Today’s Miles: 16
Total Miles: 1,048
It’s something like 16 miles into Red’s Meadow Resort and the morning is absolutely gorgeous. I walk a ridge that gives a birds-eye view of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. A spectacular backdrop of granite mountains rises above the river. It’s a memorizing morning and I walk in something of a state of flow.
Around noon, the PCT and JMT cross paths. I take the JMT, which leads right into Red’s Meadow. As a bonus to taking this route, it goes by the Devil’s Postpile, a National Monument that is a strange set of bending and yet erect stone, creating something of an optical illusion to the eye.
As I walk into Red’s Meadow Resort around 2 pm, I’m greeted by a group of 5 hikers who look like they have been hanging out at the picnics table for too long. We exchange stories and 2 are are JMTers, while another 2 just finished the Sierra High Route. The last guy takes a particular interest in my story, and when I tell him I’m going to go into Mammoth and most likely hop off trail, he is adamant that I join him in continuing hiking south.
“Dude. We just got to get to Kings Canyon National Parks. The Parks are open, just the National Forests are closed.”
When I ask how he is going to get into Kings Canyon National Park, another 35 miles on the PCT of National Forest, he gives me a complicated plan. It includes night hiking and navigating off trail to avoid rangers. I tell him thanks but no thanks. I’m pretty at peace with my decision. This is the third closure I’ve hit, following the closures at the OR/CA border and Tahoe. Three strikes and you’re out?
I catch the shuttle from Red’s Meadow into Mammoth Lakes and pop over to a ski-centered hostel called Moderne. I called this morning when I had service on trail to make a reservation and good thing I did, because they ended up being all booked up by the afternoon. South Lake Tahoe was just evacuated and some of those folks are staying in Mammoth, waiting out the fires.
I open the door to the hostel and on my immediate right, sitting on the couch is… Black Dog! These PCTers are just everywhere.
“So you made it, huh?” he asks me.
Ya, I tell him. I get the story that he bussed with Pigeon and Still Sam from Tuolomne Meadows to Mammoth.
“What are your guys plans moving forward?” I ask.
He gives a little shrug and tells me that he is going to hike the Long Trail (East Coast). Still Sam is going to do the Colorado Trail and then the Arizona Trail right after. Pigeon is going to Mexico.
“What about you?” he asks me.
“I got a job interview lined up for next week. So I think the trail is over for me.”
He nods and we both sit in a long a silence. At last, I break it. “It was a good run though, wasn’t it?”
“It was. You can only hike what the trail gives me you.” Truer words have never been said my friend, and with that, my 2021 PCT hike comes to an end.
Additionally, thank you so much to all the people who supported this blog through your comments and time spent reading. Writing this became a much bigger part of my hike than I originally anticipated. Reading supportive comments and hearing from word of mouth that people were following along and interested gave me motivation to not only keep writing, but keep hiking! Keep an eye out in the next year or two… I’d love to complete a thru-hike of a National Scenic Trail, whether it’s the PCT Northbound or CDT or AT. Thanks all and happy trails!
Justin, SOBO’s got the short end this year, but it is what it is. You will have stories to tell! Over a thousand miles, that is quite an accomplishment! Best wishes, Ducky’s Dad
Great adventure, Justin! Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Hope to see you at Thanksgiving. Robin and Tom
Glad you got to try the PCT. Maybe another summer.
Glad you put these posts together, really cool to follow along.
What a great time I had following you along with these posts.
Quite the saga you put together, one step at a time. Thank you Justin.
Until the next time.
-Great-Uncle Mike
Thanks for all of the stories and pictures. What a great reminder of the good things in life: an adventurous spirit, beautiful scenery, and generous people. I’m going to miss riding along!
Justin,
I met you at Naughty Oak prior to your Journey. Your Dad coached my daughter in soccer. I am familiar the the PCT. we have been part of the trial magic in Sierra City. I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog. Following your journey has been inspirational. Keep following your dreams. Maybe we can share a beer at Naughty oak and hear some more of your amazing journey.
Thank you for taking us along on this great adventure. We enjoyed reading your travels and admiring your photos. We hope you get the opportunity to complete the missed parts in the future. You should be proud of trekking 1000+ miles…extremely impressive.
Take care.
Aunt Keran & Uncle Rod
Lisa’s comment sums up my feelings as well. It has been a pleasure to read about your journey. You provided some much needed inspiration and hope. Best wishes for whatever comes next.
Justin ,
I me you at Naughty Oak before you left. I talked how we left trail magic near Sierra City, near our favorite camping spot in Downieville. Your Mom told me about your blog 3 weeks ago. I have binged your blog and loves the stories and pictures. I only wish I was younger to do this. Keep following your adventurous life!