Hikingsolo on the PCT: 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.