Song of the post – “I’m into something good” by Herman’s Hermits
We intended to only do a Nero in Kennedy Meadows, but we got caught up in the energy of the PCT hikers, and decided to spend an additional day to rest up and socialize.
We camped at Grumpy Bears, a hiker ”resort” I guess you would call it. They have a bar and restaurant, free camping, free laundry and free showers.
We also picked up our bear canisters, which will be required for our multi week hike through the Sierras. We rent these canisters from Yogi (who we’ve been following on Facebook for several months) at Triple Crown Outfitters, TCO. She operates out of this air conditioned shipping container, and has everything you could need.
Something I’ve neglected to comment on, the Cicadas. They have been all but defeating for the last week. So loud, you’re not sure if it’s cicadas or rattlesnakes you’re hearing. While at Grumpys we took some time to observe.
7:00 am on our departure morning, we got a ride from the manager of Grumpys. Cliff and I, and three other PCTers were transported in the back of an old pickup to the trail head.
in the early morning to the PCT
It’ll be about 4-5 days to get to the exit over Kearsarge Pass, down to Independence, where our Trail Angel, Char Char will meet us. We are excited about leaving the desert, being in the mountains, and not having to carry so much water. In the desert we regularly carried 3 to 4 liters of H2O, which can equate to almost 9 lbs. When we get to the Sierras that will drop to about 1 liter. Huge weight savings.
***Update***
Received an email from Bob, of Bob and Glen from Oregon (these guys are too cool for Trail Names). Anyway they reached Kennedy Meadows a day ahead of us. We just missed them, ARG!! So glad to have run into them several times while hiking. They elevated the experience. Bob was kind enough to send a photo. Just as a reminder, these are the brother in laws that have been working on the PCT for 11 years.
