PCT Day 46 - Slack Pack

There's been talk of "Slack Pack" since we started our hike into Tehachapi. I've read there is an 8 mile stretch between the two major roads into Tehachapi where hikers leave their gear in town and hike the 8 miles with 'slack packs'. I've been very interested in doing this- 8 miles could potentially be a half day, so why not hike half the day with a light load?

So when Firefly and Anchor told us that they were doing it in the morning, I immediately told them I wanted to join.

Lisa a Trail Angel in town picked us up with our light packs at 7:30 from the hotel and dropped us off where we got off trail. We hiked those 8 miles so quick, about 3 hours!

Lisa then came and picked us up and return us to our hotel where all our gear and food was.

Back in town Joe and I hit up the Burger Spot and discussed the potential of hitting the trail in a couple hours. By this point we've been in town nearly 48 hours so I was all for making a break for it.

We went back to the room and packed up our gear- holy moly, my pack was so heavy. How did everything fit? Oh and I still had to add 8 pounds of water! Wow its so heavy, too heavy. My pack may break? Rip? Oh dear - I hope not! It is nearly impossible for me pick up and strap on. I am suddenly loathing the idea of going back to the desert.

We say our goodbyes to Firefly, Bluebird and everyone else and got a hitch back to the trail around 3pm.

Our hike out was flat and along side the highway for a couple miles, then the steep incline began. I was SO slow, and quickly out of breath. My pack! Ugg, can I do this? I can do this.

Since we were on trail super late, we decided to keep the mileage light and only go 4-5 miles. We found an ideal spot surrounded by Joshua Trees and overlooking the desert floor; Tehachapi and the Mojave way down below. It was a very pleasant evening, we camped with no fly on the tent and Joe even cowboy camped for the first time.

-Madelyn