Hiking - PCT 2016 - Day 30 to 35

Started off with a rather sluggish morning enjoying he facilities of Hiker Heaven. Mulled around and organised food for the next 5.5 days and had another hot shower. Eventually made it to the trail just before 10am to start a fun 2400ft, 5 mile climb.




Water was in question around the fire last night and tables this morning. The next confirmed was 24 miles from the start but 8 miles in was a 'reliable' spring, last PCTWater report update had it flowing well but that was 3 weeks ago. I took a little extra in case but found the spring to be flowing well and clean.

Stopped for the day in a great little site tucked away in the trees in a valley. Still a little windy but the trees are stopping most of it. After the late night last night, while still waking up at first light, I was happy to get to bed early.

Packed camp just before a descending cloud engulfed the trail. It was another cold day in the desert but an early morning to Casa De Luna. I was there at 10pm and hung about for a while but didn't want to spend all day waiting about and moved on.



Some guys chose to take it easy and end the day here. Yet another fire closure ahead, with a road walk around it, so I stuck out my thumb and hitched up to the Rock Inn. My classiest ever hitch a BMW Roadster. Though fitting my pack in was interesting...

Heard good things about the Philly Cheese Steak (ground roast beef roll with white cheese melted over) which tasted pretty nice. Need to get a real steak in the next real town though. Then another 4 or so miles on the side of the road before rejoining a side trail to get back on the PCT.

Went about 6 miles in and smelt a campfire from a site just off trail. Not one to miss a good fire I decided to stop for the night and found some hikers huddled around a fire ring. Come time to put it out I went off in search of the water 'near camp.' 1/4 mile later up to the peak to find a water storage tank. Difficult to gather water from as you had to do it at arms length. Full of dead bugs too so I'm glad I didn't need drinking water. With the fire fully doused we retreated to the warmth of our tents.

Another morning hike shrouded in clouds. Wind still cold so I started hiking in my thermal top. Was mostly downhill all day, but not steep making it an easy day. Breezed past mile 500 and some decent greenery while still on the mountain.



Eventually made it to a place called Hiker Town. It's kinda setup like an old western town. With the rooms various town buildings. Cheapish too, $10 for a room, a lukewarm shower, decent wifi, runs to the store 4 mi away and clean drinking water. I'm staying in the flower shop which seems well contained though others have abandoned their 'rooms' due to the overwhelming presence of mice poo.



Headed out early. The next solid water was in 24 miles and the first 19 were relativly flat. Today started off kinds cool walking along an Aqua duct,  I thought it would make a pretty cool run for skiing. Someone could set up a cable ski park running along it.



After the first mile or so it did get a little repetitive though. As did walking along the huge 1500 pipe that fed into it. The PCT for the next 15 or so miles was along a dirt road. Meant to be one of the hotter sections but it was a pretty cool day, still felt the sun but that wind was hanging around... very cool fields of Joshua trees though.

After a stretch that felt like ages (it was) on dirt road we came to a Wind Turbine farm. The track winded amongst the amazingly tall Turbines turning in the sky. I was definitely feeling the effects of turbine syndrome though. My feet were sore, I was sweating, muscles tired and short of breath. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the 24 mile hike and 2000ft climb on the last 3 miles, nope. Must have been Turbine Syndrome!



No water for 25 miles so it was another heavy water carry. Luckily this time the food bag was quite a bit lighter. People camped right near my tent were up a while talking and the wind kept up most of the night making for broken sleep.

Near the start was a decent ascent, made harder by the extra water. Once on top someone had chairs and bins provided as well as a water cache. I had enough water but made good use of the seat and took the opportunity to empty my rubbish bag. Despite being up a hill the track was rather soft and sandy making it hard work for the feet. I have also worn through the inside side padding on my right shoe. Getting close to that new pair.

We roller coasted across the top of a few ridges before heading down again. Passed a heap more turbines, lots more Joshua trees and a few cactus in full bloom.

There is 2 roads to hitch from 8 miles apart and most people hopped off at the first. Redhawk and I pushed on for a few more miles and setup behind a nice juniper bush for a wind break with a great view of even more turbines. Might need the ear plugs tonight though.

Got out of camp just past 6 and made the next 4 miles to the road fairly quickly to catch a lift into Tehachapi. Breakfast at a German bakery before heading the 1.2 miles!! (miles always seem longer in town) to get to the post office which was way out of town for some reason. However was able to grab my new shoes and even got a lift back into town.

The shoes look fairly good on the outside. Lugs still have a lot of grip too but the inner padding is getting shot.  On the side of the heel it's worn through to the outer plastic. Currently waiting for an early check in for a room then off to catch a UEFA soccer match with some other hikers at the local micro-brew/pizza/bar type place. Already got the local recommendation for steak dinner too, might see what other hikers are doing tonight but at least one dinner here is going to be steak!