Journey Day 53 | PCT Day 53

Pausing under burden as we head into the Sierras, California

6/8/85

Up early as RVers, car campers ruin the tranquility of our riverside camp. It’s time to hit the trail, escape “civilization”.

Ens see us off. Heavy packs weigh us down and high temperatures make for a struggle just to get up. But forest, boulders beat flat desert scrub and sand. Several short breaks later, we make it to Clover Meadows, up a grade away from the creekside campers.

From the break spot where I’m writing, burnt forest is all around. (The guide book says a PCT hiker started the fire.)

Keith sleeps. Heavy packs, stress of the layover. Getting back into hiking stride, the relaxation of returning to nature, where we now feel more at home.

Hike up more, then down to Beck’s Meadow. Then down a ridge, always in forest or meadow grasses, back to the Kern River. Get water, then off with boots and barefoot fording in knee-deep water. Fall twice.

Saw herd of deer as we descended into Monache Meadows area near the Kern crossing. Daylight waning, so we camp quickly at rocks near the beginning of Cow Canyon-Deer Island stretch.

Heft all foods, dinner items, for post-meal bear bagging. Our first attempt ends with bags hefted back down in the dark. Lessons learned for more bearie areas. Have to hike up to find a suitable tree.

Crash quickly under stars despite certainty of precipitation. Tired from the day‘s rigors.