July 12 - Crater Lake National Park Nero

July 12 - Crater Lake National Park Nero

It wasn't exactly a Zero, but it was close. In the morning I took the trolley from Mazama Village to the Rim along with other hiker tourists and some actual hikers hitting the trail. My plan was to visit the store on the Rim to buy a birthday present for my hiking granddaughter Emily and then have the store ship it to Arizona. I didn't know that there were two stores and the one I chose said they didn't ship packages; I would have to go to the post office three miles down the road to ship it. So I thought what the heck, I could road walk or hitch. No big problem. As I stood on the corner trying to hitch a ride along came a National Park Ranger SUV that pulled over next to me, both rangers smiling. One rolled down her window and said something. I thought,"Wow! What luck to get a ride from the Park Rangers," but that was not to be the case. As I opened the back door of the SUV, filled by the way with two very impressive shot guns, the female Ranger said, "No, No! You can't hitchhike in the park. It's illegal."  Embarrassed for not knowing this and for mishearing their first announcement I apologized profusely and shut the door. They were very kind and drove on. I walked the three miles downhill and mailed my package, then three miles back up hill to finish my sightseeing. 

Later in the afternoon I joined the other hiker tourists and took the trolley back to camp. 

So, technically I guess I could say I hiked at least six miles today, and some of it right along the PCT. A Nero. 

Back at camp they had the showers working at the store so I presoaked dirty socks, underwear, and a shirt in a plastic bag with some liquid soap before heading back there for a shower.  I started my shower, rinsed and rung out my clothes and using a once dirty sock as a washcloth cleaned myself up. A quick mustache trim and I was good to go back to hang up my damp clothes. Then it was back to the store where I could charge my phone, headlamp, Kindle, and solar recharger. About three hours later I was back in camp with the least expensive dinner I could find: two hard boiled eggs, a meat stick, a beer, and cottage cheese. About $7.50. Beer was less expensive than soda!

After dinner I talked with Taiwanese citizens Cheese and his friend about why they were doing the PCT. Of course, they saw the movie "Wild" and decided to go for it. Not exactly what they expected, but they love it anyway. 

Snow still at the top. The road is not yet fully open. 

Observation deck closed!

Selfie of the day while road walking. 

Hikingsolo (aka Allen)