New Valley Hills

I bumped into two hikers I’d started on same day as. Lucy and James. Both big milers who I’d only caught up with by skipping 230 desert miles.

After my experience of Whitney I’ve decided to skip the next three passes. Vertigo isn’t pleasant when you vomit from uncontrollable fear! I come off the PCT via Kearsarge Pass. On the way down I meet an upcoming older hiker who introduces himself as Sherpa. He and his crew of past PCT hikers are packing in 300 meals and whisky to meet hikers in the backcountry and provide trail magic! On his backpack is swinging a bag of snacks. He encourages me to tootle around and take a packet of crisps. He has my favourite. What a guy! ❤️ Further down I meet others coming up carrying a grill and gas bottles to cook with.

I get a ride into Independence then hitch with a German couple to Bishop for an overnight.

Thank you for all the kind messages coming in via various channels – it means a lot to me. ❤️