Start: 0700 - Kennedy Meadows
End: 1800 - Kennedy Meadows
Miles (today): 0
Miles (cumulative): 724.5 (618 PCT, 89.5 alternate, 17 off)
Today is an unplanned zero. I'm ok with this and looking forward to getting extra sleep.
So the general store was supposed to open at 0900. Nick and I were ready - we had big plans. The first thing we were going to do after getting our boxes was soak our clothes in permethrin and get them on the line to dry. Then we were going to sort through the food and other goodies, figure out how to fit everything inside the bear canister, figure out how to get the bear canisters in our packs along with all our other gear, and then leave once our clothes were dry.
We got breakfast (pancakes) from the grill on the patio. We helped Boyscout/Jessie celebrate his birthday. 0900 came and 0900 went. We sat at a table and chatted with some of my favorite hikers, to include Bluebird, Ducky, and Special K. 1000 came and 1000 went. We milled around the storefront. Finally, around 1030, the doors opened and hikers flooded in for their packages and for food and for whatever else. It was a little crazy.
Boyscout (the bday boy) and his Aunt, Hodge Podge
Even though we got our clothes soaking in permethrin ASAP, by the time we put them on be line to dry it was pretty late in the day. (Note: we soak our clothes in permethrin to help keep bugs away. The trick is that you shouldn't wring out the clothes once they've soaked up the repellent- they need to dry with as much of the permethrin on them as possible. As you can imagine, the clothes take a lot longer to dry this way.)
We spent most of the day on the deck, eating food, visiting, and clapping/cheering when hikers arrived (it was fun). We also spent time hovering over the charging stations so we could get our stuff plugged in as soon as a spot opened up - it was a little crazy.
the charging station nightmare
I attempted to nap but didn't have any luck. Then I tried to get organized, which is something I shouldn't have attempted while tired as it was a little overwhelming. Those bear canisters are HEAVY and big and I still don't know how I'm going to get everything inside my pack....
I know bear canisters are required but I already despise it - it's messing up my entire pack organization system and its HEAVY
But let's talk about good things, shall we? Specifically, let's talk about friends who look out for you and want to help make your experience as good as possible.
Remember when I complained about my smelly hair? Well, not too long after that my friend Karen sent me some dry shampoo her friend Ann makes. I've been sprinkling it on my hair for weeks now (ever since Hiker Heaven, Day 31) and I can say that my hair smells so much better (and is way less greasy), even after wearing hats and bandannas in the hot desert sun and not showering for days and days. Ann also included some lip balm and I love that, too (my lips definitely need it)! The dry shampoo is a total luxury item and I might have to find a smaller container so I can divide it up a little and help get the weight down (at this point, every little ounce matters - stupid bear canister!) but it's awesome. Thank you so much Karen and Ann!!!!!
I loved the little note Ann included - she made me smile!
Similarly, today I received two boxes of Arbonne protein powder from my friend, Molly. It tastes great and I'm looking forward to incorporating it into my breakfasts. I'll probably even have some as dessert before bed, too. :) Thank you so much, Molly!!!!! You rock!!!
By 1630 we made the decision to just stay another night so our clothes could sufficiently dry and so I could get to bed at a decent hour (I never did get that nap). Since we had the time and since they were open, we took showers (it's so nice to be clean).
When we started to rehydrate dinner, we realized we didn't have any water. Sadly, the store locks their water pump when they close (they closed at 1700). Once again, a friend came to the rescue - Bluebird was kind enough to share some of his water with us so we could have dinner. What a nice guy!!!!
Going to bed early, well fed, AND clean is such a nice feeling!!!