Full Belly and a Full Day

I camped early last night to get a good night of sleep so I could get the 3 mile climb to Timberline done in time to meet Rob and Trent for breakfast. Good plan, but it felt like Christmas Eve and sleeping was difficult to manage!

Scared a herd of elk as I got moving. They started running before I saw them, so no pictures. Sounded like the forest was crashing down next to me!

Mt Hood in my sights! Really prefer when she's wearing a bit more snow. 

Brett and Amy, if you're reading, this is for you! 

Timberline Lodge is famous on the PCT for its buffet. Hikers talk about it for miles before they get here and for miles after they've had it. 

Forgot to get a picture before I started. It really was pretty darn tasty. 

But better than this shameless gut-busting meal was the surprise Trent brought me from home. 

EXPLODING KITTENS! So very very awesome, and so impressed Trent waited for me to open it! We chilled in the lodge and played while my breakfast settled. 

Back to the trail! 

Mt St Helens and Ranier getting closer!

My dilemma today was wether to cross the Sandy River before making camp, or to save it for the morning. I took a look, and decided to get it done today. Camping close enough to hear it, and knowing I had to contend with it would have meant a very restless night. I don't have a picture, and I know my description might be over dramatic. There are some rocks, but not really a way to cross without putting your feet in the water. You must pick a path across, but the water is moving fast and is silty enough that you can't see the bottom. I had more confidence this time than I did at Russell Creek, but signs on the trail earlier reference crossing safety and a girl that died crossing here years ago.  I picked my spot, took my time, and may have yelled a bit in triumph when I was done. 

Another full day, and only a few more to go!

28 Days Later...

Woke up early to the threat of drizzle, but shared a hot breakfast with Drag'n Fly and her hiking partner Barb. There may be done things I would pack differently if I did a long hike again, but I would not be a happy camper without that cup of coffee.

In the night, another hiker had joined our spot. His name is Tiger, and he's heading south and climbing the 10 highest peaks in the Cascades while he does it!

The trees opened up just long enough for me to get a few peeks at this gorgeous thing. 

Pretty excited by this piece of trail magic bestowed on me by a guy trying to train his 11 week old puppy.

Fresh fruit is amazing stuff. Yes, that's Nutella in the background. It is also amazing stuff. 

I was a little too excited about my citrus gift and promptly ruined half of it. 

The PCT meets up with Barlow Road, the first road built over the Cascades. I had read about this in a book about the trail, but didn't realize it was still an area you could explore. Adding this to my list of a thousand places I need to get to in Oregon! 

Short hike of only about 12 miles today. Leaves me just a few to get to Timberline for breakfast with my guys!  

Bucket List

Remember what I said yesterday about not waking up early most days? Today was an exception, and I'm glad. Not sure how I would have fit so much if I hadn't woke with the sun!

Thanks to Hakuna Matata for waking up early! She's hiking southbound solo, inspired by her parents who had always talked about doing it. I'm sure they're so proud of you! 

Finally, after living near the Catskills in NY, and hiking hundreds of miles in Oregon, it happened. I saw a bear. In the wild. 

I heard it before I saw it, tearing bark off a dead tree to find a snack. She was focusing pretty hard and didn't hear or smell me coming! I got a few pictures and a quick video, and when she took a few steps toward the trail, I yelled and she took off running. For those who don't know, I was a zookeeper for a few years and bears became one of my favorite animals. I'm not dumb enough to try to get close or make friends, just wanted to catch s glimpse. Bucket list item checked off!

Russell Creek 

The map says "Potentially Dangerous creek crossing." I'm sure many hikers have no problem with this quick moving mountain stream. I spent close to 45 minutes hiking up and down the edge, trying to find just the right spot, hopefully letting my feet stay dry. No luck. I had to plunge my shoes into the water and balance across. I've had a few hikers who knew I started with a friend ask me how hiking alone is different. For me, this is one of the hugest differences. Getting over the parts that scare me with nobody else motivating me to do it. 

From there, the trail climbs and climbs to this perfect little spot. Tonight I get to look back at Mt Jefferson:

And look ahead to Mt Hood:

If you look closely, Mt St Helens is even in there. Couldn't have asked for a better place to land!

Sharing this piece of Oregon heaven with Paul, who just happens to come here every year, and sobos Mantis and Future Dad. Mantis's girlfriend is heading north from Mexico, and they're hoping to meet up in Crater Lake. How adorable is that!

[Edit] Mantis has a blog too. You should go read it: Corkbottle