Mile 702.4 - 718.7

The question of the day is: How is Balance's calf this morning after tearing it yesterday? Answer is: it still hurt but she could walk on it.

We really should have taken another rest day at Kennedy Meadows. But we didn't. Balance wanted to give it a go. Her gait was off but did very well otherwise. The hard part was that we are now loaded up with 6 days of food and carrying a 3 pound bear canister, along with more cold weather gear for the Sierra's. our packs are now weighing 35 - 40 lbs each. That will go down as we eat our food supply and if we don't need to carry large amounts of water.

Overall, it was a extremely hard day on Balance. We are hoping her leg heals more each day. We shall see tomorrow. The problem is that the big mountains are coming up. We are just 50 or 60 miles from the highest point on the PCT called Forester Pass at over 13,100'. So it is very important to be healthily for these upcoming climbs.

Balance showing off her bear canister on the top of her pack. I put mine inside the pack. I think it carries better.

The South Fork Kern River Bridge.

The South Fork Kern River was so cold, Balance was able to soak her sore calf in it.

Beck Meadow trough and spring. Yes, we needed water here. It may look nasty but the pipe on the far end had fresh spring water pouring out of it. Lucky for us, otherwise we would be drinking from the trough like the cows do. Not much we can do. We need water and we can only carry so much. This water was good.

Another bridge on the South Fork Kern River. We almost camped right next to this, but decided we could do another few miles. We ended up camping near the Cow River on a bed of pine needles. 

Now that we are in bear country we must follow the rules. We now have to practice the 100-100-100 triangle. Camp, cooking, and food must be at least 100 feet apart in the shape of a triangle to be safe in bear country. It's a little more work, and yes we are tired but it is for the safety of the bears and us. 

Rosemary, the bear canisters you sent us are perfect. Glad you sent two, as both are full for a 6 day supply. They also make great camp chairs which we used at dinner. Thank you so much.