For many months now, we’ve had a plan in place where our friend and very experienced Sierra hiker, Peter Starkweather, and myself are going to hike up into the mountains to resupply Kyle during this leg. This would save him from having to hike down 7.5 miles into the town of Lone Pine, and then back up again. Lone Pine, CA is about on the desert floor so it’s a long ways away.
Kyle ended up having to hike down early because of gear and a variety of other reasons. (He’s fine, not to worry.) But for now, Peter and I still have his food and other needed supplies so we’re on our way to meet him and will – in theory – take that hike together tomorrow, Friday June 8th.
Peter and I have been training for this for the past two months, and we’re about as ready as we can be. It’s a potential adventure of a lifetime, as once we’re up there we’ll be crossing over the crest of the Sierra range at Kearsarge Pass and then hiking down into alpine valleys that are supposed to be gorgeous. There’s plenty of water from 4 lakes, with our final destination point of Charlotte Lake where this trail intersects the PCT where Kyle will rejoin. This is about 10 miles due east of Kings Canyon National Park as the crow flies, for reference. We’ll go from 9,000 ft to 11,000 ft, so that’s pretty intimidating. Personally, I’ve never exerted myself at elevation, so just hoping I do well and don’t get altitude sickness. Hopefully I’ll come back with lots of awesome stories and great photos! More when we return.
This is the view from Lone Pine – no, those mountains don’t look intimidating at all!
Good info! Great job! I hiked in that area to a lake destination, Rose Lake?, when I was like 12. Unbelievably beautiful and pristine. I remember well holding my hand in a boiling pot of water, a weird experience. Godspeed!
Super excited for the next episode of the adventure with Kyle and Jean meeting high on the trail!
Ditto David above, very much enjoying these blog posts by both of you. Thank you for taking the time to share. Your wit and humor make me smile everytime.
Big hugs and congrats on your journey!
Most highest regard for you all and for sharing your journey with us … sooooo look forward to the return visit after re -acclimation to “old life” , and when you are ready , as now you are all forever changed and enlightened… namaste .. I am in awe elevation at its most real and finest .. literally and figuratively..
You got this Jean !!
Kyle, I can’t tell how much I anticipate these updates. I am with you brother at least spiritually. Your progress has been amazing to say the least. Proud to know you!
Really interesting on the widning of the feet. What a trip.@&$”? Had to hurt like hell.! You may get an alternate trail name. “More Grounded Now!”
I have been sharing your exploits. A friend of mine Barbara at Seaside has a friend doing the PCT. His trail name is Enlightened Pilgrim. If you run into him tell him hello.
And of course I would be remiss if I didn’t give kudos to your logistics officer General Jean. You are nothing short of awesome!
Looking forward to your next post…
Hey David! I’m “Scarfing” a ribeye and some Cabernet in Bishop, CA to fortify myself for the tough stretch ahead. I’ve met a “Pilgrim” but not Elightened Pilgrim. Not sure if the same. Looking forward to Jean and Peter joining me for a day back to the trail. The foot growing has been almost comical, from 12 to 14 wide, this hopefully is the end of it, or clown shoes are in my future. My best to you and my favorite cuz!
Way to go Jean! Eat lots of carbs prior to high altitude to combat sickness… and enjoy the moment!