5/3/20- 5/4/20, mile: 444, elevation: 2,244 ft.
Zero days alwasy disappear very quickly. Laundry, showers, Ben & Jerry’s, unpacking, sorting, Ben & Jerry’s, resorting, shopping lists and maybe just one more pint….
Mornings here at the KOA start with a lot of birds starting their day, followed soon after by a lion. Yes, a lion. Shambala big cat rescue is nearby, and their lion loves to make gutteral noises every morning. And then ther’s the Metrolink train that passes through next to the campground as well. And did I mention the highway right above the grassy area for hikers is a favorite playground for motorcycles and sports cars? Don’t stay here expecting peace and quiet.
Other entertainment are the gophers. These guys are quite busy. I even saw a plant get pulled underground, I swear to Dog, just like in Saturday morning cartoons. The cottonwood trees are shedding their seeds, so everything is a mess. And then there are the ravens. Leave something that looks like food on a picnic table and step away….BAM! Gone.
Doug was already there and leaving on Sunday. We had some fun catching up on “old” times, and how the hell he always seems to get ahead of me and then I pass him again. He just doesn’t stop for long, and despite not being the fastest hiker, he just hikes longer. Since I was listening to Iron Maiden the day before, I suggested the trail name The Trooper. He actually knows the song and has played the bass portion of it.
Sunday night dinner was more delivery food, this time I got a calzone that was the size of a deflated regulation football. Yes, it was good. After sunset, Prickly and Pac Man headed out; man those two like to hike late.
I was blessed with more trail magic Monday morning. Tony and Mindy were staying at the KOA for a couple nights and we struck up a conversation the night before. They invited me to their RV for breakfast which was so much better than my own trail food at my tent including eggs from their own chickens. Their daughter has a pet rabbit traveling in that backpack, too. Thanks again, I hope the rest of your vacation is successful.
Monday afternoon was shopping and post office day. A group of us also decided to have a potluck together, so dinner shopping was included. Shopping in unfamiliar stores is stressful when you have a list, and I was happy with the trail food I ended up with. Oh, well, it’s only for a few days, I can survive.
During the afternoon, Diego showed up!
Dinner was a fun event. I grilled some chicken leg quarters (no pre-packaged thighs or drumsticks available). Thankfully Tuna Farts (yes, that’s his trail name) had a large knife that I used like a butcher knife. Turned out quite good. Mr. and Mrs. Tuna Farts were climbing up Mission Creek weeks ago when I passed them chasing the other Pac Man. It’s amazing how these facese keep popping up. We also had potato salad, green salads, garlic bread and a bunch of fruit. The chicken was a hit (and done before sunset!) and new trail names were proposed for me….Chicken Legs or Drumstick. I politely declined.
Sarah and I had a discussion about Peter’s online virtual graduation ceremony on 6/4. I decided I’ll hike to Kennedy Meadows (mile 700) the last week of May or so and then figure out transportation home. This will allow me to organize my Sierra gear at home, do the food shopping and generally get a little rest before the toughest and most beautiful section of the PCT are tackled.
Meanwhile, I’ll be arriving at Wee Vill Market outside of Lancaster on 5/9. Another banner date, especially this year. Oh, and that will also be after passing mile 500 this week. Brace yourselves.
Savior out.