Day 30 – Brotherhood

June 7

Hill Camp to Tehachapi
Mile 550.6 – Mile 566.4

Knowing that today was a town day in Tehachapi eased the morning ritual of rising early and breaking camp. That today was also a chance to see and reconnect with my brother in law Kevin put wings on my feet.

I had 16 miles to reach Highway 58 and a hitch into town. My frame of mind put me at peace with the sameness of the trail and I had an easy go of it. Another wind farm could be seen down in the distance and I was soon walking amid the towering pillars. I started thinking of it as a forest of pinwheel trees. The low hum and occasional clink were oddly soothing as the giant blades cut energy from the wind.

Two familiar, itinerant trail angels, Legend and Coppertone, had set up shop at the day’s first road crossing but I was on a mission. With a smile and a wave I walked on by to complete the last 8 miles before it got too hot.

After a steep descent on a loose slope, I crossed a set of double railroad tracks and reached the highway. TimBob, a Tehachapi resident, trail angel, and 24 year veteran of the nearby state pen, gave me a ride to the post office.
Box in hand, I wandered across the street to my room at the Holiday Inn. All the usual bliss ensued- shower, air conditioning, fresh food, and a monumental fix of Gatorade.

Kevin arrived around 4pm after a two hour drive up from LA. He brought all the news of home, a fine selection of scotch, and the immeasurable value of cherished brotherhood.

I can’t remember not having Kevin in my life. He and I have shared countless life experiences from the spectacular to the mundane but I have always treasured our time together.
Today he played the savior driving my around town to do errands at the grocery store and laundromat. We enjoyed Tehachapi’s finest Mexican food and margaritas and then settled in for some scotch and Scrabble (he won).

At this point on the trail, I think I needed a little familial shot in the arm and am thankful Kevin was there for me. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Kevin is the best.
He stayed the night and after a carbo loading breakfast bonanza, he whisked me back to the trail where we said our “See ya again soon”s.

This next section is said to be the driest of the whole PCT and to also lack network coverage due to its remoteness. As always, I will post as I am able.