Hello, this is Joy. Ron and Kendra walked into a KOA campground early today, at mile 444. They had a resupply box waiting for them, so they will be heavy with 5 days worth of food, when they leave. They were able to shower and do laundry, repack their bags, and since it was so early in the day, they went ahead and headed back out on the trail.
I did receive a few texts — Ron is doing good. Kendra bought a pair of shoe insoles and a knee brace at a prior town, and she likes them both, so, assuming she is doing better.
They’ll have 75 miles before their next stop. A resupply box is already there. It’s an interesting place where they will be. It appears to be a ‘pop-up’ hostel in the middle of the desert. This stretch of the trail was plagued by a bug or illness last week, that many hikers contracted. Like, 20 hikers became very very sick. I haven’t heard if it was a norovirus or contaminated water source (people speculated on both of these), but I think Ron and Kendra were going to pick up some chlorine drops to use in addition to their water filter.
Speaking of desert — they are still in the desert, and will be until mile 700. Hot during the day, but pretty cold at night. Some nights Ron said he’s been wearing his puffy coat to bed. Kendra hasn’t had to do that, as she has a warmer sleeping bag. But after mile 700, many things will change for them. This will be the beginning of the Sierra, where they had snow storm last week and there is still snow on the ground. So, no more desert for them. They will also be required to carry their food in a bear canister, which they will purchase at an outfitter in town. Unfortunately, bear canisters don’t pack very well, but it’s something everyone has to do. When they get through this restricted area, they will just send them back home.
I’m not looking forward to the Sierra, as they will not have any cell service for many days (maybe 10 days or more). But I will continue to receive the Garmin GPS notifications.
I was expecting to see some new pictures since they were at a campground today, but none were downloaded. Not sure if they didn’t have time, but I’m going to have to request to both of them that they need to pick up their game on picture taking, LOL.
thanks for following along……
Thanks for the interesting updates, Joy! Sounds like things are going as planned!!
Hello Ron and Kendra I hope these few words find both of you in excellent mind and physical condition. I am praying daily for both of you. I hope your knee gets back in good shape Kendra. I have been busy Insurance shopping , and working on the yard. Yesterday four of us women here at the condo went shopping and out for lunch. It was enjoyable. Love you two very much and your always on my mind.
Hello mom – thank you for commenting on the blog. Glad to hear everything is going well for you. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We continue to take this one day at a time.
Thank You Joy for posting updates for Ron and Kendra’s journey. It’s exciting to hear what they are doing. You are all in our prayers 🙏😎