Made it to mile 444 on the trail after a pretty rough week. Had severe tendinitis in my left ankle and, due to neglect on my part, was hiking without maps. I had notes and my trusty compass but it was still a big mistake. With all the detours and re-routes for Poodle Dog Bush and the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog--mylfrog.info I was basically lost and limping north best as I could. John Cassidy came to the rescue. He met me at Soledad Canyon Road and brought back to his family's home in Simi Valley, north of Los Angeles. There, his wife Susie (my housemate Martha's sister) and their daughter (and famous softball pitcher) Amelia made me feel very welcome. I had a long, hot shower (the first in weeks), did my laundry and had a HUGE dinner at a buffet-style restaurant. The Cassidy's are very a kind and generous family. They let me rest, hydrate, resupply and lounge by their beautiful backyard pool. Spending time with them refreshes my body and renews my spirit.
From here, I'll get back to the trail. I need to pick up my new backpack at hikerheaven.com . I love my Granite Gear pack but it's falling apart on me! Their customer service department is sending me a replacement that I hope will see me to the end of the trail. Otherwise I'll have to send for the trusty Kelty pack that got me through the entire AT. It's still in pretty good shape.
Next stop is in Tehachapi for resupply and Onyx after that. I'm really looking forward to Kennedy Meadows at mile 702. It's the gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Challenges await me there that will test my skills as a long distance hiker.
Peace and Love to all!
Susie, Amelia and John Cassidy
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| Definately time for a zero! |
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| Tried sewing them, taping them, patching them... |
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| John Cassidy. Not only does he grill a mean double cheeseburger --he knows everything about California. He told me many interesting facts about history, sights to look at along the trail and cool places to stop. I told him to grab his boots and come with me. |
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| Desert cut. |
2 comments:
It was a pleasure hosting you, Chris and giving you a chance to 'zero.' Wish we could just pick up the house and everything and plop it down further north somewhere near the trail, say Burney Falls?? That would be fun. Take care my friend.
As the grateful recipient of the Cassidy's warm hospitality many times, I totally agree with you about renewing your soul there!
I'm happy you got to rest, eat, do laundry and SHOWER! Did John have to fumigate his car after he picked you up?
Did you play catch with Cookie?
The Cassidys are there for you whenever and however they can help you!
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