Today was almost a zero day - We woke up to a chilly morning, and Yair took off to Ridgecrest to return his rental car. We were hoping he’d have good luck hitching back.

Bambi and Rudolph relaxing at the "Internet Cafe"
Bambi and Rudolph relaxing at the "Internet Cafe"

We finally got our laundry done, and had a shower, after the water shortage ended. So we were relatively clean. I then started the task of arranging my food for the next 7 hiking days. It’s a long stretch, and we also have to fit about 5 days of food inside our Bear canisters. I managed to get all of my food inside my canister, for the entire 7 days. I just don’t eat that much. I hope I won’t get too hungry on the trail.

Yair got back just before 13:00, and we decided officially that we’d head out in the evening, just to hike the short, 2.4 miles trail to the campground. We spent the rest of the time organizing, sending boxes to Lone Pine, eating good meals I got from home (thanks!) and laying around.

At about 18:00 we left the general store, and headed out. We stopped to weigh our heavy packs at the Internet Cafe. Idan’s was 40 pounds, Yair’s was 35, and mine was just 30. I hope I didn’t forget anything.

Entering Bear country
Entering Bear country

The trail to the campground was easy, and Yair got his first taste of the PCT. Once there, we found a nice spot not far from the water spigot, set up camp and made dinner. A short while later Big Boots, Sock Pot and Twice came by, and made a camp fire in their campsite. We joined in for a while, and it was very nice. Penguin also showed up and camped nearby. All in all, a very relaxing and easy day.