Bushcamp to Tehachapi
8.8 miles
Mile 558.1
We planned for an early start to make the most of our nero into Tehachapi that day. After loitering a bit to catch the sunrise, I packed up and set out after Spikes who had left a few minutes prior.
The 9 mile trek down the burnt mountain ridge was easy enough. The looming windmills kept things interesting as I winded my way down.
Between the promise of town food and perfect weather, I was moving quick.
Around 9 I reached the picnic table placed just before the highway that we’d try our luck at hitching into town on. Spikes, Mike and I waited for Swift to catch up before heading towards the road. KP and Stretch texted us to let us know they’d catch up with us later in town.
It took a bit of patience, but eventually we scored a ride into town. Dennis and Barbara drove us to the Tehachapi post office, where we grabbed our packages before heading to the Best Western.
My mom hooked it up! After checking into our room, I cracked open the box to peruse its contents.
Stuffed with jerky, chocolate and trail mix, I was a happy camper! Thanks Mom!
Next on the agenda was to check out The Great Wall, a Chinese buffet just down the street. We’d heard from multiple people that it’s food was legit, so we were pumped!
We weren’t disappointed…
Two full plates a various Chinese cuisine later, I hit the Great Wall.
Stuffed to our eyeballs, we lounged out front while debating whether to walk or Uber back to the hotel. Our debate was interrupted when a older man asked us how our hike was going. A few seconds later we were piling into his truck and on our way back to the hotel.
We spent some time recovering in our room while the buffet food made a full on assault at my colon. Within a couple hours we were ready for dinner, so headed down the street to checkout Red House BBQ.
The place was packed, which was a good sign. An hour later our food arrived, and once again, we weren’t disappointed.
After dinner we headed back to our hotel to soak in the jacuzzi. To our horror, the pool area was shut down for the winter…totally unacceptable.
Spikes worked her magic and scored us a jacuzzi in a nearby hotel. It turned out a trail angel she had met earlier on the trail was in town and willing to sneak us into his hotel’s jacuzzi!
We spent the rest of the evening enjoying good company in hot water. Good times.
Back at our hotel full of food and tired as hell, I crashed hard. As much as I enjoy the trail, a good night sleep in a comfy bed is a magical thing.
Cheers!