Day 181: mile 1002.4-1016.9 (Kennedy Meadows North)
The good news is I managed to leave early today (around 7:30), the bad news is the only reason that happened is because I was up at 4 am. Lots of tossing and turning last night, partly because it is pretty damn cold.
I walked into the chilly morning, moving extra slow due to my lack of sleep. Around 10:30 or so I stopped in the sunshine to defrost and give myself a much needed break. Once everything but my nose had warmed up I headed out feeling a bit better than when I sat down. Little did I know the views ahead of me would have me forgetting all about how tired I was.
The landscape around me began to change. The trees disappeared and the mountains were covered in gravel. It was like nothing I’d seen on the trail yet.
A bit of snow lined the long switchbacks I took to the top. I stood at there for a moment admiring what I had just climbed up.
As I began to walk along the ridge I was curious what was just on the other side, so I walked up to check it out, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Leavitt Lake was below me, I think this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. To my surprise there was a truck parked down there. I will definitely be returning for some very luxurious car camping someday!
The remainder of my walk on the ridegline was equally as beautiful. I was not expecting this. Today will absolutely go down as some of my favorite miles on the PCT.
The closer I got to the road the more people I encountered. Although I was a bit surprised to see some of them coming up as far as they did, the trail was a mess. Slushy and muddy, I found myself hopping around trying to avoid what I could.
I made it to the bottom with plenty of time to spare to catch the shuttle into Kennedy Meadows North. Although I ended up catching a ride with this really wonderful couple instead since the road here was quite busy and they offered. They even gave me a little information on the area.
I checked into the dorms and was delightfully surprised to have the whole room to myself. One of the advantages to being here so late in the season! I chatted with the couple staying across from me (also thru hikers) over some wine before I finally brought myself to go shower. Afterward we all headed down to dinner and shared a bottle of champagne, because why not? It was nice to have a little company and conversation. The rest of my chores can wait until tomorrow, time to hopefully get some sleep.
Goodnight!
XOXO Green Light