Sadly, the Kaldor fire closed highway 50 and stopped us cold at Kennedy Meadows north. for the day we fought brutal winds all day, with gusts close to 60 MPH that literally would move you.
Today’s start was interesting as we had an immediate steep 700 foot climb on an easy forest trail. It went surprisingly well.
Next was 1300 feet up gradual easy graded gravel rock path up the Sonora Pass. Wow, the winds!!! After 3 miles we reached the top then meandered for a couple miles accompanied by several 300 foot climbs.
Completely exposed Sonora Pass
Pretty Smokey.
Nice
So so windy. Could barely hold the camera up.
Penultimate pass for the day.
Getting near the end of the day.
And we finish the day. Easy 9 to 11 miles and done before 1:30. A helpful fellow hiker, Ally, took us into Kennedy Meadows without delay and without need to hitch.
Friendly southbounder took this pic.
Sonora pass
We made it.
We then stayed at the legendary Kennedy meadows north in a bunk house for 45 bucks each. We did laundry, showered,’had a great meal and a few cold beers while we waited for Rose to arrive the next day. Neat cowboy, horse and fishing resort.
Our room
Part of the resort
I spent to much time at the Saloon
Starting to research the next sort in this adventure. More to follow soon I hope!
Tom hikes the PCT 
Love all your pictures and reading where you’ve been hiking! Looks like a lot of smoke. Sorry you had to quit, but sounds like more adventures are ahead when the skies clear.
LikeLike