We spent a beautiful zero at Kennedy Meadows, taking advantage of all the free hiker amenities and expensive food options available. We had to get the bottomless pancakes, unaware that the first pancake would be the size of a regular frying pan.

We got our packages, sent some packages, did our chores early and hung out with old and new friends, reminiscing on the Desert section and what is to come. No one loved the desert, but we all had favorite memories. For me, it was the sunrises, the trail towns, and the infrequent pine forests.

We are so excited to be off tomorrow finally in the Sierras.

Views on views on views — today felt like we made it; we made it to the part that feels like flying. Today we hiked 28 miles through the very beginning of the most beautiful scenery in California. With fresh legs, heavy packs, and light hearts, we left Kennedy Meadows and just absorbed the totally new surroundings.

My new shoes are amazing; little did I know my feet were craving cushioning this whole time. My shin splint pain is nearly at zero. It’s rare now when I have to stop and massage my legs to make the pain go away.

Water features in the landscape are our new favorite addition to the environment. Today we had a beautiful river part way. Granite and sequoias are additional favorites. What a place to be able to call home for the next month :)

Wake up. Pack up belongings. Hike. Breakfast. Hike. Snack. Hike. Lunch. Hike. Set up camp. Dinner. Sleep. Repeat.

The days start to blur together with similarities and routine that truly fills all 16 of our waking hours. The environment changing around us is our key staple of progress. The views never get old, even if the constancy of our very full days become a bit draining sometimes.

Today, however, we took a dip in an alpine lake, hiked to 11,200’, found the perfect breakfast spot with a view, and made friends with marmots. Many firsts in a single day!