Uncategorized

Day 20 – Tehachapi and scouting north

David from the Roadside: I woke this morning to a howling wind and the trailer felt more like a boat. I went for a little walk about the campground and did a loop around the airfield and noticed the farm workers already at it before the heat of the day. I could smell the crop of cilantro long before I could see it.

Acres of Cilantro I could smell blocks away.

After some morning coffee and running one of the propane tanks to get refilled I headed north to explore the next section. The Southern most point of the Sierra Nevadas and the “Jawbone Butterbredt Area of Critical Environmental Concern”. Yep! Just as daunting as it sounds. The Critical Area of Concern will be for anyone (or anything) that has to go through it! This did not look good. Here is an excerpt from the Pacific Crest Trail Water Report:

“Tehachapi to Walker Pass is the driest section of the Pacific Crest Trail. This section is also much more remote than any of the previous PCT sections with fewer road crossings, and almost no cell phone service.“

Yes, they got my attention. It’s still a couple days away so I’ll have plenty of time to worry about it.

Miles and miles of solar panel fields in the Indian Wells Valley south of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

Back in Tehachapi I found the post office, had the oil changed in the truck (there will be few options in the weeks to come), and visited with one of the campground neighbors on a ramble-about from Orcas Island.

As of this evening, the wind is still howling and the forecast is for it to continue for at least the next few days. Glad I brought spare stakes for Runningbird’s tent.

Unknown's avatar

Published by

Runningbird

Last summer the Canadian border opened at Manning Park, BC. I walked the last 70 miles with a sense of joy and gratitude, the monument was crowded with people from all over the world, finally able to compete their dream. The summer of '23 was incredible for another reason. Lonely for the simple pleasure and renewing life of long distance trail hiking I decided to begin the Continetal Divide Trail ! I hiked from the south I-15 crossing to Canada (about 900 miles), experiencing windstorms, a blizzard, twice daily thunderstorms and days without seeing even a human footprint. I was hooked! Stay tuned as Wingman and I restart the blog chronicling the remaining 2100 miles of the CDT, from Mexico to Montana.

4 thoughts on “Day 20 – Tehachapi and scouting north”

  2. We love traveling with you both via your website writings. I noticed that China Lake appears not far from the trail area. John was about age 5 when his family lived there for a year when his father worked at the naval station, and he has several interesting memories. You two are both in our prayers. So grateful for the contact with the other hikers and the encouragement that you receive just when you need it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment