A chilly and damp start turned into the warmest day for quite a while. Even though it was a short walk into Kennedy Meadows, we still left at 7am because those going to the Sequoia Trail were on a timeline.

And then, the 700 miles!

To digress, I had the Backpacker’s Pantry Louisiana Red Beans and Rice last night. I woke to a green haze in my tent, and immediately understood that the slightest spark would engulf me in a fatal inferno. I carefully opened the tent door, and aired the tent. Lucky escape. Needless to say Energizer, who normally walks behind me, walked in front today…

We then arrived at Kennedy Meadows, gateway to the Sierra and our first major milestone!

The general store is above, and this is Grumpy Bears

I picked up my packages, ice axe, crampons, boots and gloves I sent on earlier. Plus, my REI order including the compulsory bear box

And the sad farewell, after over 700 miles to my beloved Saloman XA Pros