Tag: Southern California
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Day 45 | Mile 682.3 – 703.4
The very last day in the desert, the day I passed 700 miles, and the day I arrived at Kennedy Meadows (again)! Kennedy Meadows is a huge milestone for PCT hikers, and there are two main hangouts – the General Store and Grumpy Bear’s and both offer fresh food, resupply options, charging for devices, showers,…
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Day 44 | Mile 669.9 – 682.3
Another big climb first thing in the morning, so I had another early start! It was a short day, but Tom and I wanted to enjoy camping together while we can, since he won’t be able to meet me very much over the next section, due to lack of access. Just before Chimney Creek Campground,…
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Day 43 | Mile 653.3 – 669.9
An early start to the day means beautiful sunrise views! Although, since I take so much time enjoying the views, I’m not sure starting earlier is making too much of a difference. Leaving Walker Pass, I began the last leg of the southern California desert – only 50 more miles until I go up into…
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Day 42 | Mile 639.6 – 653.3
Today was one of my earlier starts on trail this year, because it’s starting to get hot earlier in the day. That early start was negated when I unwittingly backtracked almost two miles. The area I got turned around in was blocked by blow downs and overgrown with knee-high grasses. Previous hikers had created several…
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Day 41 | Mile 623.1 – 639.6
I hiked the first nine miles to a water cache in the cool morning air, and arrived just as it was warming up. I breaked for about an hour before Pit Stop joined me, and we continued to relax in the shade of Joshua trees. Reluctantly, I gathered my things and began the lengthy climb…
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Day 40 | Mile 603.2 – 623.1
Water was abundant this morning, and I relaxed for awhile by an active stream. I enjoyed walking among the tall evergreens before, once again, hiking through more stereotypical desert terrain. As I began the last climb of the day, I was greeted with breathtaking views of the upcoming mountains. The last few miles seemingly took…
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Day 38 | Mile 566.5 – 583.3
The climb out of Tehachapi was exposed and waterless, but groves of funky Joshua trees offered shade. But climbs are also always worth it! This is the view after the first climb in the Sierra Nevada section. I was so grateful when massive clouds rolled in to block the sun, but had to stop and…
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Day 37 | Mile 558.5 – 566.5
And just like that, I completed the Southern California Section of the Pacific Crest Trail! It is one of five sections, and this is my second time completing it! The next section is the challenging and snowy Sierra Nevada, followed by Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Finishing out the last 8 miles of the section…
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Day 36 | Mile 534.9 – 558.5
Having finished the flat section, it’s time to climb! And after reaching the top, where is there to go but down? At the bottom of the descent, there was a beautiful water source, flowing through a blue-grey bed where all around it remained the tan of the SoCal desert. After climbing back up, I was…
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Day 34 | Mile 498.2 – 517.6
Tom joined me for the beginning of my day, so he could celebrate mile 500 with me! And, of course being the spoiled gf/hiker that I am, he surprised me with my favorite indulgent trail mix – Monster Mix from Target. A dense fog had set in overnight, and the morning was wet with low…