Miles, 0. High low 70s, low upper 40s. Sunny to cloudy, very windy.
I was fully rested and ready to get back to the trail. Jenny drove me up the mountain to the location I needed to be. I was a little nervous to hike right through bear country. We finally made it to the pull out and much to my surprise, the entire crew that I had gotten to know was up at that spot, needing a ride down to town! After getting reacquainted, they explained that they rented through AIR BNB a lodge that sleeps 10, and there was only 8 of them, so Jenny and I make 10. Perfect! Jenny became the shuttle for everyone back into town. I will head out tomorrow.
There’s sort of a different laid back, take your time atmosphere amongst many PCT hikers this year. People are hiking into towns and taking multiple zeros in or around the towns because once we get to Kennedy Meadows, gateway to the Sierra Mountains, mile 712, it’s game over until late July, maybe even early August. The southern Sierra Mountains currently have around 180% annual snowpack, the central Sierras are at 200%. Not only are they at 200% annual snowpack, that snowpack contains above average moisture content. The creeks won’t be crossable until we’ll into July, maybe even later. Some ski resorts have said they will be open well into July! I have a plan “B” that will take me off PCT after Kennedy Meadows, but will allow me to keep hiking! I’ve been researching those trails and getting excited! A key element in success is the ability to adjust and adapt when conditions warrant. My adventure will continue, just taking a vastly different path than originally anticipated.
Love seeing your updates, Jason. Hoping this extra day off will help your knee heal. Because of you, I’ve started following another blog from Kelly McFall, aka Birthday Girl. It’s fun to compare your adventures. She’s currently hiking with a group of 4 guys. I think you may have encountered them a while back. Good luck going forward!