The Forde Files No. 168
Pacific Crest Trail hikers, having conquered 566 miles from the Mexican border to Hwy. 58 (or 558 miles to Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road), and eager to begin the next leg into the southern Sierras, can camp at Aviator Park at the Tehachapi Municipal Airport for $5 and take a shower at a portable facility. Aside from landscape watering on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (8 -10 a.m. and 8 -10 p.m. – no wonder it's so green) and the unfamiliar train whistles, it's likely a pleasant stay. The pilot's lounge formerly was open to PTC hikers, but the numbers became so overwhelming, the city closed access to that facility and provided amenities at the park . The airport office and airport entry gate is at 314 N. Hayes St.