I will write more of a summary post (if that is possible!) tomorrow as it is almost midnight here in South Lake Tahoe. I’m at my friend Sue’s place where I also rested last year. It’s been a busy day!
The last night and morning in the tent were cool but completely silent … I remember waking up and hearing nothing. Later the first early hikers walked by up on the trail (I was a bit further down). I was too excited to sleep long but I did take time for a coffee and then started the last 5 miles.
The scenery has definitely changed to more of a Sierra look. I’m somewhat envious that the others get to continue into the high mountains with lots of water 😁
What looked completely flat on the map wasn’t a flat trail at all, and I meandered up and down towards the end. And finally, our first river! The most water we have seen in one spot (and that is not an inaccessible aqueduct!).
Finally the 700 mile mark of the 702.2 mile journey!
And then I reached Sherman Pass Road, where the PCT crosses and continues into the Sierra Nevada.
I walked to the other side where I started walking north into the Sierra last year!
And it was done! It was tempting to just keep going 😁
I remember starting to walk with Lost&Found here last year who I eventually “lost” at Cottonwood Pass and “found” again at Donner Pass!
I walked the mile on the road to the General Store where I met some friends and had coffee, juice and some sweets!
The timing was perfect to be able to use the store’s wifi to join my dad’s Zoom call with his (all retired) work colleagues … he had asked me to try to make it.
After some time talking to Germany, I gave the puppies a last scratch and caught a ride to the other side of Kennedy Meadows (restaurant Grumpy’s and gear store) from a hiker who had stopped at Cajon Pass due to an achilles problem and was around to meet up with his trail friends (further confirming my theory that Deep Creek is really hurting bodies!).
We went to Grumpy’s from which another hiker and I wanted to hitch down to the highway. He ate something, I had some soda and even went over to see my “favourite” person at Triple Crown Outfitters (you’ll have to look up the story from last year!). I chatted outside with the father/son duo and just wanted to have a look, after many recent comments supported my own experience from last year that the owner has some mood and customer service issues … Without any of us asking, that lady today willingly handed out the 2021 bandana that every hiker gets to all of us (they do a fundraiser each year for this). Apparently she had a good day today!
My friend and I then tried to hitch but there was not a lot of traffic. The injury-sidelined guy who had taken us to Grumpy’s then offered to take us to the highway. That’s how I ended up at the Shell station in Pearsonville on highway 395 (about 2.5 hours before the bus departure). It was about 95F outside so I waited inside and ate Subway.
It’s a “by request” stop for Eastern Sierra transit and I had reserved the 4pm stop and received a confirmation a few days ago. Alas, the driver forgot to stop! At 4:15pm I called the bus company who located the bus already north of me and turned him around. He arrived around 4:50pm … I’m sure the other passengers weren’t impressed. At least he didn’t charge me any fare!
After a bus switch in Bishop and around 7:40pm I was finally in Mammoth Lakes where Sue and Sandy picked me up. After Highway 20 in Washington I think Highway 395 is the most scenic highway I know!
I am so grateful that Sue was able to pick me up and sorry it was so late (we got here around 10:45pm I think!). I couldn’t even keep my eyes open in the car! Tomorrow I have to get started planning the return to Canada … the entry and quarantine rules are a bit ridiculous but that’s due to the still bad case numbers in BC. Even with 3 negative tests and vaccination you are not exempt from quarantine …
More tomorrow!!
I suspect the hardest part of the journey for you is that it ends. The best part must be the treasured memories you made along the way. You are such an inspiration. Your photos give me a sense of fresh air and birdsong.
You are right … I don’t like the end and returning to all I know already. I like to explore new places and cultures!
Hah. I love the sticker on the garbage can! Absolutely right! 🙂
Thought you would like it 🤣
Wow! What an accomplishment Biggi! Congratulations! Most of us can’t even imagine doing a fraction of what you did! My hats off to you for completing what you planned to do. You must be on a high and wearing a perpetual grin! And deservingly so. Thank you for sharing your epic adventure.
See you back in Canada 🙂
Rox
I’m wearing a chocolate moustache from eating lots of it 🙂 Thanks for your kind words. Maybe I can inspire some people to spend more time backpacking 🙂
Hi Biggi. Magnificent achievement! Your adventures or goals have never been for the fainthearted (or the unfit)! That stubborn streak has definitely served you well, when you’ve had to overcome adversity. I, as everyone else, enjoyed reading about your daily journey. And learning more about the trail angels and your fellow hikers. Would love to know the stories behind all the trail hiker names! Next challenge? Maybe a movie like Wild? Starring as yourself! Have a good rest and see you again when you’re able to mingle and get on a bicycle. Hopefully some nice pampering awaits you! Take care and safe returns! Jeanette
Appreciate you following along and am glad the stories were entertaining! You can’t reach low or you never find out what you are capable of … gotta reach high!
Hallo Biggi,
du hast es geschafft! Großartig! Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Wir haben deinen Weg täglich verfolgt, wie du auf WhattsApp ja sehen konntest. Es hat uns immer beeindruckt, wie du trotz der Strapazen immer einen gelösten, glücklichen Gesichtsausdruck hattest. Das haben auch meine Kollegen bestätigt, denen ich dich und den PCT gestern im Zoom Meeting vorstellen konnte. Es war ein perfektes Timing, unmittelbar am Zielpunkt deiner Wanderung in Kennedy Meadows. Danke nochmals dafür und überhaupt für
deine täglichen Infos und die beeindruckenden Fotos.
Jetzt wünschen wir dir noch eine problemlose Heimreise nach Kelowna. Aber du wirst auch das schaffen!
Mom and Dad
Of course! I will make it home by Monday! Thank you for your support and always checking in and reading my stories! Glad to give your coworkers a bit of an idea what the PCT is all about! Cheers ❤️❤️
Congratulations on completing your journey. Great pictures and stories.
Thanks Sue … and for hosting me both years! 😍
Congratulations on finishing all the miles you had to skip last year because of the Covid closure.
That’s very dedicated of you and those were some tough miles!!!
I’m sure I can say THANKS from all of us for your lovely daily stories about the trials of the trail, all the hikers you met and the generosity of the Angels.
It must be challenging to walk those huge distances, then set-up camp AND then make sure you update us on your adventure. We have been sitting on comfortable furniture and thoroughly enjoying reading about your trip. I’m exhausted!!!
Well done and thank you.
You’re almost finished……
just 14 days of quarantine to go!
Yes the hard part is coming up 😁 Maybe now you can keep me entertained with stories while I stay inside 😂 Glad to have provided the details of the journey; sometimes sitting up for another 30-40min was not what I wanted to do at the end of the day but it’s all worth it! And I appreciate all the comments on the blog that remain when regular text and messages are long gone!
Wow! You did it. Congratulations ‼️‼️‼️So cool to zoom with your Dad and his colleagues. Can’t wait to hear what’s next on your bucket list 🤣
Me too haha. I’m thinking a snow adventure!!!
Awesome Biggi, quite an achievement! It’s been enjoyable to follow along on your journey. Great stories and pictures. Your Subaru awaits you. I’ll make sure it’s clean.
Thanks so much Tom! Glad Blu:e had such good care during my absence 🙂 and thanks for following along!
My congratulations Biggi! You did a great job!
Thanks Otto!
Congratulations Biggi! Can’t wait to hear all your stories when you’re back. Safe return.
Thanks Paul … now the tricky part starts, getting back to Canada!
Congrats on the success! It has been a joy to experience the journey with you.
Thanks Richard! It was great to read your comments and hopefully inspire you to keep hiking 🥾 🎒 ❤️