6/5/2017: 549 Tentsite to Tehachapi 566.4

Today was a happy day. We hiked into Tehachapi a desert oasis of relaxation and entertainment adjacent to some of the driest, scenic stretches on the trail. 

We woke up lateish for how hot it was supposed to be at 5:15 a.m.  We had around 17 miles to the second entrance to Tehachapi. Apparently a lot of people exit at the first entrance because it is an easier hitch. The second entrance was along highway 58 and though there is little traffic on the ramp, there is a bus that stops there on it’s way between Mojave and Tehachapi. 

We got packed up quickly and walked 10 yards to a really cool water cache. The trail angels had built a cute hangout space and there was a lot book, seating, water, tp, and fruit. We signed the log book and started walking. Within a mile or two both Sherpa and I had to slip off the trail to take care of our morning ritual and then the hike really began. 

We were walking all day in the largest wind farm in the US. It was memorizing and there was a nice breeze all day that kept us relatively cool though slightly dehydrated. 

The trail was mostly downhill though it had these little high frequency ups and downs that were very jarring. I was getting slightly seasick. 

After about 10 miles we could see some camper vans below and I asked Sherpa if it was Coppertone. She said she thought he said he would be a couple miles ahead. When we reached the valley we saw a sign “Copertone is in”. 

We got very excited and picked up our pace and when we arrived Tofu was already there and relaxing. Copertone and Legend were both there chilling hard with a group of hikers.  We sat down and relaxed for a few minutes.  I was eager to get underway because I was concerned about the heat. 

We hiked across the road and up a gentle slope and through cow pastures and the wind farm. The wind continued so we were safe from the heat.  We found out later that a lot of hikers skipped this section because there was “nothing interesting”  That seemed like an excuse to skip, we found it to be very pretty and we were happy to knock off 8 miles on a very dry section.  Now when we return we only have a 17 mile waterless stretch. 

Three miles before the highway the three of us sat on a memorial bench and relaxed. We made it to the road by 12:30. 18 miles seems like no big deal, especially when it’s cool and mostly downhill. 

As soon as we arrived we walked towards the onramp to hitch and immediately we spotted the bus rolling in our direction. We were ecstatic! Such a trail coincidence. Stuff like that happens every day so you get used to it but I try not to expect it. I am very superstitious. 

The bus was pleasant and I really enjoyed this odd slice of normal life. Many people seemed to be on there way to work or some errand. Sherpa was saying later how she gets nostalgic for doing mundane things like running errands and that resonates with me as well.  That being said. There are so many errands involved in sustaining a hike! 

The bus pulled into a Kmart parking lot and we rushed off.  I love the momentary confusion of finding yourself in an unfamiliar place. Tofu spotted a resturant and we all headed inside and immediately ordered food and I got a beer. There we ran into two hikers names Hobo and Caddyshack. Hobo was from Maine! We chatted with them for a while until they left. 

While there Tofu and Sherpa figured out a hotel plan while I looked on pretending to help. We decided we would stay in the Best Western and it was a great decision. 

Tofu’s spagetti was cold and she had to have it reheated.  Then all of us realized our fopd wasnt hot as well but we just went ahead and ate it anyway. After finishing eating we headed to Kmart to look for town clothes. 

We were not successful but the ladies did get some bags of salad for later. Classy. We left there and headed for Best Western. We were early so we put in our names and then headed to a thrift store and found some great town clothes for under 4 bucks!

We headed back to the BW and checked in to our room and it was fabulous. Two giant beds, tv, microwave, hardwood floors, and fridge. Luxury. 

We showered then spent some time at the pool until we heard from Yote and 2.Toe. They just got in and were craving margs  so we headed to the Mexican restaurant and stuffed ourselves. It was good to see them again as we hadn’t seen them since we passed them near the bridge at the end of the aqueduct. They seemed like they had a tough but enjoyable hike. Apparently at the bridge they got some amazing trail magic. Beers, sodas and food. The pyramid of hiker power. 

Afterwards we grabbed some beer said goodbye to Toe and Yote and headed to the room. We hit up the pool and hot tub some more then back to the room to turn in. 

We relaxed and turned on the tv because we must enjoy all of the luxury. We were so excited when we found Who’s Line is It Anyway? We were cracking! Such s gem. 

The fun ended with the show and we switched off the lights. Sherpa turned to me and said “you are amazing” and we closed our eyes and slept like little hiker babies.