Me and Stefi planned on leaving by 6:15am. So did the others but well not everyone is as punctual as we are I would say. Since the mosquitoes were still so bad we got going and told the others we would meet them later. Soon Lorenz and Ann caught up and we hiked together. The vibe was, however, a little bit weird so we did not talk that much. Before today’s climb we refilled our water bottles and then we were to summit the Sonora Pass and the highway 108 where we could get a hitch to Pinecrest – our next town stop where we would take a much needed zero. The climb wasn’t that bad, nice switchbacks all the way up with even more beautiful views around us. At the top we could see the Sierra Nevada Mountains and this felt like a goodbye. It went by way too fast. Definitely my favorite section thus far. I will miss the mountains. At least till we hit Washington.

Before we got to the Highway we summited the Sonora Pass and man what a view! There were rock formations all around us and it was simply breathtaking. Afterwards we slowly started making our way down and it wasn’t before 2pm till me and Stefi finally made it to the road. The others were a bit behind us but their plan was to go to Kennedy Meadows North first anyway so we decided to meet up at the trail angel’s place in Pinecrest where me, Stefi, Ann and Lorenz were staying. Me and Stefi went to the road to get a hitch and before even sticking our thumbs up a car coming from the other direction stopped. What!? It turned out to be a very friendly guy working for the Florida Trail and we got all the info we could possibly get. There certainly aren’t many people that would be fine with a 3-hour detour and wanting nothing in return. So nice of him. Once we got to Pinecrest and Cookie’s place I was blown away. That house had so much character and a piano! I instantly felt at home. Me and Stefi bought some snacks at the local store and sat by the lake for a while. The vibe was so relaxed and I felt like I’m on vacation. At 7pm we went back and enjoyed dinner with few more other hikers. Lorenz and Ann have also made it so in the evening we just talked and enjoyed ourselves.