Day 33
-8 miles slackpacking – Willow Rd to Highway 58
-staying at a hotel In Tehachapi
Staying at a hotel that serves breakfast saves us having to go out and spend more money on food. After downing some food, we find a trail angel that is willing to drive us out to the trail so we can slack pack. Slackpacking is just a thruhiker’s version of day hiking but just leaving most of your gear in town. It was really nice to crush those eight miles in 2.5 hours with a light pack when it wasn’t so hot. We got to the parking lot before our friends and met a sweet couple who were crewing for their son and grandson’s long trail run. They were so kind to talk to and gave us fresh fruit and snacks. Then after their people had come through and gotten food and drinks to finish their run, the couple drove us into town with a couple of other hikers. They even gave us their phone number so we could call them when we need to go back out on trail tomorrow.
I love meeting all the people on the trail and the people supporting their loved ones on the trail too. They always have stories and tips and are familiar with an adventure lifestyle! Back at the hotel I spent some time talking with a woman who is crewing for her husband who is thruhiking. She meets him at trailheads and gives rides and brings food places. We have seen her at a few trailheads and love to catch up each time we see her and their puppy again. They live part of the year Colorado. She has told Kevin and I that she is really impressed with us hiking together as a couple and how we have to work things out together. I don’t really see it as any different than every day annoyances in life while in the front country. We always have to remember how we are on the same team and it is both of us together against whatever challenge we face.
ashleyisoutside 