Day 131: Finding Independence
Since the days are becoming shorter and because we didn’t have far to go to the trail head, we allowed ourselves 15 mins extra sleep time and didn’t start hiking until 6:30 am. We had an initially gradual rise passing beautiful lakes and grassy meadows where we saw a small herd of deer.
Then the path became much more steep but we were soon at the top of Kearsage Pass.
Another slow 4 miles of rocky descent, again with some very pretty streams and lakes, finally brought us to the car park at the trailhead. We passed a lot of day or section hikers on their way up and were glad to be heading down with light loads. All the way though we were thinking about the upward journey we would have to make with full heavy packs tomorrow when we have to retrace our steps to continue the trail.
We were glad to get a ride into the small desert town of Independence and to find our packages waiting for us. Most of the work of resupplying was done and we only had to add a few things from a hiker box and from the store. The weather continues to be amazing but down on the desert floor it is 100deg F through the day.
So, with laundry done and feeling clean and well fed we are heading to bed. We have organised a lift back to the trail head tomorrow but we don’t leave until 9am so we can have a slow start and another real meal before leaving town.
I’m with Bill, admiration, and awe for the two of you.
What exquisite country!….and the contrast between the desert and mountains!
Love the Long Tall Shadows photo back a few days ago, and of course “The deer”……
You all have amazing stamina…….. would beg for a 1/10th of that !! On, on…….Am so enjoying your journey.
Great photos of the deer. Reading your thoughts about the next day’s climb with heavier packs made me realize there must have been many times when it’s been really tough to make that next effort. You have our absolute admiration.