Day 51: 652-663

Most of the day was spent running errands with jessica and Mowgly. Scotty hurt his calf so he decided he wasn't going to leave with us tonight. We went to the grocery store and grabbed some lunch at a cafe. I had to square away some business with Medi-Cal because I was having issues with my forwarding address. That took a good hour of my time.

Scotty was accosted by a gun toting redneck outside of the cafe where we had lunch. He was angry with Scotty because while Scotty was on the phone with his mom in Sweden, he unknowingly wandered into the mans yard. The man threatened to choke him out. I stepped in and told him to fuck off and that it was an honest mistake.

We headed back to the RV park to meet the rest of the crew and we packed out bags. Jessica and I said our goodbyes and hugged each other. She is worried about the next section of the trail and how remote I will be. The Sierra has a way of generating boogieman stories and illogical fears. Mostly cause of all the stories we hear from further up the trail about the snow and river ford conditions. I'm with a good group, and I think I'll be okay.

15 hikers walked to the bus stop in lake Isabella. It takes you directly to the trail head 40 miles away. It only runs twice a day 3 times a week. We barely fit in there with all of our gear. It was an hour ride to the trail. The driver drove like a maniac. It was exciting.

We started the next series of brutal climbs up several thousand vertical feet. Hiking deep into the night. I eventually was on my own as the group thinned and spread. Everyone goes at their own pace. My plan was to make it 12 miles in to the next water source and sleep there. I got to camp around 10 pm and rejoined with Mowgly, Speck, Spacejam, and Ten Gallon.

Making the climb out of Lake Isabella with Zorro and Viking  

The moon was so damn bright and beautiful. This is probably my last night in the desert. After tonight, we will be more regularly above 7,000-8,000 feet before we hit Kennedy Meadows. I should be there in 2 days if all goes well.

The desert will not be missed  

Day 50: Zero in Lake Isabella

Like most zeros, we just sat around and drank. Jessica came up to see me, which meant so much to me. The fact that I will be entering deeper wilderness this next stretch creates more anxiety for both us and our ability to check in. But we are ready.

♥️ 

​We had some lunch on the Kern river and went back to the RV park to hang with the gang. Tomorrow we will head back on the trail towards kennedy Meadows. I have new boots and food being mailed there so I just hope everything gets there in time.  We have combined a super group of folks who will look after each other when we enter the Sierra. We expect to ascend June 10th. 

Day 49: 643-652

Slow start this morning. I woke up with a lot of chest congestion. I'm guessing it's from the night hiking and profuse sweating in cold temperatures. Only a short hike to the road today so that I can get a hitch into town.

​I descended down the mountain listening to Radiohead's Moon Shaped Pool. It helped pass the time. All I can think about is not hiking, having a beer, and seeing my partner. Our group sort of scattered and left camp at different times this morning, and I think I'm one of the last in the pack.

​About 4 hours later, I got to the highway and saw Big Daddy standing on the side of the highway. He had been there for 30 minutes before I arrived and couldn't get a hitch. I told him the trick to getting a hitch is smiling and not looking like a murderer. I stuck my thumb out and got us the first car that past. Our hitch was two college professors from UCR that were on their way to the Kern River for some day rafting. They looked like experts. It was a long 40 mile ride to town. It's extremely hot in this valley.

Sunburnt and at a scummy bar  

Foreging for food  

​We got to the RV park where everyone would be and showered, did laundry, and headed to the bar, and then Taco Bell. Tomorrow Jessica is going to drive up and see me. I'm excited for that.

Never again