Independence Resupply: Mile 787

Written 6/27/14

Posted 6/27/14

After our big Mount Whitney day we had a fairly mellow day going over Forrester Pass. This is the highest point on the PCT, not including the Mount Whitney side trail, at 13,200 feet! 

Hiking up to the pass was very gorgeous alpine meadow with a lot of waterfalls, creeks, and lakes. When we got to the pass we chatted with some other folks hiking south bound and got the scoop on the northern trail conditions. We were happy to hear that our upcoming down climb of Forrester Pass was going to be the sketchiest part of the Sierras. Heading down the pas really wasn't too bad, just one steep short section of snow. 

The next day we were only 9 miles away from getting to the Onion Valley trailhead where we were planning to hitch a ride down into Independence, CA. Those 9 miles proved to be some of the most difficult miles yet because of the weather. We had to head over Kearsarge Pass in very strong winds because a storm was pushing through. I got blown over three times by gusts of at least 40-50 mph!

Eventually we got all the way down to the parking lot to discover some awesome "Trail Magic". The term Trail Magic is used when anybody helps out a thru-hiker, either by giving away some extra food, offering a hitch into town, or just general support of hikers. An older couple was staying at the campground in the parking lot offering food, beer, and rides into town. They are retired and just camped out for 2 weeks up there to support hikers. They hiked the PCT last year and just wanted to help out. What awesome people! 

Once we got to Independence, we realized that this town is tiny! There isn't much here. We decided to catch public transit down to Lone Pine which is a slightly bigger town. We've been eating a ton of food and resting up. Planning to get back on the trail tomorrow morning. Luckily the owners of the motel are very friendly to hikers and are going to give us breakfast and a ride to the trailhead tomorrow morning! It feels great to be in a bed and be clean again but I'm really looking forward to the next section of trail. We'll be in Mammoth in roughly 9 days where we'll post our next updates. Stay tuned!