Hello, Joy here. The hikers were in an area last night with cell service, so I received many texts. They had another 20 mile day, but getting tired and are ready to reach a town called Wrightwood, which they will get to on Saturday, but they have two more big push days. Wrightwood is about 35 miles away from them. (Ron was thinking 20 miles today, Friday, and 15 miles on Saturday, but it really depends on where they find a place to camp at night. Camping and water sources really dictate where you stop.) I was also able to secure them a room/motel, in downtown Wrightwood, where they will stay 2 nights. There are several restaurants, a grocery store, and small hardware store that has hiking resupplies, and they are all walkable in town, so they should really enjoy this place. There is actually a library next to them, so I’m sure Kendra will be strolling into there to check it out. Kendra never walks past a library, lol.
They landed at a campground that actually had showers, toilets and water, which they did not expect. With cell service and a road nearby, they were able to have pizza delivered, which was the unexpected treat. So, no instant mashed potatoes for them last night!!
I received another package from Kendra yesterday (again),,,, she is continuously reviewing her items and sending home ‘luxury’ items. This is what they call them, but I don’t really see these as luxury — her stove, her pan, and her one pair of extra pants. All to lessen the backpack weight. They literally only have one pair of extra socks, one pair of extra underwear, the long underwear they wear at night and their rain suits. That is it. Everything else they are either wearing or carrying, such as tents, sleeping bags and food/water. I don’t know what else they could possibly have to dump along the way — as they are at bare minimum. Also, I think this is kinda gross but Kendra doesn’t mind it. Cold soaking food. So, she eats cold oatmeal and cold ramen noodles, using a medium size peanut butter container. Ron kept his stove so they do boil water for their evening meals. She said that cooking and cleaning up was taking too much time and she doesn’t mind the cold soaking! Cold soaking if very common with hikers though.
I already received a gps text notifying me that they have started hiking today. Wowza — it was 5:45am pacific time.
Well, Ron will post updates this weekend, and he’ll be able to download pictures, which I’m looking forward to seeing.
Thanks everyone for following their journey, and it’s going to be a gorgeous weekend in Cincy, so hope everyone gets to enjoy it!!
We really enjoy the updates. Safe journey Kendra and Ron.
Bucket here – thank you David and Pam, for tracking our journey. Every day is a new challenge! But we take it 1 day at a time and try to keep pushing north!
Have been following Ron and Kendra since the beginning. We are in awe of what you are doing. What a great adventure for Dad and daughter. Joy you are invaluable at Command Central. Safe travels. Lindy and Steve
Lindy and Steve – Bucket here – thank you for following our journey! Kendra has really stepped up on this adventure. She has nearly 400 miles under her belt at this point! And Joy is invaluable in everything she does to support us. We’ll continue to take this hike one day at a time. It’s too overwhelming to think about Canada and all the miles ahead. Again – thank you for your support and following this trek.