I hiked 86 miles in three days in order to meet Jacob at Walker Pass on a Friday. Luckily I had a few hours to rest before he got there because I was tired!
When he pulled up and got out of the car, Bishop went crazy and could hardly contain himself. That and the hug from Jacob made the previous three days worth it.
We camped at the campground that night and heard some hikers come in pretty late.
The next morning, Jacob performed some trail magic for Bigfoot, Tin Tin, Magic Man, Camel and the Jolly Green Giant by making blueberry pancakes for everyone, including homemade peanut butter and strawberries. It was amazing and the guys were talking about it days later.
I spent most of the morning switching out gear for the mountains and reorganizing things. By the time I was done, it was too hot to hike so we drove the road to a picnic area on the Kern river and hung out in the water and shade for most of the day. The river was cooling to my feet and hanging out with Jacob and Bishop was good for my soul.
We ended up getting a hotel in the town of Lake Isabella for the night and going out for Mexican for dinner. I was able to take a shower and wash some of my clothes which improved the way I felt a lot.
On Saturday morning we drove back to Walker Pass, ready to hike. Then we found Horizon and Merkel, who got there the night before. After chatting and catching up, we gave up on the hike and we all piled into the car to head for breakfast then the river.
It was an awesome weekend of hanging out and the two zero days really refreshed me. But on Monday morning, I had to say goodbye to Jacob and Mr. B again, which was hard. Fortunately as I get further north, it will be easier for Jacob to meet me, so I’ll see him again soon.