warmer. I hiked with Trip once again. He set a pretty good clip. Did not get too warm and the day started to cool when we got to the lake. I was planning to get about nine miles outside of Cajon Pass where a McDonalds awaited. I wanted to make sure i made it for breakfast. Ran into Baro, H-Bomb and Jangles and ended up just staying there bittern miles out. I woke up at five to make sure I was going to get there in time for breakfast. I talked to Matt and he stayed about five miles behind me. I made it for breakfast with ease, but I was not sure if Matt was going to make it for the Pacers game at 1230. I never should have doubted him. He strolled into McDonalds, said "Where is the TV," no TV, "Where is the Best Western?" he went and got a room, so he could watch the game. It was a marvolous establishment with hot tub and pool. great night rest and we headed out to cover the twenty two mile dry stretch in one day. As the day progressed the plans began to change. We got to a point where it said there was a poodle dog bush avoidance detour. It was just written on a piece of paper and stuck on a post. There had been previous warnings of PDB, and it had not been that bad. Matt, Staci, and I decided to charge through. The dog was everywhere! We all definitely touched it. Staci called someone she new in the area and they were willing to come pick us up, so we could stay two nights at their place and have a cheap zero day. The only catch was it was going to be a 28 mile day. Matt wanted to scream and yell at the TV during the Pacers game the next day and did not feel like walking the full distance. He stopped with a big group of people about five miles out. Staci pressed forward. I sat, talked to Matt and ate a couple oatmeal packets. Put my headphones in my ears and more or less ran the last little bit to make sure they didn't leave me or were not waiting on me. Caught up with her after about three miles at a campground where Mr. Rainville was going to meet us. It felt great to be able to just sit in a car. Arrived at their home and there was warm pizza waiting. Enjoyed the company of Staci and the three Rainvilles. Hopped in the shower and scrubbed my body down. Felt great and I hope I got rid of all the PDB. Slept very well. Woke up the next day and just enjoyed a nice relaxing day. rode bikes to the store and to get some food. Felt nice to stretch the legs impact free. Played some games and enjoyed the stagnant life.watched the Pacers game. Unfortunate undoing. Spent another evening talking to the Rainvilles. They all went to bed and I watched a few episodes of the Big Bang Theory. We got a ride back to the trail, but the gate to the campground where we got picked up was locked. We walked the two miles to the campground and then walked back to the highway to hitch a ride into town. Went to pick up our packaged, and i went to go meet up with Matt. Staci got a ride to the trail to keep moving. Matt had been in a room with six people and had a fun night out. They had decided to stay another night, I had a zero day and a four mile day. We had a great time last night. A fun group, some whiskey, a little BBQ and some good tunes.