Why Kenny is an awesome guy
and why you should stay at his place
Pictures of those days are in my french diary here
Truly, Kenny is an awesome guy. Big Bear is where I got my trail name, after what became the infamous and laughable "Big Bear Incident." "Kenny is an awesome guy," i how Evan greeted us upon arriving. And indeed, Kenny has turned his Airbnb into a paradise for PCT hikers. For a very reasonable price, he picks us up early in the morning at the beginning of the trail, brings us back to his place with the promise of a good breakfast, including the fruit salad we had been dreaming of for two days with Kiki, and allows us to shower, which greatly improves our lives. Indeed, our smell usually catches up with us only when we leave our sleeping bags in the morning and arrive in town.
So, when we arrived after a car ride full of gossip about the hikers present, we were all surprised to see the facade of his house painted with "TRUMP 2024." But anyway, we were there. And as soon as we got out of the car, we reunited with Nick, who had been absent for two days, Evan, and Melvin, who were leaving together that morning.
As I got to know Kenny over the next two days, I was convinced of Evan’s opinion. He took us into town, brought us back to the trail several times. We didn't talk about politics, out of caution, but whatever his opinions, everyone was treated with extreme kindness at Kenny's, without judgment, with an attention that far exceeded the obligations of an Airbnb host. Kenny made himself available morning, noon, and night. He took us grocery shopping in town and fed us more than enough.
It was Easter weekend and I wanted to stay for the celebration. Kenny kindly, and without any pressure, offered to take me to his parish. As a Catholic, I hesitated, but he promised me that I could genuflect if I wanted to, so I gave in. I wasn't disappointed. Well, I don't plan on converting, but this celebration will stay in my memory, if only for the opening video, "Power of God," which set the tone of a joyful and dramatic ceremony, and then for the brunch. The whole community had prepared a hearty buffet, and it was there, among these people I could have ignored, that we exchanged, that everyone came to encourage me and wish me good luck.
In a world of algorithms that increasingly lock us in with like-minded individuals, it would be easy to judge a man by the facade of his house. We could also easily fall into confrontation, asking him why he doesn't make the connection between politics, climate, and the drying up of the lake around him for the past ten years. For what benefit?
As I've said before, on the trail, relationships are easy because among hikers, we have a lot in common. Kenny reminded me that by going just a little further, we can meet extraordinary people. So, appreciating someone for their wonderful qualities on an Easter weekend is one of the meanings of travel.
In practice:
Kenny’s number is +19098907825. Don’t miss out.
There is confusion between Big Bear City, where there is very little, including no more lake because it has dried up, and Big Bear Lake. Kenny is in Big Bear City, but he is very useful in guiding you around the city, and I think it's one of the best accommodations I've had on the entire PCT. We also ate at Saucy Mama's pizzeria, which was the beginning of the drama that earned me my nickname, and the city has at least two sports equipment stores and supermarkets (no need to send anything here).
The bypass around the city is about 15 miles, and I took advantage of this to avoid falling too far behind my friends by doing these miles with them before descending to Big Bear Lake via the Cougar Trail
