Day 39 – 30 Apr 19. Sprint to Town

Today 11.1 km (6.9 mi), Total Distance 898.8 km (558.5 mi). 2 hours 20 minutes (0630 -0850)

I was awake really early today and got out of my tent to look at the beautiful sunrise. I skipped breakfast knowing I would be having a huge breakfast in town.

I was on trail by 0630 and enjoyed the downhill all the way. The trail mainly stayed on the left side of the hill. It was open apart from a couple of patches of trees and a neat area full of Joshua Trees and yellow flowers.

Soon after I started I looked across the valley and the wind turbines seemed to be floating in the mist.

I passed Nate as he was packing up his tent.

I made quick time and quickly got to the bottom of the hill. In the trees was a bunch of hikers. They were doing the section across to Highway 58 as they already had a ride organised.

A little afterwards I crossed a small bridge and there was a picnic table with several bits of paper giving information about Tehachapi Trail Angels and rides to town.

Then it was up and onto the road. I crossed the road and touched a sign before preparing for a hitchhike. The third car picked me up and just as I was getting in Nate appeared so he also jumped in. Our driver worked at the airport and went out of his way to drop us in the centre of town.

Nate and I headed to the Village Diner and ordered huge breakfasts. As we were finishing a man came up and introduced himself. He is one of the trail angels but was not taking in hikers this weekend as he was going away. He offered to give us a ride somewhere. Nate declined as his hotel was close but I asked for a ride to the supermarket. He had a couple of side trips first to the recycling centre and then Kohens Bakery where I got a sandwich for lunch and a few pastries.

He dropped me off at the supermarket and I did my resupply shopping. There was a Starbucks there and they actually did Flat Whites so I treated myself.

I phoned Brenda and she said the group with the van were just finishing the trail and would pick me up on the way back. I hung out there enjoying my coffee. A couple of hours later the group arrived and finished their shopping and we headed to Brenda’s.

Brenda is a Prison Nurse who works night shift. She is a long time trail angel who has opened up her house to hikers, hosting up to 20 on really busy times but usually around 10. She also lets the hikers use her van to get around or drives them herself. I did not get to meet her as she was sleeping to get ready for work.

At the house one of the long term stay hikers showed me around and showed me my room. Brenda had given me her daughters room, with the daughters permission as they were full.

I enjoyed a great shower, put my things in the wash and relaxed until 1800.

At 1800 Cheryl arrived and we went to a Sushi Restaurant. She had contacted me early on saying to contact her when I got to Tehachapi. She is also a hiker and does Endurance Riding on her horse. We had heaps to talk about and it was a great evening. She was lovely and paid for the dinner which was much appreciated.

Cheryl- Trail Angel and all round lovely lady

She dropped me back at Brenda’s and I went to bed happy after a productive and relaxing day, where I got to meet some lovely people.

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