Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 121 to 127

Early morning trip to the post office. Unfortunately package 2/2 from home either got lost in the mail or hasn't arrived yet... I was still able to retrieve my bounce bucket and also managed to ship off all remaining resupply packages for the rest of the trip.



Hitch seemed to take a long while, but in reality only took 20 min.  It's a busy hwy where lots and lots of cars passed by before someone camping at a lake near the trail crossing stopped to give me a ride.
Just a few miles from the road I reached the 3,220 kilometer mark (that's 2000 miles for the folks over here!) After the milestone I wound around the back of a beautiful mountain with red rock veins through it before finally finding a spot on a protected ridge with a great view of Mt Jefferson.



Woke up to a brisk morning but got going fairly quickly. Another beautiful for rested section even if it was a little cold most of the morning. I stopped for lunch by a great creek fed by the snow melt of Mt Jefferson.

Strolled into Ollalie Lake for a 'quick' stop. Mad Dog, an Oregon native who had planned to hike the trail but had to hop off due to injury, had an esky full of beer ready to share. So the quick stop before another mile or two turned into 3 hours and camping by the lake, setting up after dark...

Had an amazing nights sleep and pumped out the miles for the day. By mid arvo last nights activities did seem to catch up but I still managed just over 30 miles for the day. Filled water from an awesome flowing spring coming straight from a rock and found a good site to camp soon after.

Had a shorter day to make it to Timberline Lodge to relax and wait until the following morning for their famous breakfast buffet. Lot of steady but easy elevation gain as we approached Mt Hood.

The last 2 miles on Hood itself were on glacier crushed rock that was basically sand. Uphill on sand with all the gear in my pack crainy worked the calf muscles.



After setting up camp just shy of the lodge I went in for a late lunch and a few beers with some other hikers. It was well and truly dark by the time I went back to camp but a half moon and clear sky made it easy. Only a few sparse trees to cast a shadow as we were basically at the tree line.

There was a 200 mile relay race starting from the lodge... so the an announcements for the starting times got me up nice and early.for the breakfast.  Well 5am... 2.5 hours before breakfast was served. Gave me plenty of time to pack up and enjoy the free cofree in the lodge.

Breakfast exceeded already high expectations with everyone getting more than their fill. Most hikers were pretty lathargic after the feast, raking the opertunity to sit on comfy couches and use the available phone service. I took the time to find my second package and arrange to have it sent on.

By that time it was time for the lunch buffet but only one other hiker and I partook. Didn't get as much value as I did at breakfast but with roast pork, beef and the desserts I certainly got my money worth.

After a short recovery I hiked out for a 'mostly downhill' day. Don't believe that, ever, when a hiker describe the next section. Up and down the valleys carved into Mt Hood saw us climbin almost as much as descending. Along the way there were some beautiful views and near the bottom of one valley Ramona falls was a great reward.

We followed the Eagle creek trail down some very steep sections and beautiful forest. There was also 15 falls/creeks in a 12 mile stretch. Highlight was Tunnel Falls where there was a shot 10m cave you could walk behind the falls.



Made it into Cascase Locks late afternoon and joined a few hikers at the Ale house.  Tracking on my new shoes was still saying that they were in transit but thankfully they had arrives.  Stayed at Shreks house, a trail angle in town.
Will hang about for the day as it's probably the last descent town I'll be close to on trail. For now hanging around in a hammock and having a nice cold beer is a good way to pass time.

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 114 to 120

After a quick retrieval of my battery pack I had left to charge over night I started the ascent up a volcanic rim to the absolutely amazing Crater Lake.

By the time I made it to the cafe up the top the first morning shuttle (which left the same place I did) pulled up with the first load of tourists. Luckily they went through the gift shop/cafe first and I had the viewing platform almost to myself!



Crater Lake was incredible. Dead flat so it had an awesome reflection  of the towering sides. Deep clear blue water making the rock ledges under the surface pop out and really made me wish I had dive gear. The lake can get down to 0°c though... so might need that dry suit...
The trail made its way along the eastern rim for about 11 miles. Part of a 26 mile (!) dry stretch, I thought I left those behind in California! It went quick though with easy elevation and I made it to a great camp spot under Mt Thielson with daylight to spare, which lit up the mountain in a beautiful deep red. Went to wash my socks in the creek but it was so cold I decided to put it off to tomorrow.

Got onto the trail fairly early and it wasn't long before I passed the highest trail point for OR/WA. Seemed rather low compared to Forrester Pass in the Seirras. As I cruised past the 3000km mark with most of the rest of the day downhill the miles seemed to drop almost as fast as the mozzies game enough to land on me.

One water source was 0.4 miles off trail down a bit of a steep slope but the reward was clear cool spring water. Took a little long to look for camp and with the setting sun settled for a flat-ish spot I had to clear just past a horse camp, with a nearby swamp. Bombarded by Mozzies and by myself I think it's the quickest I have ever set up and got in my tent.

It was a fairly easy morning into Shelter Cove for an early lunch. I was plannig for a quick turn around but the lake called for a swim as did running on the big rolling logs they used as a marina boon. The hiker hangout sucked me in for a bit too...



I managed to leave late afternon with some other hikers and find a nice place to camp by a lake. There was a nice breeze to keep away mozzies too. The wind also died off right at bed time so it didn't get too cold.
Another easier elevation day and even with a couple of swims in the beautiful (and not freezing cold) lakes I still managed a big day. In the middle also came across a coupleasant of trail maintainers so I took a go on the saw to help hem out a bit. It really is hard work and they deserve all our thanks!



Today I passed really close by the southern most of the Three Sisters mountains. Three volcanic mountains with beautiful red rock. We also passed through a lot of obsidian rock and by a surprisingly strong waterfall fed only by a spring. Snow melt spring though or it would have made for a really good shower.



The day started out hard as I was walking through volcanic ridges and valleys. Loose volcanic rock crunching under foot and making every step feel like two. I felt like I should have been carrying a ring, or a hobbit or something.



In the end though I made good time to the road and ended up getting a lift into Sisters by a husband who came out to trail magic his section hiking wife. Arrived to some bad news though as the PO wasn't open for pickup (despotent online info telling me it would be)... so I couldn't get at my bounce box.
Sunday was spent gathering supplies for the remainder of the trip. This may be the last town with actual supermarket to buy food in. Another night in luxury here before accessing my box, sending it on and getting back onto the volcanic rock!

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 105.5 to 113

After letting the amazing breakfast from the Seiad Valley Cafe digest we set off up the hill. We didn't make it very far before finding a swimming hole some locals had clued us in on. I'm not sure if the water was warmer or it was just so hot in the valley sun on a steep climb but I managed to stay in for at least 3 min before seeking out a sun bathed rock to warm up on.



We had dinner near the top of the hill but decided to push on past the last water for camp. Looking over my shoulder as I hiked I was treated to an awesome sunset, you'll have to wait for the photo album to see. Pulled into a camp a little later than I would normally like but found a good spot and cowboy camped under a beautiful stary sky.

Made great time in the morning to cover the remaining ground of California. After hanging at the border for a long lunch I moved on but only made it 0.5 miles before breaking again due to trail magic.

After learning about some local bugs, mostly which type of wasp/bee is likely to sting me, is was time again to move on. With the additional down time I was once again hiking with a beautiful sunset back drop. Got to a hiking shelter near a road just after dark to find it occupied by car campers but plenty if nice flat spots nearby. Little windy making it cold but it dropped off later unto the night.

Quick 10 miles to Callahans where Burrito and I had lunch with his GF's Aunt and Uncle as they dropped him new shoes. After lunch they gave us a ride into Ashland to meet some fellow hikers for a few drinks. While watching the setting sun.



A few turned into a few more and the next day which was meant to be a day of chores turned into a day of sleep and rest. We did manage to make it to an all you can eat Indian and the cenima for a movie but not much further was completed.

The following day we were much more productive. Snacks had a friend in Ashland lend us her car and we were able to do all the shopping, including a gear store and 3 separate shops for food (organic food? I need something more for trail...)

The chores took most of the day and despite plans to fit a few afternoon miles we ended up at an English pub for an early dinner. Didn't quite make it back to the trail but at least I was able to have a real pie!



We woke up fairly early but with a slow pack and town breakfast only managed to get to the trail at about 9:45. Like most trail towns this was by way of hitch and it was fairly easy to get a ride up by sticking out our thumbs near the on-ramp.

Found the fairly easy terrain promised for Oregon and despite the late start still managed decent miles for the day. Burrito stayed back in Ashland with some other friends and Snacks and Moonshine stopped in at nearby stop for coffee mid afternoon, so for the first time in a while I camped solo.



Started the day strong but in just 1hr15min I hit my first trail 1magic. Stopping to chat and enjoy an ice cold drink took a while but I got moving again... for another hour or so. Then I hit the second. Another cold drink plus some corn chips, fueled up I took off again.
Pumped (caffenated too) for the rest of the day I once again set off. It took a while 1.5 hours for the next magic to appear. I thanked them but pressed on for lunch, wanting to cover some ground. After lunch I was only moving for 45 min before the 4th, fresh apples and cold water.

Stayed and chatted while enjoying the apple but pressed on soon after only to make it an hour before seeing a magic sign. I passed it up, thinking I already had my share for the day and in less than 15 min saw yet another one, the fancy fake flowers and well decorated sign didn't draw me in and I was able to keep moving.

Found out later that the flower sign went to a 'costume party' thrown by past PCT hikers and had everything a hiker could want... including table service! It was ok though as when I was 20 min from planned camp there was one more round of magic I happily partook in. All in all 7 (seven) trail magic offerings today. Oregonians really are trying to show up Californians!



Looking at the day ahead it seemed like it should of been a pretty easy one. However it chose to stary with almost half of the days elevation in the first few miles. Add to that a significant number of downed trees to go over, under or around.  I couldn't go 50m without a tree across the path.

The elevation eased off quickly but the number of downed trees did not. The constant breaking of rhythm or bushwacking around really made the pace quite sluggish. A 14 mile dry stretch (so carrying a bit of water) didn't make climbing over them any easier.

I actually found the trees fun though. Climbing on them, walking along them. Vaulting over the lower ones. I also helped 2 lost groups of hikers find their way home. One group had a map but started at the wrong trailhead and were completely turned around. Got them on the right track. Other group were day-hikers and they were peaking so I walked them (~1.5mi) to a trail junction that would lead them back to their car. I offered to walk them all the way, but by that time they had calmed down a bit and were feeling ok again. Really good feeling.



Despite all this there was still so much beauty in the forest. Great big volcanic outcrops and the rock fields looked amazing. Even after getting up he mountain and looking back the forest still looked lush and thick, you couldn't see any evidence of all the fallen trees.
I managed to drag myself to a position to make today easier. 22 miles with no water (unless you head off trail for ~2.5 miles.) I filled up my bottles the night before so I could get an early start. Made milo and then quickly set off, eating bfast on the move, to cover some ground in the cool of the morning.

More fallen trees blocking the path and some pretty significant burn areas but with easier elevation I was able to cruise into Mazama Village early afternoon. Store is great (except beer selection) resonable prices and hold hiker boxes for free. Might check out the resturant for dinner.

Hiking - 2016 PCT -Day 97 to 105

Had a good sleep in then left over pizza for breakfast. Had a late checkout from the hotel so mulled about in the aircon before heading over to the post office to send on my bounce bucket. Grabbed lunch then back to the Best Western to check out.

Far too hot to hike out, apparently, so we left our packs there and had milkshakes at a diner. Eventually took a lift to the trail and managed to start hiking just on 6. Was a short 1.4 miles to the 1500 mile marker and another 4 or so to a creek to make camp.

Spent most of the morning winding up a hill near some awesome rock formations. Was also in the shade of the mountain so it was cool and I was able to hike with my hat off.



Day went by pretty fast and despite lots of climb pushed on for a 29.5 mile day to camp between Deadfall lakes. For dinner we were treated to a beautiful sunset with an orange reflection in the lower lake. Family hiked in a few miles from a nearby trailhead and made it hard to get to sleep, but eventually went down for the night.

Beautiful morning at the lakes made getting up easier. Day felt easy too as there wasn't much climbing. Was worried about some of the water so ended up carrying too much most of the day, but with a food bag half empty it was OK.  Better with too much than not enough.

Recieved some much appreciated trail magic just before a climb at the end of he day. It felt kind of weird as the PCT had snaked around and the sunset was off to my right (i.e. I was heading south.) Couldn't help but feel that it was counter productive to my end goal...



More water again. Nothing on the Seirra Mountains but enough that I'm not carrying more than 1lt at a time, which is nice. Especially as all the climbing that should have been spread over the other days all seemed to get crammed into today. Loose rock and a side slant on the trail added to the difficulty.

Before Shasta I must have been in between bubbles, I have met 16 (sixteen!) new through hikers in the last 2 days. Tonight at camp there is 12 people, quite a bit different to solo camping.

Got to the trail head mid - morning and got a lift into Etna from 2 guys who were on a 3 day hike to some of the lakes. After a good lunch I hit up the Hiker Hut but all the beds were taken so I got a tent space. Still nice shower and a chance for laundry.

Was getting new shoes delivered too, but as it took the online store 4 working days to even process my order I had to wait until about 3pm the following day. Still a nice place to chill and town food is good too! Also gave me the chance to sow up my Driza-bone sock guards that are falling apart and bleach my water hose which got a little bit of mold.

Some friends decided to hang about and rest their feet/repair gear so we all hiked out about 5pm and got a few miles in before dark.



Saw a very small bear cub, no bigger than a teddy bear you can barely win on a rigged game at the Ekka. Little concerning as I didn't know where mum was... Luckily there was a few people nearby so we stuck as a group for a mile or so.

Quite a bit of up and down today and some more awesome crystal clear lakes off trail. Ended up camping next to Paradise lake, a spring fed and surprisingly not freezing cold lake. Some went for a swim but I just cleaned my feet/legs.



Despite 2 decent climbs it was an easy day of mostly gentle down hill. As we descended into he valley it did start to get a bit hotter but there was an awesome big triple trunk tree providing shade for lunch.

Camped just short of Seiad Valley, the next resupply, by a good creek. I went for a 'bath' in the water but only lasted about 5 seconds actually submerged. Opting to wash clothes and just splash water to wash arms and legs. Mozzies got really bad late afternoon as well and got a decent drink before being squished so a few red spots to wash off in the morning...



Woke up early to get into the Seiad Valley Cafe to watch Snacks attempt the pancake challenge. 5 pancakes made with 1lb of batter each. He got 2 down before feeling sick and struggled with 3/4 of the 3rd before conceding defeat.

Will resupply in the limited stock store here to last the 2.5 days to a larger town, Ashland. Only 1.5 days from the California/Oregon state line!!