Day 48 – 9 May 19. Arriving at Kennedy Meadows

Today 8.9 km (5.5 mi), Total Distance 1130.1 km (702.2 mi). 2 hours (0720 – 0920)

I had a leisurely start knowing I did not have far to go. I was excited that I would be reaching Kennedy Meadows today as it is such a big milestone on the PCT. It is the transition point from the desert section to the mountain section. Because of the amount of snow this season there has been never ending discussion around the Sierras so it will be great to finally get into them and see for myself.
The trail continued through the trees, dropping slightly and then into an open area. There were steep rocky hills to my right and to my left, further away were more rocky hills.

Once over the open bit the trail went above the Kern River through a narrow valley. The river was running really high with the snow melt and I was glad I did not have to cross it.

After a mile the trail veered away from the river to the right, up and over a little hill and then down to an open flattish bowl.

At a corner of a fence was the 700 mile marker.

There was a junction here and an option to turn off here to get to Grumpy Bear Resort, over 2 miles away, or continue on the PCT for another two miles and then a one mile road walk. I decided to keep going as it would be less distance when I left again with a really heavy pack, and I wanted to see the General Store before going to Grumpys.

I am glad I did decide to continue because shortly after, while back in the trees, I saw a deer. We looked at each other for a while before it continued into the trees. This is now deer number six.

The trail came down a hill to beside the river and below a small settlement, the outskirts of Kennedy Meadows. There was a patch through some overgrown vegetation and then on sand tracks again to the road.

I had made good time, despite stopping to do a video lesson on putting your pack on. I signed the register, touched the PCT marker and then walked up the sealed road, passing Tom’s Place with a neat carving of a hiker, and to the General Store.

I had a look at the selection at the General Store then went around to the outside area and ordered breakfast. It was two big pancakes with walnuts, 2 strips of bacon, a hash brown and eggs. It was lovely and I consumed it really fast.

The kitchen was closing for breakfast so I timed it right. Finder arrived just as the breakfast was finished but they were great and started lunch early so he could have a hamburger.

I phoned Grumpy Bear Resort for a shuttle, a service they offer for free. There is no phone reception so I used my Satellite Phone. I walked the short distance to the intersection to wait and Finder joined me. 15 minutes later Bob drove up and took us the two miles to Grumpy’s.

There I collected my massive pile of packages. Grumpy’s was very organised with the packages and everything was there except for my bear can. This arrived two hours later. It was fun watchingg each USPS or UPS delivery. The volume of packages of all shapes and sizes was impressive.

I headed the short walk to Triple Crown Outfitters where the free camping area was and found a nice spot for my tent.

Then I got into my normal zero day routine. Shower at Grumpy’s for $3 (covers the cost of propane gas and includes towel and shampoo). I brought my shoes and socks into the shower and gave them a bit of a wash. The temperature was great but the pressure was pathetic. Next was laundry as Grumpy’s provide a washing machine for free.

Then it was a steady course of eating, socialising, video editing and catching up with my blog.

In the afternoon the rain started. It had been forecast to rain for the next day or two. There was a break in the rain when I went to bed in the evening but it started up again shortly afterwards.

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