Day 57 (15 June) - Mile 634.17 - 652.00

Campsite at Mile 634.17 to Highway 178, Walker Pass (Staying in Ridgecrest)

It was quite a windy night, but I managed to sleep OK.  It wasn't as windy as I had experienced in the past, but enough to make it a bit uncomfortable.  I awoke just after 6:00 AM.  The plan was to wake up earlier so we could get to town at a decent time, but I guess that didn't happen.  When I got out of the tent, Max and Kate were just stirring and Share Bear was already gone.  Max said that she woke him at 5:45 AM and said that she couldn't sleep so she got up early and was ready to hike.  Hopefully we will be able to catch her.

I packed up my bag and decided to eat breakfast down the trail since it was still pretty windy and uncomfortable up here.  I waited a little bit till Rocket Pop and Sunshine were ready to go and off we went at 7:17 AM.

Sunshine, Rocket Pop, & Mighty Mouse ready to hike.

It might have been chilly and windy, but the views were still spectacular.

Beautiful morning view.

Yesterday we had a slight view of the snow covered Sierra Mountains where we are headed.  Today they got closer and provided a better glimpse of what is ahead for us next week.

The snow-capped Sierra.

We stopped for a quick breakfast and then Max finally caught us.  I was hiking between Kate and Max for a while:

Kate hiking in front.

Max hiking behind.

Just after 10:00 AM and 5 miles we stopped to rest and air out our feet.  These stops are what makes hiking 18 miles a day possible.

Feet getting aired out.

Today's PCT sign of the day was looking back from where we came when the PCT joined an unpaved road for 2.3 miles.

PCT Sign of the Day

As we hike the Sierra Mountains get closer and closer!

We are coming for you Sierra Mountains!

Great afternoon view.

After our lunch break Max decided to hike ahead so it was just Kate and I.  We came across MAGA chilling out under a tree.  He said that Share Bear was with him for a break and left around 11:30 AM and said she would meet us in town.  It was now just after 2:00 PM.  Wow...she is hiking hard today.  Everyone seems a bit more motivated to push themselves when they know they are staying in town for the night.

Even though Kate and I were anxious as well, we decided to take a break just 2 miles short of Walker Pass.

Enjoying our last break of the day.

Kate taking a break on a rock.

As we were sitting there Tim appeared coming up the trail.  He was bored of waiting so he decided to hike in and meet me.

Here comes Tim.

It was nice hiking with Tim for the 2 miles back to Walker Pass:

Tim posing for picture.

Finally, just after 4:00 PM, we made it to Walker Pass Campground.

Made it!

Kate, Tim, and I walked down to the campground and there was no sign of Max or Audible.  So, I gave my bag to Tim and walked with Kate the additional 0.7 miles to Highway 178 were her and the others will hitch into Lake Isabella.

When we arrived there, Tim was already there and so was Max.  Audible caught the bus that recently passed through.  We said goodbye to Kate and Max, because we are going to Ridgecrest instead of Lake Isabella.  They went across the street and put out their thumb.  The first vehicle that passed stopped and they were on their way.

Before we took off for Ridgecrest, I shot this picture of Joseph Walker of whom this pass is named after:

Joseph Walker.

We made it to Ridgecrest and checked into the Springhill Suites.  What a nice hotel.  I will be happy here for the next 2 days before heading back on the trail.

Loving my bed for the night.