Hikingsolo on the PCT: July 14 - Best Campsite Ever

July 14 - Best Campsite Ever

We are camped at an awesome site right along the shore of Crescent Lake in Oregon. The wind is blowing in across the lake blowing the mosquitoes into the trees, thank God! A campfire is burning and the crew is talking with some other PCT hikers that arrived later in the day to join us. Swimming is over and the sun is going down. The camp host came by to ask us if there was anything that could make our stay better and we jokingly replied, "Beer." As the old saying goes, "The Trail Provides," so it was. Our camp neighbor opened the back of her SUV only to have a 30pack fall out on the ground. A few burst open and we were asked if we might want to finish those off? Camp emptied as hiker trash streamed over to help out. Later she gave us more undamaged cans. Yes, the trail provides! On another note, camper, Roxanne, spotted us walking into the campground and poured each of us a shot of bourbon to celebrate our accomplishments. That really got our campground stay off to a great start!

We had two easy days arranged starting today with a ride up to Windigo Pass where we picked up the Oregon Skyline Trail. This trail skirts the higher PCT allowing us to avoid some potential snow issues, but ends back on the PCT near our next destination, Shelter Cove Resort. The trail is fairly easy and was mostly downhill to Crescent Lake.

What wasn't easy for me apparently was getting out of the parking lot at the top of the Pass. No sooner had the van left that I fell again. This time on my left side bruising the ribs on that side. So now I have bruised ribs on both sides and a blister on my left foot. Needless to say I was the slowest. They waited up for me at each trail junction however, because I was the only one with a definitive map of which trail to take. Hey even thanked me for being prepared. And when I used my senior discount to get the campsite everyone was thrilled.

I want to make sure to mention the hospitality of the Diamond Lake Resort staff. Russel took us to and from the PCT campground and also drove us to Windigo Pass. The wait staff took care of our breakfast needs, even taking second orders from some of the hikers who liked what they saw of their neighbors meals. They also brought each of us a stamped postcard to send home to family. What an awesome place to visit!

One note about the PCT campground run by the forest service: there is another camp area just across the road to the south that had open restrooms, flushing toilets, and electrical outlets. The sites were also clean and orderly, and completely unoccupied. The hiker/biker PCT site had none of those qualities and appears to not be maintained.

Sunset from the tent.

Roxanne sharing her booze with hiker trash.

Russel, the best driver ever.

Setting up camp on the beach.