Lionheart - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2013

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3 Broken

Things happen in threes unless it is bear sightings I guess. A couple days ago the tip broke off my right trekking pole which might have something to do with me bragging at Walker Pass how I was still on my original tips from when I got my poles in 2009. The same day my tip died, my tent stuff sack ripped open. And then today, moments from departure, the zipper on my covetable pants gave out. Looks like I'll be hiking for the next week no zipper. What fun! I managed to order a new pair of pants before I left KM thanks to Tom's solar powered internet. But like a lame brain I neglected to order new tips for my trekking poles. Oh well, hope I can find some in Bishop.

After eating 2 double cheeseburgers yesterday, I thought another today would hit the spot nicely. And yes it did. After paying my expensive tab, G Dub and I left around 6 pm. Camped here tonight just past our first crossing of the south fork of the kern river.

Ok, time for some gear talk. I had my parents send a big package to Kennedy Meadows with all the things I'll need for this next chunk of trail. I switched out my Zpacks quilt for my heavier down Marmot sleeping bag. That adds about 1.5 lbs. to my pack base weight. Then I'm required to carry a bear canister now so that adds at least 2 lbs. to my base weight. The bear canister is a real pain as it barely fits in my pack and has forced me to change how I pack my backpack. I also switched out my down vest for a down jacket, adding even more ounces. I've opted to go without my 3L platypus during the Sierra and probably a bit beyond because water is so plentiful. Instead, I'm now carrying 2 1L bottles plus a backup foldable 1L platypus. So before leaving, we stopped by Tom's place and weighed our packs. Mine came in at 31 lbs. with 5 days of food and 2 liters of water. Not too bad since the thing is only going to get lighter as I eat my food.

Entry 82 of 208
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