It‘s over!!! It feels almost surreal but I‘ve hiked the last two miles down from beautiful Lone Pine Lake to the parking lot and exited Mt. Whitney zone! I‘m so happy I did it – hiking High Sierra Trail!
The brothers I met, Evan and Phil, came shortly after me to the small hikers’ café and we had a big breakfast and coffee. They gave me all their remaining trail food which helps saving money.
A super nice guy (don‘t know his name – thank you kind stranger!) I met the same morning while hiking down gave me water, more food and a ride down to Lone Pine campground which is situated in the desert between Lone Pine city and the mountains.
After setting up I quickly hitchhiked into town to let everyone know I‘m safe. 😙 Lone Pine is small and touristy but it also has a few hiking/climbing shops and after browsing through them I have to say I really miss climbing at this point. Hiking is cool but climbing asks for a bigger variation of movements and skills… I have one more rest day tomorrow until I make it to Bishop to try to connect with its‘ climbing scene!
At the moment, I‘m sitting on a big granite boulder facing the Sierra mountains and watching the sunset. The surrounding desert is full of small round granite blocks and fragrant brushes – a landscape from outta space!
Finn Goes West - Hiking & Climbing in the South-Western USA 