CA PCT 2018

Hiker Town to Tehachapi

APRIL 22

Even though we had hiked late last night, we still decided to get up before first light and continue  on the trail. Soon we were surrounded by wind turbines as the trail weaved through the many structures.  At first it was a novelty, but soon we were missing the quiet of being out here.

The trail is still following the aqueduct, but we can see that it won't be long before we will be doing some climbing,

The trail is still following the aqueduct, but we can see that it won't be long before we will be doing some climbing,

The hills are covered with the turbines in every direction.

The hills are covered with the turbines in every direction.

It is a a 20 mile hike from Hiker Town to the next water source so our packs are heavily loaded with water. As we climb upwards, we can feel the heat of the day on us. There is no shade except for our umbrellas. The trail becomes washed out in places and foot placement becomes tricky as we make our way towards the spring. We are continually having one foot below the other as the trail gives way on the sandy hillside. When we finally reach the spring, a lonely tree provides us with some shade for a needed break. We have elevation to gain before dropping down to a small valley. The heat is draining and a very small area of shade next to a small hill is calling our name. We snuggle up to the shade and with our umbrellas up, we escape for a moment some of the heat. As we lose our shade, we decide to move on. We make a plan to head up the mountain once again, have dinner and then hike more as the evening cools. We still have a ways to go before we can obtain water. Our pace slows as the trail steepens.  Finally a flat spot enables us to cook our dinner. The rest feels good and we start hiking again.  In about a mile, we come upon unexpected trail magic set up at a campsite.  Our first reaction is that someone is using the site, but as we get closer we see a sign welcoming hikers. Chairs are set in a circle,

There are baskets of fruit, cookies and drinks.

There are baskets of fruit, cookies and drinks.

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There is also plenty of water.

Our plan to hike further is no longer needed. This is a great place to camp. We set up our tent and read the trail register. A note from Spiceman who we met the first day makes us smile.

Our plan to hike further is no longer needed. This is a great place to camp. We set up our tent and read the trail register. A note from Spiceman who we met the first day makes us smile.

Another sighting of our friend the horned toad happened today.

Another sighting of our friend the horned toad happened today.

With plenty of water, and a crunchy apple we head to bed. First though we take note of all the city lights below us and feel blessed to be at this spot.

With plenty of water, and a crunchy apple we head to bed. First though we take note of all the city lights below us and feel blessed to be at this spot.

Miles hiked 20

APRIL 23

Today our hike would be easy! It was only 17 miles to Tehachapi. We had plenty of water and it was downhill! First we were surrounded by yellow flowers.

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Then came the never ending wind turbines. This area has the second most wind turbines in the world. They were every where and in all sizes.

Then came the never ending wind turbines. This area has the second most wind turbines in the world. They were every where and in all sizes.

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The miles passed quickly and soon we were close to town. More trail magic was at a trail head with notes welcoming us to Tehachapi. We walked thru some Joshua trees and saw a rock that someone had painted.

The miles passed quickly and soon we were close to town. More trail magic was at a trail head with notes welcoming us to Tehachapi. We walked thru some Joshua trees and saw a rock that someone had painted.

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Several signs told about the trail and why this area was chosen to have so many turbines.

Several signs told about the trail and why this area was chosen to have so many turbines.

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As we hiked the last five miles, we encountered a group working on the trail. We did not envy them as the day was starting to heat up and they all wore hard hats. We gave them a big thanks and enjoyed the trail that they had already worked on. When …

As we hiked the last five miles, we encountered a group working on the trail. We did not envy them as the day was starting to heat up and they all wore hard hats. We gave them a big thanks and enjoyed the trail that they had already worked on. When we reached our trailhead, it was a very busy highway and not a good place to hitch. Fortunately we had the number for Wit's End. Wit's end is set up for hikers coming into Tehachapi. They will arrange rides, share information of camping/lodging options and other general information. When we called Dalton, one of the owners of Wit's End he said someone would be there in 15 minutes. In 5 minutes a woman, Rachel, who is also connected with Wit's end, pulled in. She was dropping off some water and did not know that we had called. A quick call to Dalton and we were able to drive the 10 miles to Tehachapi with Rachael. Soon Dalton had us in his truck and was giving us a tour of the town which included stopping at the post office to pick up our resupply box. This town is not walking friendly as stores are spread out for several miles. Dalton showed us the campground at the airport which is used mostly by hikers. With grass and shade trees , it looked like a great option.  

Miles hiked 17