I am in a Marriott room with four other hikers. Thank you, previous job, for the hotel points! There is gear strewn all over the floor, clothing draped on all surfaces, food on the beds, occasional food wrappers and beer bottles in the interspaces. This is one of the longer food and water carries, and everyone is trying to stretch the capacity of their light packs. There is grumbling and groaning. 6-8 days worth of food, 4-6 liters of water, and for Far Out, an added bear can. For once, I am proud of my skookum pack and its capacity.
It's late, and I haven't resupplied yet. I'm using my one little trump card on this stretch...I did the 8 miles from Tehachapi Willow Springs Road to Highway 58 as training right before starting the trail, and I am skipping it now. Instead, I am starting in a hot afternoon and will walk through the night, my favorite way to hike. Night hikes are truly lovely.