Guest Post by Kate Cornelius

Hi there! I’m Kate, also known as “Wallaby” to my hiker friends. I’m an Oregon->New York transplant spending the summer solo hiking part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

The PCT is a 2,650+ mile trail that runs from the US border with Mexico to the border with Canada. I wasn’t supposed to be getting into Bishop for another few weeks at least, but my plans changed at the last minute due to the weather. I needed a place to stay ASAP. Thank goodness for the existence of Eastside Guesthouse & Bivy!

I rolled into town in the afternoon (after hitch-hiking from the trail for the first time ever!) and was debating between lackluster motel options when I came across this newly opened gem of a place. Eastside Guesthouse is nothing short of paradise. It reminds me of the best aspects of European B&Bs and hostels all while incorporating the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierras and a family-friendly vibe. The brand new amenities were luxurious for the bargain price I paid for a room and the owners went above and beyond to give their guests the warmest of welcomes (when I arrived they gave out fresh donuts, yum!). The large community kitchen and dining space had all the glitz of a home from Modern Living all while casually welcoming guests to mingle and get to know one another. I met a wonderful couple from LA on my first day that I am so happy to be staying in touch with as I continue my hike.

I’m really grateful to have spent the last few days in Bishop, which has felt a bit like living in heaven after a few hard days on the trail. Downtown is quite picturesque with many restaurants, cafes, and small shops to appreciate along with a stunning backdrop of the Sierras in the distance. I highly recommend grabbing a salad or sandwich and a drink from Mountain House Brewery followed by a slice of pie at Good Earth Cafe. The whole of Main Street is quite walkable, which is a blessing for the feet of a tired PCT hiker. Those coming to Bishop to enjoy some day hikes must not leave without seeing the oldest trees in the world in the nearby White Mountains.

In short, I feel like a real human being again after indulging in a few days of R&R here. Whether it was by lounging in the sun watching the ducks from the pond-side patio deck at Eastside Guesthouse or chatting up the local outdoorsy types, I left Bishop feeling well rested, but wishing I could come back for more. I aim to do just that when I return at the end of the summer to hike through the Sierras post-snow melt!