The nice thing about camping on a saddle is the sunset and sunrise exposure! Both were so pretty! Later on I heard from another hiker that they had their first bear sighting right at that saddle š š»
The strong winds died overnight, and in the morning all was quiet. I actually slept well, must have been tired. On the first big day after a rest day I usually feel strong. Today, the second big day in a row, I was dragging my feet a bit towards the end …
The day was actually pretty uneventful. I had a 6 mile downhill to the first water source and only saw one (new) guy getting ready to pack up near the trail. At the spring I filled up for the next 12.5 miles … and the first miles were straight up! We climbed 2500ft from the spring (5500-8000ft) and I was glad it wasnāt yet the middle of the day (left there at 9:45am). Today was certainly a very hot day, even at 8000ft!
The trail was good, a few blowdowns and sand in the last 5 miles or so. Just super hot … I was dripping sweat all day!
At the 18 mile marker I filled up at Manter Creek, rested and then started the last few miles to a nice campsite in the flats of Kennedy Meadows.
Iām only 5.3miles away from the road! So exciting!
Today I climbed 3400ft and descended 4500ft. Total 22.8 miles. In the last few miles I checked the map so often … the heat really tired me out.
Iāll take my time in the morning to hopefully arrive at the store at 10am. I hope itās open … in March it was listed as open Fri to Sun but āin the summerā every day. Letās hope itās summer for them!
Your last night on the trailš. All your researching, planning, gear sourcing (and weighing), travel logistics, trail navigating and finally the many months of hiking has come to a beautiful end. Hiking the PCT any time is an incredible achievement. The COVID pandemic hasnāt helped with its unexpected restrictions and logistical complexities. Well done you!!
I have enjoyed following your PCT adventure through the beautiful pictures and your written thoughts and reflections on your blog. Even the fact that you could post from the trail most days is amazing. You are truly an explorer and nature lover with a zest for lifeās adventures. On to your next adventure!
Thanks, your support through this has been amazing and much appreciated! Couldnāt have done it without the people around me ā¤ļø And thank you for your kind words about my blog posts. Glad I was able to keep my eyes open long enough each night to write them š
It has been so much fun following your adventure. I am amazed that you were able to post everyday from the wilderness. Finding data less of a challenge than finding water!
As an aside, just last week out of the blue my 14 year old son said to me, “Dad, did you know there is a hiking tail that runs from Mexico to Canada?” “Well, yes son. I did know that. In fact, I know someone who is doing it right now. Want to see her blog?” You now have a new fan in my son š Congratulations!
Oh that is awesome! How did he find out about it? I see a future thru hiker there! There was a father/son duo on the trail around me. They are doing it together until mid-Sierra I think, then the dad will let the son continue alone (he might be 17-18?). Cool!
Beautiful picture of your last campsite, up in the pines, mountains poking through, merging the different habitat….aahh! Also, lovely picture of phlox at the beginning today. Have a wonderful last day morgen. Es will auch ein bisschen traurig sein, nicht wahr? Sounds like your trusty body could use a break!!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful journey. It even seems to me like this is an ideal way to approach long-distance trails, to capture the uniqueness of each section.
This section was pretty hard, knowing the rest now. Nice landscapes (though Iām still biased and prefer WA-type mountains!) but the lack of water and still big climbing certainly isnāt east. Yes itās a bit sad but recovery will be good. Are you in Naramata? Maybe I can see you sometime after the quarantine … Thanks again for all your support!