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)
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