Kennedy Meadows and in the Sierra

Three entire nights in one place: Our first adequate break! Kennedy Meadows marked the end of the desert and the beginning of something new. Between laundry, equipment updates, bear drama and homemade magic of Czech paths, we finish the desert chapter with style. On the 54th, we finally entered the Sierra, with tied snow equipment, a canned can full of food and a banana bread in our pack.

Day 52 – Panques, packages and planning

The disadvantage of hiker centers? Too many hikers. Some celebrated too hard last night, so the morning hours were full of strong voices and staggering steps. Still, we sleep surprisingly well.

We stayed in our sleeping bags until almost 7:30, but when we finally deployed, breakfast was calling! It turns out that also everyone else. Long Line, and a delayed opening. We do not receive food until after 10.

Patrik got a burrito; I went for the «hiker breakfast» with Lea and Tim: eggs, courses, sausages and a pancake so massive that I did not fit on the plate … or in our stomachs. We pack the leftovers for lunch.

Following mission: refueling. We wait a little, but at least there was Wi-Fi. New shoes (finally, more than 700 miles!), Food and beautiful small birthdays. Patrik gave me mine.

Then came the time for the triple crown outfitters, this small hut has everything: food for 7 days, insect networks, fresh socks, poleras and large bag items, support can and ice ax. The bear can is that lovely blue barrel that we now have to store all our food, garbage, toothpaste and smelly things during the night. The people there also gave us a quick summary of the basic concepts of ice.

Next: repapseated chaos. Somehow, we did it. While Patrik finally received a hot shower (the water began to work again), I put a tail for clothes.

Prize? A smoothie and a well -deserved rinse.

At dinner, we met with Doug and Veary, our new hiking team for the Sierra. We pass the route and snow planning strategies.

Lavandería’s collection had one last surprise: we all lacked a sock. We look everywhere. Then I remembered that Marlen has the same as me … And indeed, he had ours. Mystery of socks resolved. Good night.

Day 53 – Double zero = double chill

First time taking a double zero: three nights, two full days. Yesterday was busy. Today? Nothing but relaxing.

We still woke up around six (UGH, body watches), but at least there was no hurry. Breakfast: Pancake leftover.

We spent the morning updating the calls, I could even chat with our friend Marťa. Then, a last trip to TCO to obtain some probabilities and forgotten ends. Little by little, it was time to lunch: we shared a pizza (today there is no hunger for hikers).

Then came a fun time: decorate our ice axes with nail polish and take a group photo.

Finally, time for real relaxation. We went to bed and saw some episodes of our program.

And then: The great moment! Patrik’s Check Trail Magic. A few weeks ago, a small project occurred to him: share a small home with the path. Many hikers and strangers have helped us, and he wanted to return something. He made a publication about LinkedIn asking for support, and ended up associating with Neni Možný, a Czech brand. They sent us a Liluka snack package, which we delivered to Kennedy hikers. We were very happy to share a little Czech taste with this incredible community.

Before dinner, a last hot shower. Then hamburgers for dinner and a quick round of scam card instruction. I was a bit disappointed: they ran out of ice cream. Without milk either! And I had been waiting for all day …

Anyway. We replace our food for the last time, we brush our teeth and call it one night.

Day 54 – BANANA BREAD & BEAR BATES

We wake up naturally: a mixture of emotion and nerves. New land, new routines. The packaging took time while discovering how to attach everything. Patrik and I decided to keep our food inside our packages and tie the bear can (empty or clothes) at the top. Others carried their cans vertically inside the package.

Before leaving, a fellow hiker gave us banana bread: his wife had baked him for him. Then we wait for the ferry to return to the path.

Miraculously, we squeeze six hikers and their packages in the car. Back on the way! Today was a training day: walking together as a group, although it was not yet strictly necessary.

Just two miles, we reach the magic of the path: pancakes and oranges. Yes please!

The path is already changing. Still a little sandy, but it’s no longer like a desert. We crossed an appropriate river and had water almost all the way. What a luxury!

Is there only a desert memory left? A snake looking at us from the bushes.

Split = banana bread. Then we leaked water and have lunch next to a stream. We decided to go a little further than planned. Doug even showed us a tree that smells like caramel!

Later, from a bridge, we saw fish in the river. From cactus to trout, what transition. We arrived at our camp at 4, a quiet place in the forest near a small stream. We rinse, stretch and establish the camp.

Dinner had to be 70 steps in favor of the wind of our stores. There is also where we leave our bear cans during the night: full of food, toothpaste, sunscreen, even garbage. Everything a bear could love. Not everything fits tonight, but we’ll eat a little tomorrow. Walking there and back to camp shoes? Something to get used to.

Good night from the edge of the mountains.

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