Mile 542 – 16 Pacific Crest Trail Miles, 7 wandering miles
Butterfly’s knee was still bothering her so while I continued to pack she started hiking. This morning we started seeing new thru-hikers on the trail. People were really spreading out and faster hikers were starting to catch up. The people you see on the Pacific Creat Trail are constantly changing. Some you will see once or for a few weeks and then never again while others seem to cross our paths more frequently.
While hiking we could see the tracks and hear dirt bikes around us. It was just for a few miles but we were definitely extra cautious. It’s odd to think about turning a corner and seeing a dirt bike heading up a trail near you.
About 10 miles before Tehachapi we came to a well stocked water cache. Apparently we missed the fresh fruit but we were grateful for the clean water and relaxing chairs!
Storm clouds seemed to be following us today. We had a few sprinkles and heard lots of thunder in the distance. Others were not so lucky and were completely dumped on. We were dry for today which was a win!
Three miles before Tehachapi we came across wild horses grazing with a few foals on a hillside under more windmills! They were very leery of us with our packs but allowed us to get a great look before moving further up the hill. I love seeing wildlife on the trail!
We hit Willow Springs Road and were walking across to put are packs down and start hitching when two cars came upon us. I half heartedly put my thumb up and the second car immediately pulled over and picked us up. I am always amazed at the kindness of strangers!
Darren dropped us off right in front of The Loop where my new clown shoes were waiting. Claudia graciously allowed me to ship new shoes to her office the week before as my feet were now a size in a half larger! I was extremely happy to now have larger shoes!
I creatively convinced Butterfly to stay in town for the night so we were off to find a hotel!