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PCT Day 189

Kennedy Meadows to Bushcamp

32.1 miles

Sobo mile 1982.5

Total mileage 4635.1

Zero Day Recap:

I decided to take a day off and spend Sunday with the Mike and Brenda. It was a good choice…after a terrific breakfast the three of us chatted on their porch while enjoying the sweeping vista of the valley.

Once we’d had our fill of lounging, Mike took me out on his quads to explore some of the dirt roads around town. We stopped at his friend Larry’s place for a beer, before heading back to Mike’s place for a delicious lunch if grilled cheese sandwiches.

Refilled, we headed back out for another ride. When we finished, Mike drove me to Chimney Creek Campground to cache some water. I’d pass by this campground about 20 miles out of Kennedy Meadows, so it would be nice knowing I had dependable water there, as mostly everything is dry by now.

For dinner, Mike grilled steak, pork chops and salmon, while Brenda cooked up some potatoes and corn. It was an incredible spread, which I ate until nearly bursting at the seams.

The next morning I had breakfast before Mike dropped me back off at the trail. I can’t even begin to thank the Gilbert’s enough for their amazing generosity and absolute kindness to a dirty stranger they met at a bar! They certainly made my time in Kennedy Meadows special!

By 6:30am we had made the short drive from Mike’s cabin back to the PCT. I thanked him for everything before hopping out and getting started just as the sun began to light up the valley.

I enjoyed the sunrise as I wove my way through the meadow towards the mountains.

Before long I’d reached the beginning of a long but gentle climb.

When I finally reached the top I stopped for a moment, remembering the last time I’d been here. I was heading north, and this was the first time I’d seen the snow covered peaks of the high Sierra off in the distance. I remembered the excitement and trepidation I felt of what was to come…and now I’m back.

I reached Chimney Creek Campground around 1pm. I filled my bottles with the water I’d cached, and signed the trail register before heading back up and out of the valley.

The climb up was rough due to the full water and food carry in my pack. Around 5pm I reached a solid spot to spend the night, so stopped to setup camp. After a quick dinner of a Knott’s rice side, a Complete Cookie and a pop tart a hit the hay.

P.s. Thanks Bill for the awesome support! Your generosity bought me an incredible plate of BBQ at Red House BBQ in Tehachapi. So good!

Cheers!

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