To Tehachapi

Leaving Agua Dulce, I traversed a series of low mountain ridges. There was significant fire closure on the section, which I bypassed and elected not to do the 22 mile road walk given the high speed limit, lack of full shoulder on the side of the roadway, and unclear water supply.

Reaching the flat section of the Mojave, we spent some time in Hikertown, a PCT hostel used as a staging point for the LA aqueduct. Incidentally, I ran into another hiker who was good friends with my step niece. Small world…

At 6:00 PM, we started the Aqueduct hike, usually avoided during the day due to high temperatures.

We kept up until 1 am, camped, then started back in the morning. Thankfully, temperatures dropped into the 60’s, making the remaining section much more pleasant, though it did get very windy. The Tehachapi Challenge is completing the 49 mile segment from Hikertown within 24 hours, not attempted, though I did manage over 30. Long flat miles are murder on your feet.

Today I’ve got to pick up a resupply box at the post office, then back to the trail this afternoon. Per Guthook, Tehachapi is the end of the Southern California section, though the Sierras don’t start until after Kennedy Meadows, still a good 150 miles away.

Shubbery report: