PCT 2018 Day 27, May 19, Saturday.
Start mile 621.0, micro tent site near trail
End Walker Pass Campground, mile 651
Miles walked: 30
Continuing in high desert, the trail descends to a dirt road at Bird Spring Pass with a water cache… and more. 
A group of trail angels put out a lovely spread, and I graze on fresh cooked quesadillas, cold soda, brownie, celery stick with dip, Snickers for later, assorted muffins, chex mix, grapes, and– oh yeah– a couple liters of water. The route climbs from 5.5k elevation to 6.8k, fueled by trail angel brunch, easy climbing. 
Later the path is on wide #lat mountain-top, mostly level, before descending to Walker Pass and interesting looking snow-kissed peaks further north. 
At Walker Pass Campground, another group of trail angels serve a massive slab of smoked beef brisket smothered in salsa with baked potato, rolls, and cold drinks. Some of these angels are out of Bakersfield, others from nearby Lake Isabella. 
New hiker names today included Milkshake, Blazer, Dragon, Zeroman, and John.
The warm air in the afternoon is welcome after several cold windy nights. How pleasant to be walking on level trail among tall pines. No hikers are seen until near a water cache at a road crossing near mile 615, where several are clumped together. Looking forward in the direction of trail, the ecozone suddenly changes to high desert. 
I do not see nearby mountains causing a rain shadow, so am unsure what causes such a sudden transition. The first cows of the trip regard me sourly. 
Thought for today: Does a wind turbine spin a cocoon and emerge a helicopter?
Cool and breezy, we hike a fast pace, and the climb seems easy, as we talk on the way up. The first water source is at 18 miles, where we meet Hotdog and Pinto. We carry enough water to dry camp, for the next source is 25 miles away. Wind turbines are with us all day, as is the cold wind. 
The camping area is popular, with over a dozen tent sites spread out, partially hidden.