Day 39 – Mile 638 to Walker Pass & Lake Isabella

MM: 652

Trail Miles: 14

Miles Walked: 17

Today was a planned easy day. I had enough food to make Kennedy Meadows, but everyone else had planned to resupply in Lake Isabella, a town 35 miles west of the trail. It had the last grocery store for 250 miles. I didn’t want to get ahead of my group or bubble, so I hitched into town with them.

The trail was again pretty, but the lack of wind and strong sun reminded us it was still considered part of the desert. My pictures don’t quite capture the changing of the mountains – larger, steeper – slowly transitioning to the Sierras.

Cherry Bomb and Fireball

The wildflowers were at peak bloom during the descent to Walker Pass.

There was trail magic near the pass, courtesy of Rick and Rita, two locals who enjoy meeting thru hikers. They were cooking hot dogs and beans and had cold sodas and beer. We couldn’t resist.

It took two hitches to get to Isabella. I never thought I’d be comfortable getting a lift from strangers but out here it’s part of life. People are very kind and interesting. And they’re interested in hikers. Most know enough about the trail to know we’re a diverse and fascinating group.

We all camped at an RV Park with showers and laundry, and made the obligatory run to the Vons grocery store and post office. We ate at a local diner – Nelda’s – that had awesome milkshakes.

Three more days of desert and we’ll be inKennedy Meadows, the start of the Sierras. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend. It’ll be crawling with thru hikers as well as holiday hikers.

We can already feel the fear mongering. The Sierras had a below average snowfall this year, after last year’s epic 250% of average. However the snow they did get this year came late in the season, meaning the rivers and creeks are just beginning to swell with snowmelt and runoff. It can make for dangerous crossings and fords. If I can stick with my group -CherryBomb, Smokebeard, Painter, Scooch and Fireball – I am confident we’ll keep each other safe. Let’s hope the weather gods cooperate.