Kern River Canyon
Day 5 starts very late – 1:15 – but since we know it’s to be another easy day, this is not a concern. Our view has by now been limited by the high canyon walls to just a few miles ahead and behind, except where an occasional notch in the wall to the east or west allows us a window to the highest peaks beyond. We go 8 miles up the river, gaining about 1000′ to the Junction Meadow campsite. Along the way I begin to admit to myself that the canyon’s comparison to Yosemite Valley is valid in its way. The canyon walls are very steep, rougher than the sheer Yosemite cliffs, but with very little space for trees to grow from, barring the occasional cliff shelf. It is very impressive and quite beautiful. I think later that it is also so deep that it has hidden the very rugged country on either side of us quite effectively for more than a full day.
We meet Peter at Junction Meadow and he feeds us some of his extra food that night, mostly carrots and cabbage and not very tasty. We share some pasta shells and apple cobbler with him in return. He is out of fuel for his stove and boils his water on a campfire, and we pick up the trick from him, being low on fuel ourselves. Dad likes the campsite a lot, I think because it is the closest one yet to water. Though he has intelligently brought moccasins for walking in after we’ve made camp, he isn’t fond of walking once we’ve done so, and fetching water to be boiled for drinking is a necessity at least twice a day.
Day 5 was our first day using Second Skins rather than Band-Aids, and they are a huge help. After putting them on in the morning, I almost forget my toe is blistered, and Dad says the same thing when I ask. By this time he is taking better care of his feet and the difference is marked.
Backpacking With Family 