5/16/20, mile 573, elevation 6,056 ft.
Getting back on the trail always seems oppressive. There’s the anxiety of forgetting something, the weight of the full pack with a new load of food and transportation. This one threw in a water carry for the first 17-ish miles and a couple thousand feet of climbing as icing on the cake.
My tramily that I’ve spent a good 2 weeks with seems to be spreading out. People are either staying longer or leaving quickly, and even today there are three different departure times. No biggie really, this happens. Some people have a schedule, some want change, or they may even be under the weather.
My mode of transport was the Kern County public bus. The stop is a couple of blocks from the hotel, runs a couple of time a day and only costs $3, and they dropped me off right where I left off.
Unbeknowgst to me, there was another hiker on the bus, getting back on the trail after a couple of weeks off. We walked and talked together for a while, but he soon outpaced me as the trail started climbing. Oh yeah, it’s midafternoon so the sun is beating down on the barren trail. And remember the cool windy weather I had before the break? Now it’s warm and windy. Whiskey, tango, foxtrot!? But I did have my umbrella sent back to me, so let’s see how that works out. Soon enough I’m plugged in to music to keep motivated. It also helps I’m not planning on going far, just trying to get my feet dusty again. I take breaks often, eating leftover pizza for energy but trying to conserve water. I cameled up before leaving and I just about exploded while waiting for the bus. I also had some cherries that Waft’s parents had brought (as well as some other of his snacks)
Near the top of the first big ridge are some campsites sheltered from the wind by some low trees. The views of Tehachapi and Mojave are quire impressive actually, especially after the sun sinks. And the wind isn’t too bad after sunset, either. But the most intriguing thing is the views to the north. Mountains with trees! Hopefully I’ll get to see some of that instead of desert. Yes, I’m ready for this section to be over.
Savior out.