Day 157: mile 693.5-702.2 (Kennedy Meadows)
Day 158: mile 702.2-709.8
Day 157
I headed out into the morning excited to be going into town and excited that the hike into town was almost completely flat.
On my way I ran into a very welcomed sight, the Kern River! I walked next to it for about a mile or so. I hadn’t seen this much water since I left WA. I made my way through the thick brush and helped myself. The scratches all across my bare legs seemed completely worth it …until I had to rock hop over a creek half a mile down the way, realizing I could’ve avoided the scratches altogether.
I made it to the turn off for Kennedy Meadows and walked on a dirt road for a few miles before reaching a paved rode. I’d hoped to get a ride right away, but no luck until the last mile. Still very thankful, I hoped out and made my way into Grumpy Bears.
I was greeted by the bartender and the couple I met yesterday on the trail. I ordered some food, a beer, and got talked into a Hiker Trash Laundry shot. That was a mistake. We all did a load of laundry together and hung it to dry while we visited Triple Crown Outfitters. I needed to buy a new headlamp since the days are getting so short. I haven’t had one for months, mine broke and I haven’t needed to replace it. I don’t night hike and we all know I don’t get moving before the sun, so I haven’t needed it, but I have a feeling I’ll be getting to camp as the sun is going down a lot in the coming days. It was painfully expensive, but I know it will come in handy.
We headed back to Grumpy Bears for dinner and a few more beers before heading to bed for the night.
Day 158
I woke up and got my resupply organized. I have to start using my bear canister from here to Kennedy Meadows North, so that is unpleasant. It fits very snuggly into the bottom of my pack, but it adds weight and is just awkwardly big. The small price you pay to see the Sierra.
After the bartender tried to talk me into staying one more day because it was Friday the 13th and a full moon, he kindly gave me a ride to the trailhead. …or maybe it was the least he could do for talking me into that crazy shot! Haha
I realized just how incredibly hot it was as I began to hike! I made a few stops along the way to sit in the shade and put my feet in the water to cool off. The next few days were set to be in the 90’s. I can’t wait to gain some elevation and lose this heat.
I didn’t make it too far before I decided on a campsite for the night. It was a perfect spot, just a short walk to water. My long water carries are behind me, and I couldn’t be happier! Plus it looks like I safely made it to camp despite it being Friday the 13th and a full moon! Although I suppose you never know what the night will bring.
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light