April 30 - Kennedy Meadows: Decisions, Decisions

Got up late with the Fullers; didn't want to get into the Kennedy Meadows Store too early after three days of hard walking.  The Fullers were looking for a ride to Ridgecrest to arrange for a rental car to deal with family business. I was still undecided about whether to continue on to Sage Flat where I was likely to exit the trail instead of going up Forrester Pass in the snow or to get a ride down the hill and hitchhike to Bridgeport and wait for the Fullers to come back on trail. 

At the KM Store I met up again with Patrick and Crocman as they were gearing up for an assault on Forrester and Kearsarge passes. Equipped with bigger packs, ice axes, snow spikes, thermal insulating sleeping pads, snow pants, heavy jackets, a real GPS, eight days of food, and perhaps most importantly, knowledge of ice climbing, they were ready to go. They left behind snow shoes and crampons. 

Lacking the knowledge and experience in snow, I opted to consider the Sage Flat route. After talking with the store guru, Scott, and looking at maps I decided the 20 mile hike followed by a 25 mile road walk wasn't worth the effort, especially since I would have to return to KM later to complete the Sierra section. 

The Fullers had already left so I told a few people that I was looking for a ride down 395 towards Bridgeport. Ten minutes later Hank and Cindy offered me a ride! They then bought beers and hamburgers for us all and we talked a bit about the trail. Hank was scoping out the area in preparation for a hike along the John Muir Trail. While I was finalizing sending some packages on to Bridgeport James came in. He was just behind us on the trail and was also looking for a ride to town. Hank and Cindy, wonderful Trail Angels, also took James into Ridgecrest where he could stay the night and pick up a resupply box on Monday. We rode in the backseat of their truck with Roxy, their cute 6 year old boxer. 

Along the way north toward Independence, where Hank and Cindy were staying, we discussed options for dinner and places to stay. I had decided a campground near a bus stop would be best but it was starting to rain. As we pulled into Lone Pine to stop for a slice and some beer at the Pizza Factory Hank noticed the Whitney Portal Hostel across the street. I checked it out and immediately booked two nights for a total of $56! What a deal! Also across the street was a laundry! Even better. 

Thanks Hank and Cindy. You're wonderful! I hope to see you again.  

Later, while doing laundry, I had a text from Justin who was staying just down the street. We got together to have a burger and some beer and discussed plans. Justin will be visiting me in Bridgeport as we wait for the Fullers. Then we'll probably head for Sierra City to get back on the trail and head north. In August we'll head back to KM to complete the Sierra. 

Hikingsolo