Entering the Sierras from Kennedy Meadows
Another week, another 150 miles.
I arrived in Kennedy Meadows today, after passing the 700 mile marker this morning. This is the jumping off spot for the High Sierra section of the trail — I’ll be at Mt. Whitney just 3 or 4 days after hiking out of here.
I hiked much of this section of the trail last year on the John Muir Trail (JMT), and am looking forward to seeing everything from the other direction. My new 10 degree sleeping bag is supposed to arrive tomorrow, along with some other warm weather gear. I’ll be carrying a bear canister to protect the bears from my food, and micro spikes to walk on hard snow. We’ve had some hot weather the last few days here, so it sounds like the snow isn’t as high as it was a few days ago.
The last section from Tehachapi has been interesting. I kept up a fast pace for the first section to Walker Pass at mile 652, finishing Section F in 4 days. I was also incredible grumpy for the first half of that section, making those days some the hardest on the trail mentally. I think it was partly due to having just had to say goodbye to Russell again, getting tired of all the 23-25 mile days, and loneliness catching up with me.
Oh, and rain three days in a row. Sure am glad I switched to an enclosed shelter. Thanks Aiko!
Thankfully, after those rough days, I met up with some hikers who walk a similar pace to me, and have been hiking and camping with them since. We’ve also entered the Sierra-looking terrain, and my dust-weary eyes have been feasting on broadleaf oaks and fir trees.
The longer I’ve been on the trail, the more important the trail culture has become to me. Having this rotating community of people doing the same crazy thing as me makes the tough days a little easier. It has also become harder and harder to relate back to people in the Muggle world, as Sockpot called it. I like hearing support and encouragement from people, but I fear I’m becoming worse and worse at offering any back.
Friends and family, if you feel like our relationship has become one-sided, this is why. I will be a better friend again after I get to Canada. This hike is taking all the mental and emotional energy I have, and I’m determined to finish it, so that’s where my focus is going.
Hugs to all, and happy hiking. I may not be interacting, but I’m thinking of you!
Now off to the High Sierras, land of snow, marmots, and running water.
I got a new hat.
← Previous: Agua Dulce (mile 455) to Tehachapi (mile 559): Twenty percent done in Tehachapi, CA
→ Next: Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) to Kearsarge Pass/Bishop (mile 789): Out Kearsarge to Bishop, CA
I can understand the trail is taking all your focus and energy now! But say “hi” to the marmots for me, okay? Love you!
I am happy just seeing your SPOT progress, no need to chit chat. Is it on today, because your devise says it has been in the same spot since yesterday.
Trail focus: understood, through years of steps & strokes. Your head is just where it should be, don’t worry about us Muggles – each step you take is a gift to your self and it is our privilege to join the party through yer blogging but we are freeloaders and your walk is your own. I submit that you are at your very best right now—among comrades on the trail—because this is also the best woman you can be when you are off trail: focused and powerful. Let those green leaves draw you up into the Sierra and let that southern California drought eat yer trail dust.
I saw a yellow-bellied marmot this weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park! I thought of you. xoxo
<3 <3 <3
We hiked in Yosemite last weekend and I couldn’t help but think of you. It was wonderful and beautiful, Rocco has been wanting to live in a tree ever since. I think at the very least you will have us as day hiking buddies when you return. Don’t worry about any of us, we’re sending love and we’re here for you! Take care Alice. *HUGS*