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

Lazy and Lovely

I had thought that being out on the trail would somehow transform me into a morning person. That the promise of a sunrise and getting some miles done before the heat kicked in would get my butt out of the tent. There have been a few days like that, but only a few. Since I knew I only wanted to get 11 miles done today, I was extra lazy and didn't start getting anywhere until 9:30. 

No matter, this view waited for me!

The temperature climbed, and I twisted my way in and out of burn areas and refreshing shade. Ponds and lakes glittered in the sun. 

Wasco Lake

Lunch and water refill at Rockpile Lake. Wish the timing would have worked out to camp here. It's beautiful!

If you look closely at the far end, Bam-Bam is swimming. 

This chick kept a close eye on me, but hung out nearby the whole time I ate lunch. 

Met 3 ladies doing a section going south, and had a nice chat. They called themselves the 'scout moms', and they were taking the opportunity to hike without their boys, who are mostly grown. We talked about our sons, and they affirmed that I was doing a wonderful thing, showing mine that women can do anything, even if they're moms. I told them the best lesson was from his father, who is teaching him to be a supportive, amazing man and husband.  I don't think I've met many other moms out here, and it was nice to have a few minutes with them. 

Camped early after hitting my goal. My probably-not-super-accurate thermometer said it was 110 degrees. Even if that's not quite right, the sun took a lot out of me today. 

A thru hiker named No-Tent stopped and shared a candy bar (woohoo!) and stories about people he met in California. A southbound girl named Hakuna Matata is sharing my campsite and this view!

Tomorrow I hike around this gorgeous monster!

Mountain Motivation

It was difficult to peel myself away from Big Lake Youth Camp today. The breakfast was warm, yummy, and not oatmeal. A nice switch! The snack bar serves iced coffee, and the hiker cabin has couches. I finally left around noon before they sucked me in!

Out of Mt Washington Wilderness and heading toward Mt Jefferson. 

I haven't walked this far, but a dusty high-five to everyone that has! It's quite a milestone! (Get it? Because it's the mile number and it's made of...sorry.)

A parting shot of Sisters and Mt Washington. Hayrick Butte and Hoodoo on your right. 

Hiked along Three Fingered Jack. This bit mentally wiped me out. The trail gets very narrow, and is soft underfoot. It isn't the most difficult terrain, physically. But it sure isn't my favorite. 

I was rewarded with views of Mt Jefferson, and a glorious sunset to end the day.