July 1

Sure didn't get enough sleep. One reason being that I was up late ordering an iPod shuffle and searching for some earbuds that'll hopefully be good for hiking, figuring out maildrop address and ETA for my sister (much love for being up for loading it up with tunes for me!!!). The other being overly hydrated and constantly getting up to pee :P

So happily skipped getting up to try and make the 6:30 and 8:30 busses. Ate the three hard-boiled eggs the owner gave me for breakfast, got packed up and headed off for the bus. Still felt a bit depressed and uneasy about heading out again but it was definitely time to get back out here. Nearly fell asleep on the bus ride out to Onyx and nearly missed my stop! Luckily the driver was paying attention (must be used to hikers getting off at that stop) and asked if that wasn't where I wanted to get off, otherwise I would've ended right back in Lake Isabella!

Had kinda hoped the stop would've been at the storr that was still in business as I was still hungry and would've picked up something else more to eat. But it was the gas station store that was out of business so I set about trying to get my hitch the rest of the way (15mi) to the trailhead. After about 30 minutes an older gentlemen pulled over in his minivan and I hopped in. Had a really enjoyable conversation with him the whole way. Only thing was that he was a volunteer cook for girls/boys camps and the whole way he'd tell me about all the things he had cooked/baked, especially in his dutch ovens - yummy stuff! Just made me that much hungrier :) So I eagerly took him up on his offer of leftover muffins and yogurt :) Was just saying "best hitch ever" as we neared the pass when his van blew its radiator cap :( Luckily after cooling off for a little bit he was able to restart and make it up to the pass where his friends who came along later were able to get a hold of AAA. One of the women gave me an apple juice box which I quickly consumed too :)

After saying our goodbyes and wishing each other well it was back on the trail. Felt decent, tired from the lack of sleep but physically and mentally better from the time off. Soon came across another hiker who'd hiked the trail before but was just doing a section (Sierras and NoCal) this summer. He and his trail name seemed familiar but it wasn't until later down the trail when I realized where I might've known him from - a film on AT thru-hiking "Appalachian Impressions". Not entirely sure but I seem to remember him being in it - a little amusing if he was as he obviously hadn't volunteered it as I tried to figure out where I might've known him from.

The miles went by surprisingly easily even though it was definitely another warm one (107 deg) and I wasn't a huge fan of the shoes - though I will say that it seems they'll get me to Kennedy Meadows without too many problems. Was just surprised how much I was feeling through the sole of the shoe - want to say that even my running shoes and the trail runners protected better. But they're big enough (feet almost swimming around in them) and no indication of any blister problems yet.

Dinner in the middle of the trail.

Ran out of water.

Mozzy's

Uneven ground



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Mile 669