Day 9. Sunday, June 28, 2009. Mileage: (O PCT miles + appx 8.5 miles to campground)

So today marks 8 days of hiking through the Southern Sierras, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National, and John Muir Wilderness. From desert-like expanse, where the brush sucks every drop of moisture from my legs to the point of bleeding, to miles of sloped snow fields. We've hitchhiked in the back of a pick up truck from the tops of the Sierra peaks to the valley town below on a road that winds down a mountain face like a swirly ice cream cone. And this is only the beginning.

We slept until 8 and then spent time at the Espresso Parlor in Lone Pine on the internet and loading up on much missed caffeine. Jess sewed up a tear in our tarp tent while I called my mom, who was over the moon to hear from me. Even though the email I sent this morning about Forester Pass put her into a state of distress, talking to my parents was restorative and grounding. And reading supportive emails from my friends and family was a huge boost for me and I felt mentally ready to get back on the trail.

We hitched out of Lone Pine and into Independence with a swell man named Dallas in a pick up. From there, a guy who runs the local fireworks booth gave us a ride from Independence to Onion Valley Trailhead. We then hiked the 7.5 miles back over Kearsarge Pass to return onto the PCT.

A short side trail took us off the PCT and to Charlotte Lake, which was beautiful and home to a comforting bear box, so we decided to spend our evening here and camp.