Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Last Saturday, Nov. 21, I spent the day hiking the Whiskey Flat Trail as part of the McNally Burger Trail Run/Walk fundraiser. Despite the sore muscles and blisters on my feet, it was really a memorable experience that I hope to repeat every year.

I arrived with my teammate, Michelle Maring, at the end of Burlando Road at 6:50 a.m., and was met by the smiling faces of the event’s volunteers, who got us signed in and offered us coffee, fruit, and encouragement as we prepared for our journey. I was ready for the day with layered clothing, two pairs of socks to avoid blisters, and plenty of water. After fortifying myself with caffeine, Michelle and I took off, eager to meet the challenge of the 14.5 miles ahead of us.

Valerie Cassity, left, and Michelle Maring, both of Kernville, took the challenge of hiking the Whiskey Flat Trail as part of the McNally Burger Trail/Walk fundraiser Nov. 21 in Kernville and beyond.

We kept a good pace, and enjoyed chatting with our first aid sweeper, Darby Vreven, who rode by on his mountain bike periodically to ensure that all was well with those of us hiking the trail. As we hiked up rocky ravines and along narrow cliff-side trails on the mountain by the river, I marveled at the ability of anyone to ride a bicycle through such terrain. At one point, coming down a steep and rocky part of the trail, Darby joked that “They should call it the Whiskey Not So Flat Trail!”

At the first rest stop, volunteers handed out water and fruit to the participants. We couldn’t believe how easy the first 5.5 mile leg had been, and felt like we could do this all day. We stopped very briefly, and happily continued on our way. The trail takes many twists and turns through a variety of terrain, from grassy stream crossings to sandy beaches to rocky slopes, every bend in the trail was a new gorgeous vista or magical spot that few people ever come far enough to enjoy. The trail runs fairly parallel to the Kern River, and at times we could hear cars driving by on the highway on the opposite side of the river and it would come as a surprise, since we felt so far removed from civilization.

The second rest stop at 8.75 miles was a welcome sight. Michelle took the opportunity to tape a blister that was forming, and I changed from my hiking boots to sneakers, since I could feel one forming, as well, and didn’t want to tackle the last, most challenging, leg of the hike worrying about a blister. Volunteer John Newman offered to take my heavy hiking boots to the end for me, and for that I will always be grateful. After the stop, we started hiking again knowing what was coming; over a mile of steep climbing without a break. We had been hiking for four hours when we reached the mountain, and I took a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other and gave myself many pep talks until I reached the top. I don’t think I have ever been as happy as when I realized that it wasn’t yet another false alarm; the climb was actually over.

After the big climb, the last three miles, although some of the easiest terrain on the trail, was the most difficult due to muscle fatigue and sore feet, but we continued on with smiles on our faces and pride at what we had accomplished. After what felt like an eternity, but was really more like an hour, we finally spied the suspension bridge that marked the end of the journey, the most welcome sight imaginable, and got that last burst of energy needed to finish strong.

When we arrived, we were greeted by cheering runners and walkers, and given a medal and a voucher for a burger at the McNally Hamburger Stand. Lunch had never tasted so good!

The McNally Burger Trail Run/Walk was started by Dr. Bob Gross and his daughter Kerri, when they decided to run the Whiskey Flat Trail one day five years ago and reached the end limping and sweating. When they arrived, the owner was impressed with their feat and said “you deserve a burger, have one on me!” Thus began the tradition of the annual event, which has since turned into a fundraiser for Run-4-A-Way, a non-profit organization which was started by local school teachers and parents to ensure that Kern Valley children had a chance at quality physical education. If you would like to participate in this or other 5K and 10K events that Run-4-A-Way puts on throughout the year, call Mike Lane at 376-4405.