July 30 - Cascade Locks

July 30 - Cascade Locks

Sixteen miles into Cascade Locks starting at 6:30 am. Projected arrival at 2:00 pm. Made it on time despite thinking I was way behind schedule. Must have been the 4000 feet of downhill driving me on. In the last mile I caught up to Squirrel, the eighteen year old that I met a Timberline Lodge. She was headed to Shrek's to hang out and invited me along. I didn't know about Shrek's because my Guthooks app showed nothing after Timberline Lodge, but I'm glad I went. 

There's a store nearby, so I had grocery store lunch, ala Betsy. The best! Then I had a shower and washed my clothes with Squirrel. Finally I got a ride with the guys going to the movies in Hood River. They dropped me at the Skyline Hospital Emergency entrance so I could have someone check my swollen elbow. I slipped two days ago and my swellbow returned, with arm and hand swelling I decided to seek medical advice. The diagnoses was an inflamed bursa, no infection, but I'm on an antibiotic and anti inflammatory anyway. I think I'll be in Cascade Locks an extra day while I get my prescriptions filled. That'll put me a day behind. Bummer. But there's a silver lining: they have a brewery!

On the ride back from Hood River we stopped at Walmart for some of the hikers to resupply. I bought stuff for lunch tomorrow and beer and chips tonight. Yum! 

It's way past hiker midnight now. Everyone has gone to bed except a couple of us. Shrek's has very tiny lights in the trees to complement the awesome night sky. It does nothing to kill the noise from the interstate highway but I'm content to watch the stars and dream of far off places. 

Pretty trail flowers. 

The ride in Asshole's van with friends to the hospital. That's his trail name, not my name for him. Nice guy. 

Hanging out in the ER. Not quite so tired or red in the face. The people there were really nice. I think they don't get much Sunday night business. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 29 - Almost to Washington State

July 29 - Almost to Washington State

20 miles today at a leisurely pace put me within 16 miles of Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods gateway to Washington State. Along to way I said goodbye to Mt. Hood, although I'm sure I'll be able to see it in the south for weeks to come. I said hello to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier, and Mt. Adams. Although St. Helens was somewhat obscured by smoke on the distant horizon it was clearly the winner among the thru hiker bunch. It was exciting to think of how tall it must have been before it blew its top. 

Destruction by fire was a concern for the hikers too. Eagle Creek Alternate was closed due to a fire that started 4th of July. Presumably some idiot hikers on the Alternate decided that it was okay to set off fireworks in the forest. How stupid can you be? The fire smoldered for weeks and then decided to make a move. 80 hotshots came in but the terrain was too rough and dangerous to keep them working, so helicopters were called in. The fire was in wilderness and policy usually dictates that we leave them be, but politics have interfered. Too much smoke and too many people who want to use popular trails meant that the helicopters worked all day today and yesterday to fight the fire. We watched them form atop Indian Mountain and from Waltham Lake. Every three minutes they dropped water for hours straight. 

We were all disappointed that we couldn't take the Alternate where the trail snakes behind a waterfall. It's one of those iconic moments we hate to miss, but it's better to be safe. 

Adios Mt. Hood

Right outside my tent. 

Streaming water on the way to the fire. 

End of day selfie. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 28 - Leaving Mt. Hood

July 28 - Leaving Mt. Hood

Today is my baby sister's birthday! Happy Birthday (a bit late since I'm out of cell service). I love my little sister and want to thank her for helping me. 

I had a good conversation with Betsy early this morning. She's busy with the grandkids, lunch, attractions, etc. She's also keeping the kitty going by feeding her yogurt under the bed because the poor cat is afraid she'll be thrown in the car again soon. LOL 

Shortly after I spoke with Betsy I joined some hiker trash friends for breakfast at the Mt. Hood Timberline Lodge. The buffet is highly regarded by the PCT community as the best on the trail. And I would concur. They had everything from continental fare to ham and eggs. Fresh fruit, pastries, berry smoothies, a frittata, sausage patties and sausage links, potatoes, and breakfast breads rounded out my plate. CaveMoney took with him a waffle for the trail. Sarah, Ken, Jill, and Sandy were also there. I think the waitress was glad to see us go, even though we did tip well. 

I started down the trail at 10am and arrived exhausted hours later some distance north. The landscape was nothing short of scary!

Breakfast 

One floor of the lodge. 

Lots of loose dirt to navigate around. 

Fun bridge. It bounced!

Not sure if we can eat these.

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 27 - Mt. Hood

July 27 - Mt. Hood

Just past the first turn in the trail Mt. Hood appeared in the distance. The rest of the day was spent on the approach, climbing several thousand feet in mostly cool forest. 

I stopped a few miles out at a highway pass to check in with Betsy. It was the first decent cell service in days. I was relieved that Betsy and Sissy had arrived home safely from Regina, Saskatchewan after her big geocaching trip. I was good to hear her voice. 

The last mile of the trail to Timberline Lodge was a struggle through loose volcanic sands that sometimes felt were purposely holding me back. 

Some trail intel gave me info on where to go first and how to get a shower. I picked up my resupply after a quick trip to the cafeteria for some fresh fruit. Also with my packages were fresh contacts thanks to sister Paula, new pants from Kuhl, and a repair kit for my tent. 

I took a cool shower in a porta-potty looking structure in the lower parking lot of the lodge. That was a first. My clothes dried out on various pieces of road barriers. 

I met hiker Ken in the vicinity of the lodge and he showed me where my friends had set up their tents. Then we all went to the lodge for a beer, small talk, and to recharge our devices. 

Back to camp after sunset and we all fell asleep quickly. 

Early morning picture of Mt. Hood as I started my hike. 

The green tunnel of Oregon. 

Almost to the Timberline Ski Lodge. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 26 - Easy Peasy

July 26 - Easy Peasy

Today was a pretty easy 18 mile day. Some of the  group stopped at Timothy Lake to wet their feet. In the end we all got to our designated spot ahead of the crowd. Most of the spots were a little slopey, so I expect to slide a bit during the night. 

The big event of the day was passing from the Warm Springs Reservation into the Hood National Forest. Even though we can't see Mt. Hood, we know it's out there. Tomorrow will be resupply at Timberline Lodge. then three more days to Washington via Bridge of the Gods. 

Biggest sign ever!

Oregon must like the organic signs. You don't see many of the regular metal ones that are all over California, unless they are the really old signs. 

Just in case we didn't know, Yeti inhabits these woods. Watch out!

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 25 - Fun Group Headed North

July 25 - Fun Group Headed North

Camped together at the Warm Springs River on the Warm Springs Reservation with a great group of hikers. Timber, Jill and Sarah, now known as Lost and Found, Pocahontas, Bumpers, and myself, along with newcomer Heather, aka Doc. We shared stories of last nights' escapades and laughed heartily. Apparently there were two hikers no one knew well that came in at the end of the day, camped right next to Lost and Found, like two feet away, and proceeded to have a little whoopie heard all throughout camp. Of course no one was quite sure what was happening until it was a little too late for intervention. Apparently the guy finished first and the girl a while after that. Some people didn't get much sleep until it was over. LOL 

There should be a law! 

Nate was up early making pancakes for the earliest departing hikers. I wasn't among them. 

It only took me about 45 minutes to get my tent down and stuff packed up. Every bend down to pull a stake was terribly painful. At breakfast I took two Aleve and felt much better after an hour. 

Today's hike of 19 miles was mostly on a fantastically manicured trail across the Indian reservation. I have to hand it to whoever maintains this trail because much of it was smooth as silk. Two more Aleve at noon prepared me to reach camp by five. Right. Ow the back feels okay. Another Aleve before bedtime should help me sleep. 

Tomorrow the group is going together another 18 miles, leaving us just 14 into Timberline Lodge. We'll camp just a quarter mile south of the resort and pile in for what everyone says is an awesome breakfast buffet. Can't wait! Then I can get my packages. I should have a resupply box, contacts that sister Paula sent (Thank you!), and new replacement pants from Kuhl. 

Camp selfie. 

Camp. 

First hiker.this far north who made it through the Sierra. Cave Money from Germany. Help Kenny Mackinnon get back out at the Tuolumne River crossing. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 23 - All's Well That Ends Well

July 23 - All's Well That Ends Well

Today's hike was another hot one that ended by going uphill for five miles to get to Jefferson Park, a scenic area just below Mt. Jefferson. All day I could see the peak as I approached on ridges to the south and west. Once close to the peak it disappeared into the trees. That is, until I entered the Park and then the peak towered over the landscape. 

By the time I hit the Park I was exhausted and sunburnt. I've been on the trail for two solid weeks and have not had a sunburn until yesterday and today. 

While looking for a camp spot (the forest Service restricts this area) I dropped my pack and set off around Scout Lake. It only took a minute to find an awesome spot, but on the way back to get my pack another mishap struck. I caught my toe on a root just as I was stepping across a small stream. As luck would have it my day ended badly. I fell backwards into the stream hitting my back against the bank. It felt like a sucker punch to the kidneys. All wet and groaning from the impact I managed to get up and find my pack. 

After I slowly set up camp I went down to the lake to clean my clothes. I only have one pair of shorts/pants so they're drying within reach on top of my tent. Shirt, hat, and socks are hanging on the site post. I'll have to decide if I want to brace the mosquitoes to retrieve them. 

If the injury needs some extra time to heal I'll visit and stay a day or two at the Ollalie Lake Campground. It's only 13 miles from here. I should be able to make that on my own. 

Sorry for the bad news. I wasn't in my plan to fall again. I've been really careful the last few days. One rib is completely healed and the other is coming along. Tithe back injury is on the same side as the rib that still hurts so sleeping and getting up should be great fun. 

Hopefully the adage "Early to bed, Early to rise. Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,"  will apply tomorrow. 

Mt. Jefferson is closer. 

I look worse for wear today. 

At least the sunset made for a good ending. They don't get many colorful sunsets here, in my experience. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 24 - Olallie Lake

July 24 - Olallie Lake

Nate, who I met at Shelter Cove, was providing trail magic at Olalie Lak, especially for those he met at Shelter Cove. He's a great guy. When I arrived he had two polish ready for me. Later there was a hearty beef stewe some excruciating pain. and s'mores. 

The 13 miles here was very slow. I took it really easy and watched every step of the way for trip hazards. Even so I stumbled a few times. By the end of the day I learned that lifting with my legs was the only way to go. Otherwise there would be some excruciating pain. 

Olalie Resort is totally off-grid. Refrigerators run on propane. Natural light illuminates the stove. No way to charge a phone. The view, however, is breathtaking. So much so that employee Alex came off trail here to work for the summer. Mary Ann, another employee was very helpful and reminded me to sign the hiker log. 

Nate and Baby Girl. 

The view from the dock. 

Mary Ann at the store. Very helpful. And a wannabe PCT Hiker!

Hiker Trash. Except for Alex, the well dressed one. Nate, Early Riser, Carefree, Alex, Pocahontas, Bumpers, Timber, and Aaron Tribble (StarTrek).

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 22 - Dayhikers and Other Trail Creatures

July 22 - Dayhikers and Other Trail Creatures

At the beginning of the day today Jitka and Lucia, thru hikers know as the Czech Yogis because the do yoga every morning, arrived at Trail Angel Mike's place. They were just in time for bacon and beer batter pancakes. And, like true thru hikers they stuck around to help Mike take down his elaborate setup. The six of us worked to empty huge containers of water, organize the coolers of food, take down the 10 by 20 foot canvas tent, and roll up all the carpets. Two hours later and Sun, Jitka, and Lucia hit the trail to highway 20 where they were going to hitchhike into Sisters. I hit the same trail with Rockpile Lake as my destination. Sarah and Jill hung back as Jill's resupply should have been at the youth camp but they couldn't find it even though the tracking said it was delivered. We wish Mike the very best. 

The trail north of highway 20 seems to be very popular among dayhikers of all skill levels. I met people who hiked two miles then turned around, and those that hiked 8 miles one way. I also met many backpackers out for a weekend night in the woods. Add to that a PCTA crew heading out after a days' hard work. There was also a Swiss family with what looked to be a ten year old son just about exhausted from the hot conditions. They asked where the nearest shade was. Fortunately it was close by. Poor kid. There were going to be a lot of very hot miles ahead. Then there was Ollie, the Beagle Lab Rottweiler mix who went swimming as his master looked on. She said that he sometimes will swim for an hour straight. I watched him for a good fifteen minutes and he didn't seem to be slowing down! 

Cascade Locks bound hiker Aaron Trimble stopped by to talk just as the day was ending. He has a YouTube channel he's using to document his experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the trail from his perspective. 

Just as I was about to call it quits Jill and Sarah showed up. Jill's package was never found. Both remarked at how hot the day had been. And it was hot - today I got my first sunburn. Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer, so I'll try for an early start. 

The hiker trash tent Mike brought. Home away from home. Kept the hikers dry from the dew. 

Sun, Mike, Lucia, Jill, Sarah, Jitka, yours truly. 

Three Fingered Jack. Hiked around this today. 

Feeling the heat. 

Campsite at Rockpile Lake. 

North of highway 20. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 21 - An Unexpected Ending

July 21 - An Unexpected Ending

Last night I camped in between lava fields. Fortunately there was a small break between stretches of rough lava where a grove of trees had escaped the destruction. It was a perfect spot where the morning sun would wake and warm me. So I slept in.

The trail through the lava was miles long and ended none too soon in a burned area. The lava was torture compared to the relatively sandy soil in the burn zone. The fact that the trail then went uphill for several miles was nothing compared to the torture of walking on huge cinders. 

I took my time and arrived at the Big Lake Youth Camp at 2:30, just as they were shutting the kitchen down for the weekend. Of course they accommodated me and prepared a quick meal of pizza, watermelon, and grapes. It was delicious. After lunch I turned my stinky clothes into the laundry where I would pick the up two hours later smelling fresh and new. I took a shower after dropping off my clothes. The camp even supplied a fresh towel. This place rocks!!! After gathering my resupply box I set out. 

I had heard that a trail angel was set up down the road providing burgers, drinks, and root bee floats tonPCT hikers. Mike had set up a cook station, a big tent to keep people dry, and several chairs. Sun, Jill, Sarah, and I showed up just at happy hour. Since there were only four of us he invited us into his motor home to escape the mosquitoes. Mile shared a few stories, as did we, but every few minutes his phone chimed. Unfortunately his mother-in-law had taken seriously ill and he was being kept appraised of the situation. With grave consequences possible Mike would have to leave in the morning. We all agreed to stay and help him break down. It was quite an unexpected ending to the day. 

My Jefferson 

Ferns along the trail. 

Lunch courtesy of the youth camp. Yum!

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

Bill Richter - A True Trail Friend

Bill Richter - A True Trail Friend

I can't remember exactly which day I met Bill, it may have been my first back on Trail. I know we crossed paths several times, but it wasn't until Marana Village that I had some extensive interaction; for the trail that could be anything from more than a hello to an all night conversation. Bill was in the group that I hiked out with. He helped me up after my first fall along the highway, with real concern in his voice for how I was. He wasn't there for my second fall, but right there again for my third. Again, he was there with words of encouragement, something I'm a bit loathe to accept, as I believe that it is within my will to persevere in the face of adversity. 

I believe Bill thinks this too, because I wasn't the only injured warrior on the trail. Bill had blisters on his feet that would have stopped me cold. He treated them daily, removing loose skin, drying the wounds with alcohol, and taping them to protect them. But I could tell they hurt. He walked quite slowly and on his heels for a few days. During that time we hiked fairly close together. By the time they were healed I couldn't keep up with his pace. Bills blisters and how he reacted is the definition of perseverance. 

For the last few days we've been camping together and swapping stories. Yesterday, when Bill learned that I was unsuccessful finding contact solution he offered me his. As Bill went off trail today to return to real life he left me with a gift of his contact solution and a kind note. 

Bill, you're on my list. And it's the good list! Thanks, buddy. 

Here's a couple of shots of Bill. 

Always a smile!

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 20 - Best Parts of Oregon So Far

July 20 - Best Parts of Oregon So Far

The Three Sisters Wilderness has to be my favorite part of Oregon so far. I love the high meadows, the long vistas, the streams, and how the trail meanders among the trees and rocks. I also liked that today was mostly mosquito free. 

The sad part of today is that my friends Bill, Monika,  Carlos, and Roberto are all heading into Bend for a few days. Bill is finishing his journey. The others will be back so I may see them again on the trail. 

Alex and Mark are taking it slow for two days before they head back to Minnesota. We left them in their hammocks early this morning. I'll miss their humor. 

On the trail today I met Blaze, Walks with dog, Swiss citizens Cheese and her boyfriend Chocolate, Mike and Moonshadow. I also met many short or day hikers; the most memorable was 81 year old Snail who was hiking to the top of a cinder cone to watch the sunset and sunrise from his tent. Amazing. 

The day is ending in the lava fields of the Jefferson Wilderness. Walking on lava is no fun, let me tell you! The trails are full of ankle busters. It is probably the most inhospitable place I've been hiking. However, it's beautiful in its own way. 

Last pic before they run off to Bend. 

Lots of snow to cross today.  I even glissaded twice!

North Sister in the background. 

The trail ahead. 

Lots of flowers up high. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)

July 19 - Elk Lake Stopover and the Sisters

July 19 - Elk Lake Stopover and the Sisters

Although today was supposed to be a short day I decided to make it a little longer. I was running short of contact solution so I thought I might check out the store at Elk Lake Resort, especially since I knew I'd be ahead of the crowd. Arriving early at the trail junction I stowed my pack behind some trees and quickly walked the mile to the resort. I arrived at 10:15, a full forty-five minutes before they opened! Now what resort that caters to campers and fishermen doesn't open for breakfast? Apparently this one. Fortunately they had a plug outside and I had brought my charger. A few minutes before eleven I saw someone inside and asked though the open window where the store might be. The woman invited me in and showed me the store, all eight feet of it. When she found out what I was looking for she called around to other stores but couldn't find any. That was really nice of her. 

About that time Alex and his dad, Mark, arrived for resupply and lunch. I decided to stay long enough for a milk shake, which they had heard were awesome. It was a good shake, made with real icecream, but I'm not sure it was worth the eight bucks it cost. Mark and Alex weren't completely sure they were going to make it to our prearranged campsite so we said our goodbyes. 

I walked back up the trail and picked up my pack and entered the Three Sisters Wilderness. All along the trail today I wondered when the forest would give way and I might see the Three Sisters. It took most of the afternoon, but late in the day the trees melted away and gave me an awesome view of the south Sister, one of three dormant volcanoes in a row. As I walked across the meadow I met a couple and asked about my friends, who I assumed to be ahead of me. The couple said they had seen them about 90 minutes before. As I was within a mile of our prearranged camp area I thought they had skipped it for some reason. I was right. They were nowhere to be seen. So with the sun starting down I kept on to the next likely spot. Almost an hour later there they were, playing in another meadow. I was happy to see they had waited for me. Now we just had to see if Mark and Alex were going to make it. Sure enough, an hour later they arrived. We all had dinner together, swapped stories, and made plans for tomorrow. We'll stop at Obsidian Falls before moving on to our separate destinations. 

Mark and Alex

South Sister revealed. 

Our campsite next to a babbling brook. 

Hiker Trash. Alex, Monica, Bill, Carlos, Roberto, Mark. 

Lupine

Really big Lupine. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)