Friday, June 13, 2008

June 11:Kearsarge Pass

Kearsarge Pass is probably the most work off the PCT we will have to do to resupply in town. It's only 7 miles extra one way, but you go up and over a spectacular pass. We chose this as a resupply because we heard it was beautiful and we had not hiked over the pass while on the JMT.
We started with our usual morning and hiked out the Bullfrog Lake trail. We were rewarded with picturesque views of lakes and the towering Kearsarge Pinnicles. There was very little snow on the way up to the pass and in an hour and fifteen minutes we stood on top of the pass. After some snacks and pictures we started our cruise down. Every step down we realized would represent a step we would have to take back up. And the 2,500 ft back up would be with heavy packs loaded with a new load of food.
We cruised to the trailhead with 5 other hikers all looking for a ride down to town. There was not much traffic since we were at the end of the road. We lucked out after about 20 min when a guy preparing to hike the JMT was willing to give us a ride. All of us. And his Forerunner was already packed full of gear and other stuff. Jess and I were in the front seat along with a third hiker and the driver. Packs were loosly straped on top and 3 other hikers smashed in the back with tailgate up. It wasn't the safest drive for ourselves or packs on top, but we would be able to roll rather slowly down the hill. It wasn't the most comfortable ride, but we were happy to be in Independence. We hit the Post office and Subway rather quick. Then because the grocery store was out of business and there not much there we made the choice to hitch down the road to Bishop 40 miles away. We luckily got a quick hitch from a young gal who was heading back home to Mammoth Lakes.

We stayed at the Village Motel with some other hikers. We scored a room with a kitchen, but the highlight of the night was the grill out front on a patch of lawn. A group of us all cooked out and our Chicken breast and Zucchini tasted amazing!

Total Miles:789.5
Miles Today:0 (+7.1 over Kearsarge)
Camp 45:Bishop,CA- Village Motel

5 comments:

Keith Drury said...

Marcelo, Paul and I ate a footlong apeace at that Subway, then took the $2 bus that ran there up to Mamouth lakes and biught half the grocery store and ate it in the parking lot before returning to stay up all night watching the final playoff in soccer--that is Paul and Marcelo stayed up--I went to bed!

We are following your every step..and I am running the vidoe in my head of the trail each day... as I read the data book for prompts.

Alan and Aimee Williams said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to post your journey! We are really enjoying vicariously following your hike.

STEPHANIE. said...

It is so amazing to look at the map and see where you guys are right now and see how far you have hiked so far! wow! What an accomplishment! :)

keith said...

Hey Guys,

We are following your journey all the way from sunny Singapore.

I was struck recently at the ease with which you seem to tackle huge feats. Mt. Whitney seemed like it was no big deal.

Looked at google maps for Bishop. You have made it a long way! Keep it up.

You've almost walked from Wilmore to the QC ;)

Talk to you soon,

Keith, Eve, and Claire

pk said...

Yes indeed. I do recall those Subway footlongs! The fresh veggies were what made them taste amazing.

Glad you guys are enjoying the Sierras!