PCT Miles 566.6 to 703.4
Done with the desert!
We started this section with a minor setback. Heading out of Tehachapi, on a 2,500 foot climb, I developed sharp lateral hip pain. I contacted a virtual physical therapist, Blaze Physio, for advice and was recommended to turn around for a complete evaluation. Dr. Morgan works out of her van, and follows the PCT hiker-bubble, helping injured hikers stay on trail. Fortunately, it was Glut Medial Tendinitis and we were quickly back on trail. Unfortunately, we added 32 extra miles back tracking!
The desert went out with a bang! We had windy conditions (40-59MPH), and HOT DRY HEAT (90’s). There was also some long water carries (16+ miles).
We apparently had a mountain lion on trail just behind us, spotted by one of our German Hiking Friends, Flo. We also spotted large bear prints on trail, but did not spy the bear that left them.
We passed mile 700, and 3 miles later made it to the hiker oasis, Kennedy Meadows South. We received the traditional standing ovation upon our arrival and were quickly eating some of the largest blueberry pancakes ever along with eggs, hash browns and sausage.
The icing on the cake was an outdoor shower and indoor plumbing — the shower being our first in 8 days!
We are entering into bear country and will carry a bear canister, a heavy plastic vault, to protect our food from prying claws.
Sierras here we come!
