I spent the morning hanging out with Sam and Brian, the hikers who gave me a ride into town yesterday. We drank coffee on the street, and as we were sitting there, two familiar PCT hikers appeared. Trail Spice and Slider were both looking to head up to Bishop at the same time as me. We all decide to catch the bus to Bishop and farewell Sam and Brian who were heading back to LA.

In Bishop, I check in to the Hostel California. I’ve heard a lot about this place, but there’s no mirrors on the ceiling, or pink champagne on ice. Once I get inside, I met about half a dozen more PCT hikers who I’d been seeing on and off trail for weeks. Everyone is at a different stage in their hike, and we’re all enjoying a good catch up.

This hostel is a super cool place, they have a common room full of musical instruments for anyone to play, and another kiwi hiker, Fraser is playing a bit of everything. I spend the night enjoying the hostel, town food, cold drinks and music with the other hikers.

The next couple of days pass in much the same way. On the second day, a big storm rolls through the mountains, so I’m glad not to be up there. I find out from people coming off the trail that there’s heavy hail up there.

Before I know it, it’s the day before Independence Day, and there’s no way I could pass up on the opportunity to see the celebration while I’m here. We visit the park in the afternoon where there’s live music and stalls. In the evening there was a huge fireworks display.