Journey Day 51 | PCT Day 51

Keith Jones packing at Kennedy Meadow store, California

 6/6/85

From our rock camp, up relaxed with warm beer. Naked in the early morning heat. Lazy as I finish cookies. Awaken Keith with my latest song, “Tapioca in the Morning, Ya, Ya.”

Lazily we make the store by 11 or so. All day goes to repacking for the Sierra, deciding what equipment goes and what doesn’t. 50-pound box, plus extra boots, plus Mom’s box, plus Gram’s letter, plus damaged tent, plus Mojave box to dig through. Ham awaits the Ens, but may be claimed. Keep store clerk, 3rd brother who works there, busy. Few others around as we use porch area to organize and pack. Big box goes back to Sandi in Albuquerque.

Carrying heavy packs, we walk down and camp near the Kern River. Rig up tent. Nice to sleep inside. Eat dinner, drink three beers. Write letters until sleep comes.

Our last civilized stop for three weeks has no phones or showers. Kennedy Meadows is mostly untamed, but town compared to what we’ll be seeing.