May 26, 2016
Lake Isabella-
I took a bus from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella with the intention of taking another bus to Onyx and then on to the trail. The road to Lake Isabella winds around sharp curves and drop-offs so of course, the driver had to show off his mad Mario skills and see how fast he could make each turn. I finally had to close my eyes and put my head down so I wouldn’t get sick to my stomach. When we got to Lake Isabella I was happy to hop off the bus at the first opportunity! The bus to Onyx was scheduled to leave about 10 minutes later so I was able to grab a sandwich at the Subway sandwich shop and hop on the next bus. I immediately met another hiker named Mike (a Psychologist from Oakland) he was on his way to Onyx to pick up some new supplies at the post office. (REI was shipping him a new backpack because his had blown out during the desert portion of the hike) We started talking and figured out that the bus that goes to the trailhead only runs on Mon-Wed- and Fri. My only options to get to the trailhead on Thursday would be to walk or hitch the 17 miles or wait and catch the bus on Friday. That was a no brainier- I stayed on the bus with Mike and looped right back to Lake Isabella!

I was able to get a room at the Lake Isabella Motel and spent the rest of the afternoon chatting with Mike. If you ever get a chance to chat with a Psychologist that has worked in a women’s prison I highly recommend spending the time to hear the stories. Some tragic and some were extremely funny. Each one made for some amazing writing ideas.:)
The owner of the motel (an adorable and sweet Asian lady with a thick accent) offered to drive us over to a restaurant for dinner. We accepted and she offered to pick us up when we were finished. When she picked us up, Mike asked her if she could stop at the grocery store so he could grab some lunch supplies really quick. The store that we were next to was already closed and so she had to go down the street a few blocks and became extremely upset. She told him that he would now have to get out and walk home! She scolded him like a teenager and made him get out of the car. “You get out of car and walk back now!” I got out with him because I figured I was in trouble as well based in proximity- lol I am still laughing at the absurdity of it all and the tone of her voice. The look on Mike’s face was classic! We suddenly didn’t feel as rushed to scurry through the store and we shopped around until we decided to get some tortillas and peanut butter and then started the trek back to the motel. So I guess I did get a little hiking accomplished after all.

Yesterday we saw the Hotshot firemen as they were racing up the road. About 10 more fire truck with full lights and sirens went by heading the direction we need to go. We couldn’t see any smoke ahead so I’m not sure what was up.

I’m already re-adjusting some of my stuff in my pack- every ounce makes a pound and I need to make my pack as light as possible. The bus comes today at 12:30 and then the real adventure begins