Today was one of the hardest mornings on the trail so far. Not in actually difficulty, however, I was perhaps feeling the worst I ever have on trail. I camped just a few miles away from the Bullfrog Lake Trail. This trail is not on the PCT but it connects to the K pass trail which I needed to find my way to. The plan was to take the Bullfrog Lake Trail, hop on the K pass trail, climb K pass and go down the other side to a campground in Onion Valley that is 15 miles away from the town of Independence. I needed to resupply on food to make it through the rest of the Sierras. I ended up hiking 9 miles up and over a high pass just to make it to a road that leads to civilization. It wasn't an ordinary 9 miles for me. Almost immediately after starting the days hike I started to feel dizzy. I hiked a few miserable miles before I woke up and found myself laying on the side of the trail. I must have passed out. I'm not sure how long I was out before I woke up on the side of the trail. Upon waking up I didn't exactly know where I was. I wasn't sure what I was doing out there. It took me a few moments to remember that I was hiking the trail and the only thing I could really do was drink some water, eat some food, and start climbing up the pass. The remaining miles were some of the hardest I've ever hiked. I just kept telling myself that there was in fact an end to the mountain and if I continued to climb I would eventually get there. Get there I did.
Once I got to Onion Valley there was a sign on the side of the trail that read "trail magic site 13". Tom, the man who runs the trailer hostel for hikers out of Kennedy Meadows had set up camp in Onion Valley and was giving hikers beverages and also rides into town. Independence wasn't really a town. It had two gas stations, a subway, a restaurant, and a few motels. Which is why I sent myself a resupply box here. The chevron gas station accepts packages for hikers so that was my first destination...then subway.
I ended up getting a room at the Mt. Williamson motel for the night. This is when I shot a text message to Marvin and Debbie (the couple who gave us a ride into and out of Lake Isabella). They agreed to meet us at the motel. It was around 9pm or so when they showed up with fresh cut fruit, veggies, meat, beer, and a grill! Right there in from of the motel Marvin busted out the grill and began to grill up the veggies. He made these amazing veggie wraps with homemade salsa from Debbie! I was so very happy to be there at that moment with these people sharing stories and drinking beer. Heavy and Cheers wandered their way over to our little party and we all ate until our stomachs were exploding! Marvin and Debbie outdid themselves for us yet again. It really was a highlight moment of the trail. Part of the reason I'm out here is to be able to meet people and create connections with them. Marvin and Debbie have become true friends and I can't thank them enough for their kindness.
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