June 9: once again , I woke up win the birds. But today, I laid in my sleeping bag and listened to the birds for a while before I got moving. I had a short day today- no need to rush. The only thing I had to do was get over Kearsage Pass into town.
What a hike! I have to say- this side trail into town was one of the most beautiful sections yet. Lots of gorgeous lakes. Had it been a bit warmer, I would have stayed at those lakes and gone swimming. Still a bit cold for that- plus, some lakes still had ice in them!
Again, a sort of long walk with switchbacks to the top of the pass (around 11,000 feet) and a gradual descent down. Along the way, I passed One of Us, who was on the way back to the trail from Independence. He was planning on banging out the miles- 25 per day through the Sierras. This may be he last time I see him on this hike!
Once I got tithe trailhead, I was able to get a ride to Independence with a guy going to pick up s fiend a Whitney Portal.
Independence is a tiny town. A courthouse, a Subway, a gas station, and a hostel, independence's biggest claim to fame is its where Charles Manson was arrested and held. Oof!
While getting my foot long at Subway, I ran into Velcro and Secret. Talked to them for a while, and then got a ride into Bishop with a funny, crazy hippie lady named Shelly who drove about 100 miles per hour the whole way!
Ate pie at Schlatt's bakery , which came highly recommended by Shutterbug and Nomad Max. And got a room at a strangely decorated and expensive Motel 6.
Peace love and trail magic