I finally managed to break the Kennedy Meadows Vortex, for real this time. I stayed late at the trail magic, left around 2 pm and made it 8 miles, 12.9 km into the Sierra. Tomorrow I will climb above 10 000 ft, 3000 m, putting me in what most hikers consider the High Sierra. I’ll stay at this elevation for the next 110 miles, 177 km, dropping down only to resupply in towns.

In the morning when I woke up the trail magic from last night was still going. They had coffee and breakfast ready to go. I wasn’t expecting to go more than about 10 miles today so I had plenty of time to hang out and enjoy the company of trail angels who knew Meadow Ed. Hikers were coming and going as well, some would stay longer and hang out too. The morning was fun and felt like a real party.

Not long after I’d had breakfast, they started preparing grilled cheese toasties for lunch. I was enjoying hanging out, and the toasties were so good I had to stay for two. More hikers were beginning to arrive at this point so we had a real party going on.

Finally, around 2 pm I decided it was time I had better leave. I packed up my stuff and farewelled all the trail angels and everyone at the magic. I stepped onto the trail, and instantly felt like I was in a totally different environment. Big, old trees were all over the mountainside, diverse vegetation below and even the rocks looked different. I really had entered the Sierra.

The trail climbed consistently from this point, passing several water sources on the way. I didn’t need to carry more than just 1 liter for the first 3 hours. Considering the extra ice gear, bear canister and nearly a week’s food, the water weight I’m saving feels great on my back. It’s still a long climb though, and soon the elevation will become noticeable.

After a few hours, the trail emerges into a wide, green valley, surrounded on all sides by mountains. The scenery here is stunning. I continue upwards through the valley, and when I get to the valley head, the trail climbs quickly to a saddle. I can see on the map that a wide open meadow extends beyond the saddle, but I can’t see it yet through the trees.

I find camp under the trees and set up before dark. My first night camping in the Sierra, once the sun goes down I can immediately feel the chill. It’s definitely colder than the desert now and I’m stoked to finally use all this warm gear I lugged through the entire desert!