PCT Day 42 – Kennedy Meadows

Stats

Start: Tentsite – Mile 696.9
End: Kennedy Meadows – Mile 702.2
Elevation Max: 6,218
Elevation Min: 5,829
Elevation Change: 961 up & 732 down
Average Heart Rate: 118
Walking Time: 1 hrs 53 minutes
Date: 5/14/2022

The Walk

I woke up with a chilly river on my mind. Smurf, Cacoon and I planned to jump in the river this morning. It must have been in the high 40s. I was laying my bag, wishing the sun would rise faster.

But I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep. It was 6:00. So I started packing up my gear. At 6:45 we headed out and started the hike. The landscape felt like desert as we walked the morning mile to the river.

When the river came into view there wasn’t a good spot to get in. I though we might dodge the cold water. I planned to do it if we found a spot. But I wasn’t looking too hard.

We rounded a corner and a campsite next to a 20 foot river came into view. Smurf was leading the charge to the water. As soon as we got there, I jumped in, it took my breath away!

I got up and doggy paddled my way back to shore. Keeping my arms close to stay warm. I popped out and was surprised how warm it was. Maybe because the air was warmer than the water and there was no wind?

We quickly dried off then headed on. What a beautiful day. As we passed mile 700, the desert began a transformation. More pine trees, thicker trees, more green, less prickly things and more water.

Kennedy Meadows came into view. I felt like a scene out of lord of the rings. This epic 700 mile journey ended in walking to this little alley with a small cottage and smoke billowing up.

Kennedy meadows is a little community, largely supported by hikers. A town of 200 people. Where things are run on generators instead of electricity.

No cell service.

We hiked into the market and saw 20 hikers eating breakfast. Then we ordered all you can eat breakfast for 12 bucks. It was delicious.

We got some snacks and headed to grumpy bears. I met Quest and watched the end of the FA cup. Another 20 hikers were at Grumpy’s. These are the two main spots in Kennedy Meadows.