Day 40 – Walker Pass to Mile 665

Miles: 652 to 665.1

Trail Miles: 13.1

Miles Walked: 14

Surprisingly no hikers were up early and packing up at Happy Haven RV Park. No one was in a hurry. The post office didn’t open until 10, so we had a leisurely morning for hikers who are usually on the trail by 0630.

Tent City at the RV Park

I ate breakfast and called HH and my Mom. I’d talked with my Dad and Betty’s Mom yesterday.

About 0930 we went for second breakfast at a coffee place near the P.O.

While there I called The outfitter in Kennedy Meadows about a Bear canister. The owner of the store was helpful and gave me a snow report — 5 inches 20miles north of KM and 18in on Forrester Pass. With more forecast at this weekend. The Sierras could get interesting.

There were 7 of us so we split up to hitch rides back to Walker Pass. Smokebeard, Scooch, Painter and I got a ride with a local who was already heading out to restock the water cache at mile 652. The others caught a ride with a State Trooper.

The Trail Angel who gave us a ride

We got to the trail at 1230. The trail started with a big climb, but after feasting in town for 24 hrs my glycogen stores were replenished and I felt rejuvenated. It felt like I flew up the hill.

Shortly after 3:30 I was hiking with Fireball and Cherry Bomb. The trail was narrow and rocky. I stepped on a rock that immediately shifted and I face planted into a shrub. It was my third face plant of the trip. Fortunately this time the only thing harmed was my ego (previously my sunglasses and left knee were each scraped) I was embarrassed. – I didn’t want my hiking partners to think I was a potential liability going into the high Sierra!

We made camp on a saddle and ate dinner. There wasn’t enough room for tents so we all cowboy camped. We did highs, lows and most gratefuls.

My low was face planting, my high was a new trail name (face plant) and most grateful was once again having a fun time hiking with Cherry Bomb, Fireball, Scooch, Painter, Smokebeard and Cy (our newest addition to the group). It really is a fun group and I’m thankful to be a part of it.

The climb out of Walker Pass