Hikingsolo on the PCT: July 31 - Cascade Locks Zero

July 31 - Cascade Locks Zero

After my visit with the ER Staff last evening I decided to sleep in a bit. After all, the Pharmacy didn't open until 9:00. No hurry getting there too early.

Around 8:00 I left Shrek's place and started walking the four and a half miles towards Stevenson, Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. I passed through downtown in the blink of an eye. Nothing there opened before 11:00 on Monday, not even the Cafe. At the Bridge Park there were a few hikers hanging around, some newly arrived southbound and some preparing to head north. I followed a couple of guys onto the bridge and was stopped at the Toll Booth. "That'll be a dollar for walkers." I was pretty sure that the hikers didn't have to pay, but I didn't have a pack, so I antied up a buck and went my way.

A right turn on Highway 14 got me going in the right direction. Hitching wasn't productive so I walked the hour and ten minutes Google said it would take. Along the way I stopped for a few blackberries as I had forgotten breakfast and water. It was a bit warm walking along the Columbia River and by the time I got there my shirt was drenched.

Once I dropped off my prescriptions at the pharmacy I strolled across the street to the grocery store - something Betsy always does. I bought a turkey wrap, donut, coffee, and some fruit. Then had a seat outside to have breakfast. All of it was excellent although I should have bought more fruit.

Instead of walking back in the hundred degree heat I hitched a ride. This time it took less than a minute. Carlos (his travel name) gave me a ride in his sweet C-Class van right back into Cascade Locks. He retired, moved to Panama, didn't work out, bought the van and never looked back! What a life.

On the way back to Shrek's I met a nice kitty cat just hanging out on the busy Main Street.

I stopped in at the Cascade Locks Ale House to pick up my resupply box and to have the free beer they advertise for PCT hikers. Jules, the manager, was great. She gave me the tour and made sure to point out that her phone number was on display. She will pick up a hiker in need anywhere in a 150 mile radius. She also pays for those free beers out of her own pocket! What an awesome lady. I made a small donation to help her with the beer.

Around two thirty Shrek emerged from the swamp to do a little work on the hiker hostel. The inside looks great, but the outside shakes needed removing and plywood siding installed. I helped him finish off most of one side with. Few tricky cuts he hadn't thought of. By the time we were done it looked great.

Then it was time for dinner. Jules showed up with a pizza! Later I went to the bar and had another beer and a salad. I spent most of my time talking with Squeek and a guy that had the Hiker Burger: one pound of ground sirloin sandwiched between two personal sized pepperoni pizzas with three strips of bacon and cheddar cheese. Potato fries on the side. $15. Another of Jules' ideas.

Jules in her native environment. The bar.

I can't believe he ate the whole thing!

New siding!

The Shrek Swamp.