I’m home in Bishop. A few days ago I was in Burney, thinking about returning to the trail. I could still feel soreness in my right knee. That was on a sidewalk, on the trail it’d be worse. This was taking longer than anticipated. I relented and decided to go home and see a physical therapist. After a redeye bus and train ride from Redding to San Diego, I took another bus to Tecate where my truck was parked at a trail angel’s house. (Did you know California transit could do this? I did not.) I wanted to get to Bishop soon and not at all settle down, so after getting lunch at a Korean restaurant in San Diego, I made a straight shot for Bishop 6 hours north. On the way up the 395, I passed signage for Warner Springs, and saw the McDonalds at Cajon Pass, and saw another sign for the turnoff to Kennedy Meadows. These all seem very long ago, but steeped in memories.
The physical therapist saw me for half an hour and recommended taping my knee to keep it centered. I’ve always been envious of those hikers with legs crisscrossed by neon athletic tape, so this is a welcome development. I’ll be doing the exercises and stretches he recommended for a few days, then be heading back to the trail some time next week. Not sure if I’ll skip up to Dunsmuir (mile 1,500) or Ashland, Oregon (mile 1,716).
Some minor gear changes. I’m ditching my really cool titanium mug and tea infuser, saving me 3 oz. Loose leaf tea brewed with pristine alpine water on a cold Sierra morning was unreal, but it’s going to be hot for a few hundred miles. I am also pressing into service my Delorme InReach (2-way satellite communicator and rescue beacon). You can track me at http://share.delorme.com/jc. This is mostly for fun, Oregon isn’t especially hazardous. It will have more value in Washington though. There could be rain and snow, and I can request weather forecasts on the InReach. Also throwing in some Body Glide to prevent any bouts of butt chafe in this heat.
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