Mile 558 Tehachapi, CA

Update: We are now at mile 558. Taking a break at a Best Western in Tehachapi, CA. We are heading into a section with trace water resources and will be covering stretches of over 30 miles between water. Crossing the Mojave desert we were cold, the wind was blowing and the temp was round 65 degrees. Much better then we expected. We camped on a ridge that experience strong winds from three directions. It was a loud night, the wind tossed sand into our tent, it was like we were sleeping in a sand box. Hiking through the find farms was strange. It was a presence unfamiliar to us, and we experienced discomfort from the constant motion of the turbines. There were windmills everywhere, and for almost 12 miles we hiked through a wind farm. There is another 8 mile stretch of windmills ahead of us before we return to the mountains. They are still installing some of the 5,000 turbines that are planned for power generation in the Tehachapi area. :(

Getting into town was a breeze thanks to an amazing trail angle named Kay. She picked us up, took us to the post office, Big 5, and Albertsons. She is planning to hike the PCT in 2015 and charges hikers questions for rides around town. I know she can finish the trail. She is dedicated, and has the spirit to have a happy hike. She is giving hikers rides throught the day and never tires of hearing about what gear they carry. I agree with a point she made when talking to us, "You can't see the look on someones face when reading a hikers blog. You don't see the way their eyes light up when they describe their tent or sleeping bag. That is what I like to see." i am paraphrasing, but you get the idea, hikers love to talk about what they are proud of, and she gets to learn first hand what works for hikers.

We are only 150 miles from the end of the desert. It is astonishing how close we are to the Sierra Mountains. The snow level in the mountains is still strong above 10,000 ft. Seasonal streams are not flowing yet, and the recommended start is June 9th. Many hikers are ahead of us, but we are planning to wait for the best time to cross the mountain passes.

Thank you so much to Grit and Buster, Natalie Franz and Collin Stackhouse) who sent us amazing treats and trail snacks. The flood of Peanut butter cups that Buster sent have left me feeling like a glutton, but I shared them with many other hikers, spreading around the satisfaction of a stomach full of chocolate.