Kennedy Meadows to Lone Pine

DAY 56 (June 25): Pack Reorganization
To mile 706 South Kern River
5 miles

Had a very good sleep last night. Woke up at six and after going to the restrooms had an interesting chat with Happy Hour who was preparing coffee before heading out. He had been working for some biotec companies in the past and is now writing articles on outdoors and hiking for an online magazine called  “trail groove”.

Spend the rest of the morning going through my stuff to figure out what items to get rid of by dumping them into my bounce box.

The afternoon passed by very fast by chatting with people, checking food, and finally trying to fit all my stuff including the bear can into my pack. Although I was initially worried it worked quite well. Pack was just a bit taller than usual.

Had a burger before leaving as I was just too lazy to cook something and especially to reopen the bear can and repack.

Left Kennedy Meadows at 6.15 p.m. and set up camp with Mario “Mr. Clean and Brian “Toasty” by the Kern River at 8.30 p.m.

DAY 57 (June 27)
To Tentsite Mile 719
17 miles

DAY 58  (June 28)
To Tentsite Mile 736
15 miles

Walked to the next water source in the morning and had a longer break as some more hikers were hanging out there. One of our burning questions: When did the movie "The Goonies" come out?

Bought a pair of long Injinji socks from GDub.

Food left over for 3-4 days but need to go into Lone Pine to get food box as Forester Pass and Mt Whitney coming up. Hard to guess daily mileage with upcoming elevations.

Lunched with a couple I had met before and got Lebanese Couscous from them.

Steep ascent that I easily tackled with good music.

Camped with Toastie, Mr. Clean and PitPot on top at a large open space. Very quiet. Slept well.