Hurrah! A second night in a cozy bed! As much as we would have loved to finish third, we knew we had to get going today. My Superfeets were delayed, but Amazon estimated today as the new delivery date. We were hoping to hang out until they arrived, at least. I could use some other brand to get to Kennedy Meadows, but 1.) That could hurt my feet and/or ankles, and 2.) The store at Kennedy Meadows might be closed when we get there. We’re a little behind the bubble and it looks like they plan to close it sometime this week. Since we’re getting there in a week, I don’t want to risk not being able to get my gear there!
My relatives made breakfast while Boostie and I took turns getting ready and showering in the bathroom. In fact, I told him to keep sleeping until I was done in the shower. I figured he loves to sleep in, so maybe it would be a good gift!
The rise of Tehachapi.
Around 11 in the morning my new insoles arrived! Eureka! I should have taken a photo of the old comparing it to the new. I can usually squeeze between 500 and 600 miles out of the Superfeet, and this pair took me 566 miles through the desert. I’m happy with it!
Boostie and I didn’t really want to go. If any member of our tram had needed an extra day in the city, they would have convinced us to stay. My relatives have such a warm and welcoming home and it was very difficult for me to leave. Plus, I just met these relatives of mine for the first time I can remember and I loved the time we spent with them. Why would I want to leave?
I finished my 2 liters of Mtn. Dew at lunchtime, and soon after we finished packing our backpacks. Boostie called his mom and I packed a box of stuff to send home. Now that I have a new foam pad, I can send the air pillow home, along with my pillow that no longer stays inflated. Boostie and I put our sitting pads there and I added some memories for my annual scrapbook. That included my bracelet from our night at the Oasis, my glow stick from the nighttime walk along the aqueduct, and a PCT pin from Wrightwood.
We could see the road for miles and miles!
In the end we had to say goodbye to my family and saying goodbye was difficult. At least this gives us a good reason to return to California and visit! Meeting them was a pleasure and they were very friendly and helpful the two days we spent with them. Soon we were back on the road and alone again.
There was a small climb out of town, but at the top there were many trees to provide shade and protection from the wind. I will never take another green tunnel for granted! Boostie and I spent the hike talking about how wonderful our time in Tehachapi was and our favorite parts in general.
We talked about our favorite cities so far on the road, and I think Tehachapi is tied with Julian for me. Boostie really liked Idyllwild, but I felt like everything was too spread out. Plus, we stayed half a mile from town, so getting back and forth took too long!
Our sunset just before setting up camp.
After a lot of chatting about our recent experiences and life in general, we arrived at camp just before nightfall. Well, mostly at dusk. The headlights went out minutes after our arrival. Boostie and I ate together before heading to our tents and I can’t wait to sleep. I’m really sleepy and I really hope the new pad and pillow are cozy!
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