You Make Plans and the Universe Laughs

After four flights and three continents I made it to Los Angeles. The change I was worried about in London happened without any funny business. Also, side note about Indian Airport security: they won’t stop you for a full bottle of water but they will stop you for a blood pressure cuff, reflex hammer, Sawyer water filter (and make an explicit motion with said filter before handing it to you), a telescope, and/or an otoscope. They also won’t shoe you away when your friends get stopped so you can enjoy a front row seat to the action.

So flights went well, then I got to LAX and the thing I didn’t even know I was supposed to be worried about—a rental car—is where I ran into issues.

I Think Taylor Swift is an Incredible Artist

I think Taylor Swift is an incredible artist. Personally, I haven’t been to any concerts and the Era’s Tour is historic in it’s magnitude. What Taylor is doing is quite incredible. “Where she goes, 5 million people follow,” said a rental car agent when he was sold out of rentals. There wasn’t a rental car available at LAX. I phoned some Swiftie friends to tell them about this and they all apologized and validated my emotions.

Without a rental car to make it to Ridgecrest I went to the most logical beta community nearest to the airport—REI. I walked in the door and talked to the first person saw—quite serendipitously, she had done the PCT the year before and was flying to Washington the next day to finish the last 60 miles. She helped me pick out an ice axe. One guy gave me his phone number in case wanted crash on his couch in the future, but no luck on a ride.

The Trail Provides

36 hours later and I’m in Kennedy Meadows ready to start walking. Sparing details, a Trail Angel did me a solid. I’m here. I’m excited. I’m nervous and I’m waiting for one last hit of wifi before I’m off the grid for the next week. Peace.