tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377280567553945152024-03-13T00:00:30.687-06:00Rambling HemlockHiking. Dreaming.Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.comBlogger572125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-58153124939942512622023-08-24T15:54:00.001-06:002023-11-20T16:12:14.440-07:00Day 12. Farewell PCT<div style="text-align: left;">Day 12. Last 3 miles into Harts Pass</div><div style="text-align: left;">7/20/23<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail</div><p>The night was wind-free! What luck! </p><p>Jan and I enjoyed a most colorful light show and we could
see it all happening right from camp above the trail! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DQHNBd-NJ8c4jCym1n32w38nyTC2gl5EEgSKsPk_Lz1gTMkLD7aSKmFxxUliQ7EL-9ZLyticwkyve5gxFirba_CMmU1s7ozasbT66Uj-WGpTnvtadwkLt3cKEphUB1P7ohzwIJnL5JmwXqU8JRSsLsZGm-eKaGQCBTR3uo-Rspd3yaXaAUh6zR6acxw/s1024/IMG_4538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1024" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DQHNBd-NJ8c4jCym1n32w38nyTC2gl5EEgSKsPk_Lz1gTMkLD7aSKmFxxUliQ7EL-9ZLyticwkyve5gxFirba_CMmU1s7ozasbT66Uj-WGpTnvtadwkLt3cKEphUB1P7ohzwIJnL5JmwXqU8JRSsLsZGm-eKaGQCBTR3uo-Rspd3yaXaAUh6zR6acxw/w640-h450/IMG_4538.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The stars were new-moon bright
and it felt like we could reach out and touch the milky way. And the
warblers provided the soundtrack for a sweet sunrise. What fun to watch
it all from our larch-perch!</p><p> The last miles were uneventful. We arrived at Jan's car which was safely waiting for us. </p><p>In town, Jan and I met up as planned with my parents. Of course we couldn't miss out on a chance to be goofy and enjoy all that town had to offer.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQEN9lrwLgzBB9ils2h8m2EumDkUoAhQEtiy2HQ9KndGQSgXc4xcc8Q_JDIWcFYqyNfOuRWOXFmONNy3_n1M9U91TQzmbgswfrsK_zlIKPDX2GqN8shw6G_F9knfVW_RoMQ1BztlBw1zRwMjm9WnRsX6gL9MQtpg-sXuD8R0obHpUB6rKGtHoE3NJ2Fs/s768/20230721_111224.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQEN9lrwLgzBB9ils2h8m2EumDkUoAhQEtiy2HQ9KndGQSgXc4xcc8Q_JDIWcFYqyNfOuRWOXFmONNy3_n1M9U91TQzmbgswfrsK_zlIKPDX2GqN8shw6G_F9knfVW_RoMQ1BztlBw1zRwMjm9WnRsX6gL9MQtpg-sXuD8R0obHpUB6rKGtHoE3NJ2Fs/w480-h640/20230721_111224.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad, Mom, and me. PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> I'm not sure when I'll write again on this blog, if at all. Writing has been helpful for me in understanding this PCT journey and I'm glad I could share it with others.<br /></p>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-15272397238924763882023-08-23T15:41:00.001-06:002023-11-20T15:53:48.818-07:00Day 11. Even more bonus miles<div style="text-align: left;">7/19/23 Day 11<br />South of Rock Pass to 3 miles from Harts Pass</div><div style="text-align: left;">Washington Pacific Crest Trail bonus <br /></div><p>Another bonus day on the Pacific Crest Trail after finishing the PCT. Just wandering around and enjoying our time out here. Until I have to return.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCWL_vdKmfmj_7vffruTiFJKeY-VjQSmeDg1MxA3eHqT-cRmUk78QhKOZFe-7CbZbjgiUWuuzFWs2JkmxLdaSYHXe-fxR4oY91_o5cvmIyO0o9s-jUU8W85moE9DV18uXP8q9BFYJa-OoxJgFF8JL9zxy8kw_hkSSXd0Ll0GufARDJ0rYSUek0g3GKio/s1024/IMG_4491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCWL_vdKmfmj_7vffruTiFJKeY-VjQSmeDg1MxA3eHqT-cRmUk78QhKOZFe-7CbZbjgiUWuuzFWs2JkmxLdaSYHXe-fxR4oY91_o5cvmIyO0o9s-jUU8W85moE9DV18uXP8q9BFYJa-OoxJgFF8JL9zxy8kw_hkSSXd0Ll0GufARDJ0rYSUek0g3GKio/w640-h386/IMG_4491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We listened to the melodic song of the hermit thrush as we descent through rich forest. The day is all clear sunshiny.<p>We
run into two friendly interesting couples who we’ve been leapfrogging
with the whole trip and finally make time to chat more with them. We
also talk to a few more hikers - several other section hikers. Yay! Everyone is friendly and I get lots of high fives for finishing. In
pervious years, I’ve gotten bad attitudes from thruhikers who look down
on section hikers but this trip there hasn’t been any of that.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcfKai3IHscsj2T9Gs2vAsT62koWtDXVuVM3BIEWqUEJTs3Y9T1yPG00RvnkptgT4fGZF004VuF06UiH-WOliFNjmyp3lfLKz5FMo13ff6wgWOO9OpWEnVZiLoRdlt_eXYRzm2mgw8fwUAv6PfbkK9_7_ac5AEWRNmTDJ4hEQGzwNh_s3fMeVsum5lps/s1024/IMG_4516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcfKai3IHscsj2T9Gs2vAsT62koWtDXVuVM3BIEWqUEJTs3Y9T1yPG00RvnkptgT4fGZF004VuF06UiH-WOliFNjmyp3lfLKz5FMo13ff6wgWOO9OpWEnVZiLoRdlt_eXYRzm2mgw8fwUAv6PfbkK9_7_ac5AEWRNmTDJ4hEQGzwNh_s3fMeVsum5lps/w640-h418/IMG_4516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! Three different friends on this one blossom!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Jan and I are camped three miles from Jan’s car at Harts Pass but I’m so glad to
have another evening enjoying the trail. Like all of my PCT hikes, I am
not eager to leave this beloved trail. But I’m so glad I’ll be meeting
my parents in two days so there is that to look forward to!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZxbJDWCmFm5ml0VP0IhU_11HfzB4yPwMvatSJv7DzCOclQnvu8E743OLcE2BOcXMOSoMINj9889OcNbIUTRxMdORcxNG9czCTAHw5FcpFEYjrWbzPovtpMaa1JAa_RqVaYoO8uAgeBftmpXnnDnKztrKJHCUfDSAPBxMEZGt68D4NG16S82hNpeqS4c/s1017/IMG_4532.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1017" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZxbJDWCmFm5ml0VP0IhU_11HfzB4yPwMvatSJv7DzCOclQnvu8E743OLcE2BOcXMOSoMINj9889OcNbIUTRxMdORcxNG9czCTAHw5FcpFEYjrWbzPovtpMaa1JAa_RqVaYoO8uAgeBftmpXnnDnKztrKJHCUfDSAPBxMEZGt68D4NG16S82hNpeqS4c/w640-h422/IMG_4532.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last hang on the PCT.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jan
and I are camped on a saddle with views in both directions. It’s
normally a place I’d avoid since it could get windy up here, but so far
I’m in the lee side out of any wind. The only other sheltered option had a
resident mouse that greeted me as I was setting up, so I quickly packed
up and left her alone. Hopefully the wind doesn’t shift
direction during the night. </p>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-67522437047501826742023-08-22T15:19:00.002-06:002023-11-20T16:59:14.238-07:00Day 10. Still hiking<div style="text-align: left;">7/18/23 Day 10<br />Hopkins Lake to about 1 mile south of Rock Pass</div><div style="text-align: left;">Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail <br /></div><p>Even though I've finished the PCT, there are still more miles to hike to return to Harts Pass, where Jan's car is waiting. We are in no rush since we've got a few more day's of food and my parents don't meet us for a while.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWifsJSFZzUMt0JoGgxbAbwt4q9S1T_Uw7gS1wFrDSMDgJcUUbBKgcMQXwJBFu8mwd-bM4zusKwLAwt1oSeke008iks2sw6caxTEJBcqAgA9Lf4KttBHfAMp9fP9valViMtkFupIiQ1BBfW-eP09p8BY8S2gtptL8xzXsHwJ92KwpuscRPDUBgKtjdtI/s1024/IMG_4427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWifsJSFZzUMt0JoGgxbAbwt4q9S1T_Uw7gS1wFrDSMDgJcUUbBKgcMQXwJBFu8mwd-bM4zusKwLAwt1oSeke008iks2sw6caxTEJBcqAgA9Lf4KttBHfAMp9fP9valViMtkFupIiQ1BBfW-eP09p8BY8S2gtptL8xzXsHwJ92KwpuscRPDUBgKtjdtI/w640-h480/IMG_4427.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Last
night was our coldest yet- 38 degrees - and was a good reminder for why
I always take my down booties and puffy jacket. It was nice to stay
toasty!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfHejFizELBgGQ-kgJAYNSuW56VfS0LNYllqlSRuJgyH4htBRS9aNomc9Sr8r2YmoFtFE-u9O3AHllQ4mR8uLJoP5Fz8sYuWvUge6NAUHBI2Z4CHD915JSXIutSpDrG1ECgcmA3NhDNY8bTqcWlxa-o7lzQcqJehFzJLsCnChURNfH6Lid_fOAgeuPb4/s1024/20230718_100235.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfHejFizELBgGQ-kgJAYNSuW56VfS0LNYllqlSRuJgyH4htBRS9aNomc9Sr8r2YmoFtFE-u9O3AHllQ4mR8uLJoP5Fz8sYuWvUge6NAUHBI2Z4CHD915JSXIutSpDrG1ECgcmA3NhDNY8bTqcWlxa-o7lzQcqJehFzJLsCnChURNfH6Lid_fOAgeuPb4/w640-h436/20230718_100235.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Today was a fantastic day on the PCT with outstanding scenery! I know
we saw this terrain before but this time we took our time and stopped even morw
than usual. Lakeview Ridge had crystal clear views off to the North
Cascades and down to the lakes. Mags had told me that this is one of the most memorable parts of the PCT and he was totally right on! The section between Woody Pass and Rock Pass was
also filled with butterflies and flowers. I chased them up and down the trail
(but thankfully not off any cliffs) to snap photos for iNaturalist.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9WWARODwTYlYId5Z0p4pagj0SoeJiYpOPi93xptbtO_f7W37-z6-bhSLqRflLCBec_RwlQBzwi-kjNok4lAO2aeCr0BQrx3QeNjSQaYNd50bksWii0ad7liWvmuvdH8Kr_eF7F924323cjuC8kiALCfOJ-F02H-9BCLKFxTpeqrswzVb5OGXAUL4V8k/s768/IMG_4446.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9WWARODwTYlYId5Z0p4pagj0SoeJiYpOPi93xptbtO_f7W37-z6-bhSLqRflLCBec_RwlQBzwi-kjNok4lAO2aeCr0BQrx3QeNjSQaYNd50bksWii0ad7liWvmuvdH8Kr_eF7F924323cjuC8kiALCfOJ-F02H-9BCLKFxTpeqrswzVb5OGXAUL4V8k/w554-h640/IMG_4446.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were so many butterflies, including some alpine favorites like this one.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our big plan for the day was to check out a lake that we spotted on the
map. Win! It was lovely enough for a swim and plenty of relaxing on the
shore. The butterflies were puddling along the shore and also swooping
over the water. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAKLbkuIc0SxxajWpXzOiUrxg3oMC9KOw8kLdSOFNceDHBVXOmsNrm9wfprdPIRZm4ZQU7sx6MHRbHmqBhTQnhi3nGMGoGI5FR-b-loqdsFW9PSO9rxGBAEqYWIob64LdmQ4AlfOVMEyN8tWTSqounUNs7lHiEzPybd2-MGQIOE-598DIp4k6cXoNFZM/s800/IMG_4469.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAKLbkuIc0SxxajWpXzOiUrxg3oMC9KOw8kLdSOFNceDHBVXOmsNrm9wfprdPIRZm4ZQU7sx6MHRbHmqBhTQnhi3nGMGoGI5FR-b-loqdsFW9PSO9rxGBAEqYWIob64LdmQ4AlfOVMEyN8tWTSqounUNs7lHiEzPybd2-MGQIOE-598DIp4k6cXoNFZM/w640-h480/IMG_4469.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic lake off the PCT. This was one that we found using our maps (<i>i.e. it's not on guthooks</i>). <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqscuYX-GB3svqee6A7py314y2dtf8N_7osgq54ii8lAeeoKfAeYBOgY2Q1vHPwDwssollUnlPe_XFkSUxe5m4f0AO6YMICFMKbKJ_SPvHSUEOaonBOe3Jy4C-bJWXkhgI8EGYVBqMJkqRDMtFs0UjDQX4GqrVSJvBDbsvg87augcuKcJmRlmsGRRnthw/s1024/IMG_4485.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqscuYX-GB3svqee6A7py314y2dtf8N_7osgq54ii8lAeeoKfAeYBOgY2Q1vHPwDwssollUnlPe_XFkSUxe5m4f0AO6YMICFMKbKJ_SPvHSUEOaonBOe3Jy4C-bJWXkhgI8EGYVBqMJkqRDMtFs0UjDQX4GqrVSJvBDbsvg87augcuKcJmRlmsGRRnthw/w640-h480/IMG_4485.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a sweet bonus lake!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then we found a campsite above the lake just a
short walk to the open meadows views for dinner. We basked in the sun
and looked at plants and spent the long evening relaxing. Time well spent, without any mileage goals.<br /></p><br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-53524070407058619312023-08-21T14:26:00.007-06:002023-11-20T17:57:28.439-07:00Day 9. Finishing the Pacific Crest Trail<div style="text-align: left;">7/17/23 Day 9<br />Hopkins Lake to Canada (and back to Hopkins Lake)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail</div><p>Jan
and I made it to Canada today. As of today, I have hiked the entire
PCT, some of it multiple times because of all my out-and-backs.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHV_oGsnh2o2h8NUAS4eG-Mdy1dkyuWNst2Haf2uNNupCcRqSbEocmUcE0897C7KrmOhYX0EeOFDvTXb-ZrM26PaTLGlfeAR0oslJBaNQWUJAOaac5QsKaW_b2MTSZwlgTRPjKhxfDb4bKLo33vJubOU6oaRBSJYp2TAKnBlzunArCWlcjvmtdkADUMo/s1024/20230717_103915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHV_oGsnh2o2h8NUAS4eG-Mdy1dkyuWNst2Haf2uNNupCcRqSbEocmUcE0897C7KrmOhYX0EeOFDvTXb-ZrM26PaTLGlfeAR0oslJBaNQWUJAOaac5QsKaW_b2MTSZwlgTRPjKhxfDb4bKLo33vJubOU6oaRBSJYp2TAKnBlzunArCWlcjvmtdkADUMo/w640-h480/20230717_103915.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the border monument. PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The
rain starts and is on again off again all morning. The scenery is
mostly for forest with views through the trees and sweet, kind PCT-grade
trail. It's good terrain for rain.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsntB2RRTYGOOX3s5IuNw9acmInNq4K7n_jdL4VZUW3ByduHDq5kk1H3n1lo8-XQgQEPvM7yikBG0KCOE4mzl0bOG_eM-VgTCXKuDj9T01iVt02y9vWfK8D0Vga8iOMbtViOIlb8bThyneaMRieL35nO9H66n1wefrT7apoSkRiNBXhfzAyaD9g5CVQ9Q/s1024/IMG_4390.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsntB2RRTYGOOX3s5IuNw9acmInNq4K7n_jdL4VZUW3ByduHDq5kk1H3n1lo8-XQgQEPvM7yikBG0KCOE4mzl0bOG_eM-VgTCXKuDj9T01iVt02y9vWfK8D0Vga8iOMbtViOIlb8bThyneaMRieL35nO9H66n1wefrT7apoSkRiNBXhfzAyaD9g5CVQ9Q/w640-h408/IMG_4390.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrella time!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The monument itself is
sort of like I'd expect from seeing other peoples' photos. But it also
feels surreal like being on a movie set or peaking behind the scenes of a
famous place. I know there will be the cut of trees, because that's the
classic backdrop I've seen in other peoples' finishing photos. But I
didn't expect the flowers or the rooty bare ground that so many have sat
upon.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXZ1TmHpzxfdBn_ZeGRn0cs5lj3RCuYOdUBqbhc4v3l-jwRpcSSxo5UT-e2mnhNat2tp5y2TeQsx-EVAkoxVDf4WPrkAerFcCMcDQhSah7QIIgK1dkXHbWvIHLlar6i60ADY9rYF7v3CX46oZEhYzDjLtX2Je1f0Ap6bl2hgywB6aFPP77EkEzdlNB5E/s3000/20230717_103022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="3000" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXZ1TmHpzxfdBn_ZeGRn0cs5lj3RCuYOdUBqbhc4v3l-jwRpcSSxo5UT-e2mnhNat2tp5y2TeQsx-EVAkoxVDf4WPrkAerFcCMcDQhSah7QIIgK1dkXHbWvIHLlar6i60ADY9rYF7v3CX46oZEhYzDjLtX2Je1f0Ap6bl2hgywB6aFPP77EkEzdlNB5E/w640-h530/20230717_103022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Joan.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When we arrive at the border monument, there is already a
couple from Maryland (snow-bos) who we’ve been leapfrogging with there. We chat with them and we do a photo shoot.<p>Jan
asks me how I’m feeling but I’m feeling so much it's hard to explain! First,
I'm happy. I mean, I did it! But there is also a feeling of disbelief.
I've still been thinking it might not happen. I also feel some sadness
at finishing. I love the PCT so much and its a part of this chapter of
my life. And now I wonder how I'm going to find something as good.
Certainly no trail can possibly be as kind, reliable, joyful, and gentle
as the PCT!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_-NnXLpU2qdw-rGJgTnVmnZEa7Ha6jsWoAiwk1Q5EsD2wl6VSoAQ6Den93zP3JtMVX04fGJ7m-FmKUYc4nnC7Z6QtacsNfZm6MmOswSfwj7pgcLjiaNGGcLanHEaufjTPWFms8lPqVsPz6VSVrpFDgl0V6BsxtxkDXVcVezT25Pxi_XeXOC10O71cXY/s888/20230717_102957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="888" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_-NnXLpU2qdw-rGJgTnVmnZEa7Ha6jsWoAiwk1Q5EsD2wl6VSoAQ6Den93zP3JtMVX04fGJ7m-FmKUYc4nnC7Z6QtacsNfZm6MmOswSfwj7pgcLjiaNGGcLanHEaufjTPWFms8lPqVsPz6VSVrpFDgl0V6BsxtxkDXVcVezT25Pxi_XeXOC10O71cXY/w640-h554/20230717_102957.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>There is also freedom in knowing this chapter is
over. I know that no other trail will be
like this trail has been for me … because it has been a constant for the
past 10 summers. While I’ve done section hikes 5 of those summers, not
being on the PCT for the other 5 summers was still full of anticipating
and knowing I’d return. Now that this is over, anything is possible.<br /><br />I am also overwhelmed with gratitude for
the many people that have helped me and showed incredible kindness, and
especially for the wisdom imparted along the way. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGa7Rc77PFRDI0figH3lNNXrhd_Yf8hGzn0EmaYLsLKbMI5aBjnWtg5il_BQQJI09nqo7sY1i4uAQZ-H6DaTf_b1K6T49dvHaaI9n6J4H2Auh2finI6kYrmHy8wCWBXHDhJloZZGzx8jzdFXtu_by-_IECpm9vdXRrBnYJByj_MIEr4aU5zGszfu50rc/s912/20230717_103006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="912" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGa7Rc77PFRDI0figH3lNNXrhd_Yf8hGzn0EmaYLsLKbMI5aBjnWtg5il_BQQJI09nqo7sY1i4uAQZ-H6DaTf_b1K6T49dvHaaI9n6J4H2Auh2finI6kYrmHy8wCWBXHDhJloZZGzx8jzdFXtu_by-_IECpm9vdXRrBnYJByj_MIEr4aU5zGszfu50rc/w640-h538/20230717_103006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding my PCT Class of 2014 bandana.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I think about how back in April 2014 when I started, I hadn't
even met Jan! And how we met in 2014 during my stress fracture and how we ended up being bestie hiking buddies. And now we’ve hiked so many miles together and been
through so much.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8MQLTahl0PDqXFnzoE5ERt7S1U7ICU8KAEB58NLcC21Vx5qa0iBceIgL-wRE11GXPa5K8DTi_WnYOzLtvb9kwFJ-COaNIqjRFFTuXWwnQCkCWFWdUKKiopeIIMmZj5HHNByDuXDFXuO9ZF1KMHWpZHX-CAnGVLKXn0CrRpZehNZfzeMV5TMpBOuFNKY/s1024/IMG_4397.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8MQLTahl0PDqXFnzoE5ERt7S1U7ICU8KAEB58NLcC21Vx5qa0iBceIgL-wRE11GXPa5K8DTi_WnYOzLtvb9kwFJ-COaNIqjRFFTuXWwnQCkCWFWdUKKiopeIIMmZj5HHNByDuXDFXuO9ZF1KMHWpZHX-CAnGVLKXn0CrRpZehNZfzeMV5TMpBOuFNKY/w640-h480/IMG_4397.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this! Jan surprises me with a tasty treat! WOW!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I send an inreach message to my parents. They've been incredibly supportive my whole life and I feel so
lucky to have them close to me! I also inreach Mags who truly understand how to integrate hiking and life.<br /></p><p>A lot of people that have been important for my PCT hike, I've lost touch with over the years. But I send out my thoughts to them. I think about
those I've hiked many PCT miles with- Susan, MeToo, Arizona, and Coach. I think of Renee who helped me get
started with long-distance hiking, and with whom offered much support and PCT smiles. I think of Steph who helped me transform my stress fracture into a
success and got me back out to the trail and saw me through such a dark
time. I think of Still Waters who always believed in me. (<i>Still Waters- if you
ever read this, I want you to know that I carried your note the whole
way and read it countless times and it gave me strength and wisdom to
get me through so much.</i> <i>Thank you for everything, Still Waters.</i>)<br /><br />I am also grateful to my right foot
especially for healing after the stress fracture, for turning my thru hike into a section hike,
which has given me almost a decade of the PCT woven into my life. <br /><br />One the return trip, Jan and I have fun chatting. I return
to inaturalizing and finally seeing the pika that we've been hearing out
frolicing. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyxrrwWm9WmS89sQWMocKqEZCKDCgZHze4tsVAEeVetX9LdpRhlqUjfow8wnSad28P2f2GANtnVQgyovai_8whHJsFRu4ba2liQlyv5OF8aty-hx-4XcPHm80_AsKSY9DHrf5cgODUfEZJ7MCAviKRq7uR_SRbBxAVcQz491GUXfr5wtq1KpPaCm6TCg/s1024/20230717_133104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyxrrwWm9WmS89sQWMocKqEZCKDCgZHze4tsVAEeVetX9LdpRhlqUjfow8wnSad28P2f2GANtnVQgyovai_8whHJsFRu4ba2liQlyv5OF8aty-hx-4XcPHm80_AsKSY9DHrf5cgODUfEZJ7MCAviKRq7uR_SRbBxAVcQz491GUXfr5wtq1KpPaCm6TCg/w640-h416/20230717_133104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me frolicing too. PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Evening winds increase and I have bad memories too
of many horribly windy PCT nights. So we climb away from the lake and
amazingly there is less wind here and I am pitched between trees that
are at the absolute limit of the length of my tarp. The temperature is
dropping fast but so far I am cozy and Jan found a good spot close by so
yay what a day!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPiKH9mDemECBLnAFsUzovd2ZzeLbRZYSw0Fs4Ib-K5-928jyKxviRborA25rcFy6RjD0H9sLGXyo4Oo4w6_8CrtgfhRg-AERJZjEbFCEVMB-2BbMWUs5a8MtGzVo-Vg6fvUvRsufbyJBK7-3KhmzjGDDwBHVgmyyy460ZAlI6AwPWDQ6pLwhl2jXNE4/s1024/IMG_4422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPiKH9mDemECBLnAFsUzovd2ZzeLbRZYSw0Fs4Ib-K5-928jyKxviRborA25rcFy6RjD0H9sLGXyo4Oo4w6_8CrtgfhRg-AERJZjEbFCEVMB-2BbMWUs5a8MtGzVo-Vg6fvUvRsufbyJBK7-3KhmzjGDDwBHVgmyyy460ZAlI6AwPWDQ6pLwhl2jXNE4/w640-h430/IMG_4422.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardly any wind up here away from the lake.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As I fall asleep, I have more thoughts about finishing. Before I started the PCT, I remember spending so
much time planning for the PCT and wondering how it would change me and
wondering what I'd learn. Now I know that I can absolutely do and
finish anything. I am persistant. And I can find all the joy in doing it
too. I
am also grateful that my PCT experience has been my own. That it was on
my own timeframe. That I hiked my own direction. That I hiked my own
way.Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-28218819563788300572023-08-20T12:58:00.001-06:002023-11-20T13:36:33.919-07:00Day 8 Holman Pass to Hopkins Lake7/16/23 Day 8<p>Holman Pass to Hopkins Lake<br />Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail<br /><br />Last
night’s sleep was made possible by the wonders of ear plugs. I always
keep ear plugs in my first aid kit- it's one of those emergency items
that I'm always glad I have for situiations when other people camp
nearby. I got solid sleep and was ready for the day!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH70e1FU0ozsO2pOcd6FEjS3mYNv9ugbLKgB_5z2dazZIVTWFeCEx18Lvi7TZ-elfULM3H3R7nCUpyT6r9LM4czdEwsK2CpWUwUBqOmDF9ZeJKbmQiYUdhN-eeNsAxCjWcSRo7X_KrAN_5nC-6GOgjjvSw5x93yx1EyNS-ggZQv6svF2hNCCmb7JApHLw/s1024/IMG_4359.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH70e1FU0ozsO2pOcd6FEjS3mYNv9ugbLKgB_5z2dazZIVTWFeCEx18Lvi7TZ-elfULM3H3R7nCUpyT6r9LM4czdEwsK2CpWUwUBqOmDF9ZeJKbmQiYUdhN-eeNsAxCjWcSRo7X_KrAN_5nC-6GOgjjvSw5x93yx1EyNS-ggZQv6svF2hNCCmb7JApHLw/w640-h414/IMG_4359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jan and I
were up and on the trail by 6:15 like always. Today started out witha
climb but the reqards were outstanding. We enjoyed views practically all
day. The stretch over Rock Pass then over Woody Pass was amazing. There
were even clear sky views off to the west of stunning glacier capped
peaks including Mt Baker!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPcKEhPd_MHRuLu8cl-84_b4iNJrZMaBcMIE11hjePKTEtVKk55AUBzjS18NEP20Vs0QQxr_qCaRbxCDFglbir6cy1y1n9TJU0QK5TMrYw1fxR5I5d0kDlEUyBpZeC9IH5dMqLr4u5siqhiB7K4OBZ2s7IkMmmpG3R9Yo1VCmKvYw-5ERGP9k_2QcHZc/s1024/IMG_4371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </p><p>I know that the Canadian border is a rather arbritrary end to this hike. But the scenery in these north Cascades is absolutely stunning and finishing here doesn't seem like a let down at all. It's truly one of my favorite sections (though of course I say that about all the sections LOL).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJfvX-FlI7erK9QSPX_atfOxur7y2PfJEZMguMFTPOi32kNSYotRQmhfHLlrcz5e65eLGt3h4nFrLGc2SmkyFqpw_ADxtBfmGijIZH2hWx_QPrL3hfZCOUXzgaQEiqa_kUAhdnQCUhnvL2SFgleAQLdYyQJirH7IEDcuozSoHnw-1jZc_SBCFFNAXM0Y/s1024/IMG_4372.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJfvX-FlI7erK9QSPX_atfOxur7y2PfJEZMguMFTPOi32kNSYotRQmhfHLlrcz5e65eLGt3h4nFrLGc2SmkyFqpw_ADxtBfmGijIZH2hWx_QPrL3hfZCOUXzgaQEiqa_kUAhdnQCUhnvL2SFgleAQLdYyQJirH7IEDcuozSoHnw-1jZc_SBCFFNAXM0Y/w640-h480/IMG_4372.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and I can't pass up an opportunity to make snow angels!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPcKEhPd_MHRuLu8cl-84_b4iNJrZMaBcMIE11hjePKTEtVKk55AUBzjS18NEP20Vs0QQxr_qCaRbxCDFglbir6cy1y1n9TJU0QK5TMrYw1fxR5I5d0kDlEUyBpZeC9IH5dMqLr4u5siqhiB7K4OBZ2s7IkMmmpG3R9Yo1VCmKvYw-5ERGP9k_2QcHZc/s1024/IMG_4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPcKEhPd_MHRuLu8cl-84_b4iNJrZMaBcMIE11hjePKTEtVKk55AUBzjS18NEP20Vs0QQxr_qCaRbxCDFglbir6cy1y1n9TJU0QK5TMrYw1fxR5I5d0kDlEUyBpZeC9IH5dMqLr4u5siqhiB7K4OBZ2s7IkMmmpG3R9Yo1VCmKvYw-5ERGP9k_2QcHZc/w640-h480/IMG_4371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>These are the types of views that make me glad I waited to hike this section for a smoke-free window! It was worth the wait!<br /><br />When
sorting through our food bags, Jan and I discovered that we’d both
brought an extra dinner and breakfast. Normally I'd be frustrated that I
hadn't calculated my food properly and was carrying extra weight. But
because it's Jan, and we both did it, we decided that it means that can
stay out another night! This is another reason I am grateful to Jan for
her awesome, relaxed hiking style. I'm excited about maximizing our time
on the trail instead of having to rush back.<br /><br />We passed Jans
friend Nick who started his FKT attempt today. We also saw him yesterday
on his way to the boarder — luckily since he had more time to talk
then. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMPo2zcjdBlf26usz3eo3JQqnBaODdCUhYGj46NGIdsVBJeUGWk4hT5vo3K0cNzz9vD5c1wUe7_1UbJBG2kLVcfZSQShnvSh2cXiVSm9wMFaXMexKVmNBxH-1ldzfaHP3HkQTcUe099S2mkPi_NFrOhk2NGRrG4nd3HtObnTkmIpU4uYOMDOffyu5sDA/s1022/IMG_4373.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1022" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMPo2zcjdBlf26usz3eo3JQqnBaODdCUhYGj46NGIdsVBJeUGWk4hT5vo3K0cNzz9vD5c1wUe7_1UbJBG2kLVcfZSQShnvSh2cXiVSm9wMFaXMexKVmNBxH-1ldzfaHP3HkQTcUe099S2mkPi_NFrOhk2NGRrG4nd3HtObnTkmIpU4uYOMDOffyu5sDA/w640-h430/IMG_4373.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Hopkins Lake from above<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the evening, we had a hard time finding a campsite with two hammock-spaced trees for me and a flat spot for Jan. But finally we did it!
We are camped near Hopkins Lake, which is surrounded by steep cliffs and
the water is clear and colorful. We had a "long" swim in the lake-
maybe 5 whole minutes- the water was THAT warm. Haha!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMRBE2l-aZWpY75MVMKNinYNvnYrVY3H4UH0pUwm2hzZejeej_k01aIqL7xT0JEm8QSz2FHs2xqUlguRD21Sp4idsLwjbgo0D9VhpX1oWUfh_0IZN6w4bIm0xvGk6IgXEuHDVVxy2rNHaJ-PGYzAQvWzVFAUVhaDD8Fo3vQ5h3seoD66UpOPUtIbVNvo/s1024/IMG_4380.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMRBE2l-aZWpY75MVMKNinYNvnYrVY3H4UH0pUwm2hzZejeej_k01aIqL7xT0JEm8QSz2FHs2xqUlguRD21Sp4idsLwjbgo0D9VhpX1oWUfh_0IZN6w4bIm0xvGk6IgXEuHDVVxy2rNHaJ-PGYzAQvWzVFAUVhaDD8Fo3vQ5h3seoD66UpOPUtIbVNvo/w640-h386/IMG_4380.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out after swimming in Hopkins Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Tomorrow,
if all goes as planned, we will get to Canada! You can tell that I'm
still not taking it for granted that I'll actually make it. Even though
it's just a few miles away. But I've had so many things happen over the
years, that I'm not confident that there won't be problems. Just have to
see how it goes.<br /><br />With the end being near, I’ve been wondering if
I am one of the last Class of 2014 finishers, or if there are others
from my starting year who are still going section by section. I also
wonder if most Class of 2014 finishers completed in 2014 or if more
people who started that year AND who complete the trail were section
hikers and completed over multiple years. There are only a few section
hikers that we’ve met. But no one else that we’ve met is completing the
PCT. I wonder if I will be the only person who completes the PCT
tomorrow. <br /><br />I’m grateful to Jan for being here for this finale
with me. She has been so supportive and genuinely happy for me and it
fills me with joy to share this with her.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RNbb4LgK4_ED42EnuPgoExPfTVOZUBc8iBW2m4UmW_x86o6AvobMoQmUwjn26USmYVO7LBQuforCWbgjBUwiVsOQ94LVoiKqn2nlnyTp2jkpNB4-5zqZ1Yvj5N0gdlZ1Pl0VhbsttbUbQXx4C5z88d59ciwAgUyZ5yuw3-f90mpXfTruvwvr3DA_5Jo/s1017/IMG_4378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1017" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RNbb4LgK4_ED42EnuPgoExPfTVOZUBc8iBW2m4UmW_x86o6AvobMoQmUwjn26USmYVO7LBQuforCWbgjBUwiVsOQ94LVoiKqn2nlnyTp2jkpNB4-5zqZ1Yvj5N0gdlZ1Pl0VhbsttbUbQXx4C5z88d59ciwAgUyZ5yuw3-f90mpXfTruvwvr3DA_5Jo/w640-h406/IMG_4378.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the evening, I notice I've got a hole in my shirt, so I take the time to patch it up. You might think that because I am a section hiker that I have all new gear, but quite the opposite is true. My clothes and gear are worn from many, many trips. But I did restock my thread and repair tape before this trip, thankfully.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-17821643054020309662023-08-19T11:30:00.001-06:002023-11-20T12:58:08.343-07:00Day 7. Harts Pass to Holman Pass7/15/23 <br /><p>Harts Pass to Holman Pass</p><p>Pacific Crest Trail in Washington state <br /></p><p><br />Good thing I had that
nap on our zero day! Last night was loud in the campground until
hiker-2AM (ie 11 PM). Folks were driving in after dark, making stinky
campfires (ugh I hate campfires because they burn my throat and make my eyes red and puffy), and talking late into the night.
Really, nothing more than you’d expect at a campground. Only Jan and I
are on hiker time- meaning waking at dawn (5:30) and going to sleep at
dusk (or earlier!). <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTXz4DO_pMH0TSWvoUVdOr2Al3C0xZQFD1zODA8bfOkwOw0M737GROCUO_K8YQ1ShL3shoTc6bItb4-K_e2TRww3gZ1H-e70IkVS18UwOO_S1VUhaBa-9-SbKeNRHztcWFvq9RD_BirleSoxs5N9lOQgNVEcgLdD03tyWkKO5ar1UTmc-1JtAX-k9TIE/s1280/20230715_092723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTXz4DO_pMH0TSWvoUVdOr2Al3C0xZQFD1zODA8bfOkwOw0M737GROCUO_K8YQ1ShL3shoTc6bItb4-K_e2TRww3gZ1H-e70IkVS18UwOO_S1VUhaBa-9-SbKeNRHztcWFvq9RD_BirleSoxs5N9lOQgNVEcgLdD03tyWkKO5ar1UTmc-1JtAX-k9TIE/w640-h480/20230715_092723.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Today our packs were heavy with 5 days of
food but I felt so refreshed after a full zero day and was full of
energy. And ready to see what this last section of my PCT hike has in
store!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XQqjnW8Luqj40ir6p0j3cvZMvHNCK3sNwIWHk2VjIVMfzodh5ukRdmKCTDzvsTfgAmJenRym26CzUSc2UDpEfiOBZrSMD9ibU0O0K2eu5Ls5utzY0ZtQJujJJJFezy_MBzlEAGzCV0Va5jWfnKGvujpb9nyfG8CiA8C1whJ1gRndnpk_QoZ3jeZrOyc/s1280/20230715_072635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XQqjnW8Luqj40ir6p0j3cvZMvHNCK3sNwIWHk2VjIVMfzodh5ukRdmKCTDzvsTfgAmJenRym26CzUSc2UDpEfiOBZrSMD9ibU0O0K2eu5Ls5utzY0ZtQJujJJJFezy_MBzlEAGzCV0Va5jWfnKGvujpb9nyfG8CiA8C1whJ1gRndnpk_QoZ3jeZrOyc/w640-h456/20230715_072635.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling out our self-issued wilderness permit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We could see many of the peaks we’d identified on
yesterday's visit to Slate Peak lookout. And we could see the lookout
tower several times as we wound around on PCT-grade trails below.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa9Xou_0Aa4DW0SPiwKTtbuqRucm5A_nUj1HLwLLSzGy57Fz2lF_kOECs2CMFlwUoYrwxkhaDwBjXIqEqAjYqEk3mhY2cbhg7YqOkPo4l5wvIFwSCP0ZRWNJXmfFKZNQTyliuEI6cIethKNe2ayiTjIRB7FBbkdVCa7uGy1ywZFj3dALO67FtWTPXdwI/s1280/IMG_4346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa9Xou_0Aa4DW0SPiwKTtbuqRucm5A_nUj1HLwLLSzGy57Fz2lF_kOECs2CMFlwUoYrwxkhaDwBjXIqEqAjYqEk3mhY2cbhg7YqOkPo4l5wvIFwSCP0ZRWNJXmfFKZNQTyliuEI6cIethKNe2ayiTjIRB7FBbkdVCa7uGy1ywZFj3dALO67FtWTPXdwI/w640-h424/IMG_4346.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />We
set up camp at a large campsite where we figured other hikers would
join us but couldn’t find a smaller site. And sure enough three people
are set up nearby. Hopefully they wont stay up too late!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z9EzlECI6Y4wVql5dRxU7LvPQpdDsDRF9zBozQn1B63V95CmrS43zTw2Fv_3TLd_E6VxeR7lw3f0rnUHF7Hvg5J_L4152z53KYFF8bYEMQCHueAtJ81Yh2cQTnKovAlhs0imW2qtkOHdJkDI01f6ydmu1aI911-DrFF0Lg0x5CGn1Tu-SEZ7WkprMbM/s1280/IMG_4350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z9EzlECI6Y4wVql5dRxU7LvPQpdDsDRF9zBozQn1B63V95CmrS43zTw2Fv_3TLd_E6VxeR7lw3f0rnUHF7Hvg5J_L4152z53KYFF8bYEMQCHueAtJ81Yh2cQTnKovAlhs0imW2qtkOHdJkDI01f6ydmu1aI911-DrFF0Lg0x5CGn1Tu-SEZ7WkprMbM/w640-h434/IMG_4350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-32678446545710516372023-08-18T11:14:00.000-06:002023-08-18T11:14:26.582-06:00Day 6. Rest day at Harts Pass<p>7/14/23 </p><p>Jan and I have a fun and restful zero day at Harts Pass.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehfdVYLKW3dYEEZX-d1ulv71IAa4ApZSjrpDEi5VZsImYVdVnoBMkn9pgZPVT3wH8RxJTGKpHxrBhSC7iOPuyPeWP2W6UD70SweaIvUiBFMaA854be7oW-r4rbjuB8CR_buK1csLScfg_w0bhsz1r6Ix9av7VlZhilJniAYKzvpuVue4riNOcnHSQqkE/s1280/IMG_4330.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehfdVYLKW3dYEEZX-d1ulv71IAa4ApZSjrpDEi5VZsImYVdVnoBMkn9pgZPVT3wH8RxJTGKpHxrBhSC7iOPuyPeWP2W6UD70SweaIvUiBFMaA854be7oW-r4rbjuB8CR_buK1csLScfg_w0bhsz1r6Ix9av7VlZhilJniAYKzvpuVue4riNOcnHSQqkE/w640-h480/IMG_4330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slate Peak Lookout<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Jan
suggests that we head up to Slate Peak lookout and it is totally
incredible! We take a morning drive to the parking lot and then climb a
short ways up to the lookout. It gives us incredible views and we luck
out with clear bluebird skies. Signs identify the surrounding peaks-
including our past and future trail. Jan talks about previous trips
she's made to the nearby mountains and I learn to identify their
distinct shapes. It makes the rest of the trip more meaningful to be
oriented this way. I feel so lucky that Jan suggested this diversion!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqu4noyyXfVX7gUlWlK6qt_5cF4XBSpjSmgh0KzhV7VRSis7NgXmXzIGCHzayBDhs08zyN4cKI5ScVavtDFOcSti_-JbFIITjwUbH0-GSV5n29QIviLrIXZQR4zSwdclz3O9gXdsbQtK2cLs9jxA6T5RqNxm0ysIwWuCV9yekP8G9Bj00h6xSu5IZiHE/s1280/IMG_4331.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqu4noyyXfVX7gUlWlK6qt_5cF4XBSpjSmgh0KzhV7VRSis7NgXmXzIGCHzayBDhs08zyN4cKI5ScVavtDFOcSti_-JbFIITjwUbH0-GSV5n29QIviLrIXZQR4zSwdclz3O9gXdsbQtK2cLs9jxA6T5RqNxm0ysIwWuCV9yekP8G9Bj00h6xSu5IZiHE/w640-h480/IMG_4331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sit enjoying views for a long time. </td></tr></tbody></table>We’d
thought there might be cell service at the lookout and I was both
looking forward to seeing if I could get email and download more books
from the library but also hoping there was no service since I’m enjoying
the break so much. There was no service which was kind of a relief- and
I used my inreach to check in with my folks who are meeting Jan and I
in a few days. But besides that, I enjoyed the silence.<p>We spent
the afternoon napping and avoiding the mosquitoes with various methods.
My favorite was using my map as a mosquito barrier-- plus I could use
the map to dream about future trips!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuVdZas5URPYZF-ovOnD5bJo4pjFEbWdz_O87kr1suPxLxSNuPneVrr4IvFjdzfL0OcXeb2TpFdh_vs9T2B4TvQ010XTsRW_aBLr5aTEQN7e9wGbuKArgXQkPmWaSAgAuyqFSKQpCsB2RHcD0CAAtulxKNPnDumr8EwShMVYb8_AgJc0mRFjunP1QF7c/s1280/20230714_134833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuVdZas5URPYZF-ovOnD5bJo4pjFEbWdz_O87kr1suPxLxSNuPneVrr4IvFjdzfL0OcXeb2TpFdh_vs9T2B4TvQ010XTsRW_aBLr5aTEQN7e9wGbuKArgXQkPmWaSAgAuyqFSKQpCsB2RHcD0CAAtulxKNPnDumr8EwShMVYb8_AgJc0mRFjunP1QF7c/w640-h480/20230714_134833.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />While relaxing, Jan finds
her trail journal that she has saved from our 2016 Washington PCT
section hike. She treats me to a read alound and we relive the memories
together and share more laughter.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel2w3KhUUdj0xcqnS9ShkImBwEeeU-ZIqrVs4RZSdwihY9nUgjlCL_t7Cv9s6oZykzRtmJqyKvTfJBBRiDT04kIXa4zZkqItUlzaKEmCTXq_cmEicAITUu_c1vjWU4XF4UiM8bbdEB0S55O-dBbg44Hzv2zzcdHISvMg2Wk18uIvE6yrfSiRkhOSlWeA/s1280/IMG_4335.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel2w3KhUUdj0xcqnS9ShkImBwEeeU-ZIqrVs4RZSdwihY9nUgjlCL_t7Cv9s6oZykzRtmJqyKvTfJBBRiDT04kIXa4zZkqItUlzaKEmCTXq_cmEicAITUu_c1vjWU4XF4UiM8bbdEB0S55O-dBbg44Hzv2zzcdHISvMg2Wk18uIvE6yrfSiRkhOSlWeA/w640-h480/IMG_4335.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan cooks up a feast of delicious chili mac</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYdupHBmnMco5tySB_QS1KFBP1RdgI5KKcI8zchoxKfkODrvIPaYUQvJibHnRq3creMppXDo78ybjgXe6Js0UO_eOPLNRPwd5KjAngFmTekk1Z79mDzh-WTtRbsMOy7QUifLFb3pDm-lRuf2S3U7jeh2Vu-dLa2bpI9ZnitWtnIKWNSm6UhCCXwdKAyA/s1280/IMG_4334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYdupHBmnMco5tySB_QS1KFBP1RdgI5KKcI8zchoxKfkODrvIPaYUQvJibHnRq3creMppXDo78ybjgXe6Js0UO_eOPLNRPwd5KjAngFmTekk1Z79mDzh-WTtRbsMOy7QUifLFb3pDm-lRuf2S3U7jeh2Vu-dLa2bpI9ZnitWtnIKWNSm6UhCCXwdKAyA/w640-h380/IMG_4334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plus more butterflies and inaturalizing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-62139205829055862012023-08-18T10:51:00.000-06:002023-08-18T10:51:16.617-06:00 Day 5. Into Harts Pass<p> Day 5. Into Harts Pass </p><p>7/13/23 </p><p>A short hike back to Harts Pass. There are more swirling clouds and fantastic views. I know I say this every single time, but this really is one of the best sections.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNonHECkmfhAJHcqtNzV73jCVVbWcqhhZF4sZbYd4c99ejhMSQqmzAw1X_Lw-fscZsvMrvitpVdobKLKcOJdiCCxCyJ1UkyfHjm_zo1hFhHFgrRmpbpJSE2CvHOXoayH0PKFkGtlGTL3amQghnmhHOC6O-hxpsvRYFxL2IZYjc4e7uo3_9A7cIPNzqAQ/s1280/IMG_4302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNonHECkmfhAJHcqtNzV73jCVVbWcqhhZF4sZbYd4c99ejhMSQqmzAw1X_Lw-fscZsvMrvitpVdobKLKcOJdiCCxCyJ1UkyfHjm_zo1hFhHFgrRmpbpJSE2CvHOXoayH0PKFkGtlGTL3amQghnmhHOC6O-hxpsvRYFxL2IZYjc4e7uo3_9A7cIPNzqAQ/w640-h384/IMG_4302.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />We get a nice campsite at the Harts Pass Campground. I'm glad we've arrived early because this campground fill up fast. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3TzwfzWvB8LmkL7bedJjPCpyzmD-lZX1iXRJ39rc-dMwvXX-KLaFZrMasXavsrRKrWJF8DHKBFF3o_QFb_5gqq1FFLTttlodd4Ebry9adpG3TE2jyCgRlSQvwORhsQ3sT-4S01sknY-zRs_2FcMqoy1qY23ekL-bzJR_NBEN2lONtDF4TuYJOcCkosw/s1280/IMG_4313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3TzwfzWvB8LmkL7bedJjPCpyzmD-lZX1iXRJ39rc-dMwvXX-KLaFZrMasXavsrRKrWJF8DHKBFF3o_QFb_5gqq1FFLTttlodd4Ebry9adpG3TE2jyCgRlSQvwORhsQ3sT-4S01sknY-zRs_2FcMqoy1qY23ekL-bzJR_NBEN2lONtDF4TuYJOcCkosw/w640-h362/IMG_4313.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />It's
luxurious to have Jan's car here without all our resupply. We've got
changes of clothes, food, and her solar shower! Plus real towels! Jan sure knows how to do it right! <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aqLwxJD1Jt3nAuKk9G4NTVVxe9jAwyuWPdBS8gds1FGaNsYoVN47O3FnW-Nh8w8gfgJomNYDja2OwU6HBvdAJ4Fs3uvtY39jkdZe2fPOQiiyiVjHLZhxUvhUMSgA1kPs4-68etbZroNGeWIOO08vQAX43tENZ8a-TORQ5FiMU8fOEpxmShO3zYe_Z_A/s1280/IMG_4316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aqLwxJD1Jt3nAuKk9G4NTVVxe9jAwyuWPdBS8gds1FGaNsYoVN47O3FnW-Nh8w8gfgJomNYDja2OwU6HBvdAJ4Fs3uvtY39jkdZe2fPOQiiyiVjHLZhxUvhUMSgA1kPs4-68etbZroNGeWIOO08vQAX43tENZ8a-TORQ5FiMU8fOEpxmShO3zYe_Z_A/w640-h480/IMG_4316.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I eat the baguette I'd
picked up in Mazama a few days earlier and it is the best baguette EVER.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>We relax and move around the solar shower and solar panels, chasing sunlight as the shadows move around. What a great way to spend the day. Finally the water is warm enough and we clean up and feel amazing!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCsSIOR_s-8jNoIrSqHj35bQdsLSTWmeeeCB740MqbiWuDCx4LWsJlX0ng4OyNcKMZ78SxGv3eKC722i7mavvca8xu0H61dNixnmNIiQM2lUJ_pDu0Wac8Sy2NjuY3R0kwFHX957s7Ax_ECPQqwiEwp6S5WF0BPlqqcUC247m7b_DMTqJdgGu3aesoxk/s1280/IMG_4326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCsSIOR_s-8jNoIrSqHj35bQdsLSTWmeeeCB740MqbiWuDCx4LWsJlX0ng4OyNcKMZ78SxGv3eKC722i7mavvca8xu0H61dNixnmNIiQM2lUJ_pDu0Wac8Sy2NjuY3R0kwFHX957s7Ax_ECPQqwiEwp6S5WF0BPlqqcUC247m7b_DMTqJdgGu3aesoxk/w640-h430/IMG_4326.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>Once
we get our chores done and I'm all relaxed, my mind starts to wander. I keep thinking about
how I've just completed my second to last section. And that the next
section will be the last. But I’m glad I've got a few more days- I’m not
ready for this to be over yet. Will I ever be? <br /></p><p>I tuck my hammock in a tight spot but it is so quiet and wonderful. I feel a bit self-conscious about posting so many photos of my hammock-- I know some people roll their eyes at those of us who talk excessively about our hammocks. But also I just have to say that it really is that wonderful to have solid, deep, restorative sleep. Since I moved to Utah, I sleep most of the time on the ground. And I thought I"d get used to ground-dwelling, but nope, the sleep just doesn't even compare at all. And my muscles and hips don't hurt at all. So I'm just going to keep posting photos of the hammock!<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLfaywdUYCaR45ZiwoWbmv5bzwqflULQUhTMkVj6b2dRT_vFS5cn3VQMF39JsNH46S0Ua7Ehr4vdsyIORnhbGvLupDZkAsX_uuJ1qY4L5L5jt_iIr7Lqr0jwYd2mA9cPm3gcWBMV_VonHcZ5hZ9nPn9Tc1iCZoT9-N137EhCBNyDyO4jyPbBzpClAhSo/s1280/IMG_4325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLfaywdUYCaR45ZiwoWbmv5bzwqflULQUhTMkVj6b2dRT_vFS5cn3VQMF39JsNH46S0Ua7Ehr4vdsyIORnhbGvLupDZkAsX_uuJ1qY4L5L5jt_iIr7Lqr0jwYd2mA9cPm3gcWBMV_VonHcZ5hZ9nPn9Tc1iCZoT9-N137EhCBNyDyO4jyPbBzpClAhSo/w640-h420/IMG_4325.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-82174989116475576942023-08-18T10:26:00.002-06:002023-11-20T16:24:56.607-07:00Day 4. Butterflies and blowdowns<p> Day 4 7/12/23<br />Butterflies and blowdowns<br /><br />This has been the day
that Jan has been dreading. It's blowdown hell! And she knew this was
coming because we've already gone over them once. But that's the thing
about and out and back, sometimes the dread of knowing what's to come
can be worse than not knowing. So we go back over the blowdowns and I do
my best to distract myself with butterflies. My legs are much longer
than Jan's so my experience of the blowdowns is so different. But on the
other hand, I absolutely hate steep dropoffs, while Jan moves with ease
past cliffs that make my head spin. We make a good team.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38Krj6Kwvr8bjATm9qNWYGCKk3XTL7I9Xg2emZPbfrXpoD6dV-p6dFlPJxvH4bjlPrfd3MM2yDLYdG5liVEmwxFCYH8-X9xtyq9HiaTJ-jfmjWPku5erFbR0LxuahmZkgE9tumJSwUbmHZwNm7VIYktMKMKu4MEjyxld-tij2Qf09h3k5IS8MR1OFl1Y/s1280/IMG_4240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38Krj6Kwvr8bjATm9qNWYGCKk3XTL7I9Xg2emZPbfrXpoD6dV-p6dFlPJxvH4bjlPrfd3MM2yDLYdG5liVEmwxFCYH8-X9xtyq9HiaTJ-jfmjWPku5erFbR0LxuahmZkgE9tumJSwUbmHZwNm7VIYktMKMKu4MEjyxld-tij2Qf09h3k5IS8MR1OFl1Y/w640-h480/IMG_4240.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Long
trips give you time for your mind to wander. I have been noticing how
memories of previous PCT experiences are coming back. It makes me feel
grateful for all the twists and turns in my life. And how things worked
out not how I expected but in ways that gave me more than I expected.<br /><br />Unlike
the crowded feeling of the trail yesterday afternoon, there are a
reasonable number of hikers and most are either courteous or even
friendly so it all feels OK again.<br /><br />We meet a group of Australian
hikers who have flipped up to Washington who were on the shuttle with me
to Mazama. It’s great seeing them again! They share the story of how
when they got a ride up from Mazama to the PCT at Harts Pass, how they’d
been confused and asked where the monument was and were surprised to
find it was 30 miles away! They thought they'd be dropped off at the
border! They scrambled to get enough food that they hadn’t anticipated!
I’m glad they were fast hikers and could make it work.<br /><br />The climb
is gradual and not as bad as I expected. I am constantly amazed how
gentle PCT grade is- how can the trail be this kind and easy?! How can I
forget this fact? It is such a contrast to how hiking is for me back in
Utah. My body feels so good- I keep thinking I should be feeling pains
and my knee should be hurting but it isn’t.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqSEEV5MJXQUICsOvR4zxyBXCTn0avQ8FUs2q_IKvb2l3fI1SwlGRRB5xD0dJAtfOjkgc8YnmbSEBKKXixR21V1aQxoI_9rzRln1BigiiU_UlQjeXqCUM7DQGmbApZbieAScWP9iCHdoYZZdtWKT8p_UgM7nv1NUrwpnNsiWnQxAt_KWdScBgtTQXnw/s1024/IMG_4280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQqSEEV5MJXQUICsOvR4zxyBXCTn0avQ8FUs2q_IKvb2l3fI1SwlGRRB5xD0dJAtfOjkgc8YnmbSEBKKXixR21V1aQxoI_9rzRln1BigiiU_UlQjeXqCUM7DQGmbApZbieAScWP9iCHdoYZZdtWKT8p_UgM7nv1NUrwpnNsiWnQxAt_KWdScBgtTQXnw/w640-h418/IMG_4280.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Unlike when we did
this section three days ago, this time the butterflies are out so I dart
about taking their photos and inaturalize everything. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn2hTwqo9tZp6o_T8WAKxclf20Om2JLeCgYebdMA7Mw7brIe2SuMfJrj7ycrdsokYMGxMRO0ZhNRblH_9LnIH9-K86Rq8jo2h9193dQ1Z1M_GkEgaQqTFPEu3Z_Vyx0CAubUJ-3mBEY517FQkI6iUlPlKq5UPREwgAyyteaAbMAOasrlN3BYBy7MqVVo/s1280/20230711_090854_Original.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn2hTwqo9tZp6o_T8WAKxclf20Om2JLeCgYebdMA7Mw7brIe2SuMfJrj7ycrdsokYMGxMRO0ZhNRblH_9LnIH9-K86Rq8jo2h9193dQ1Z1M_GkEgaQqTFPEu3Z_Vyx0CAubUJ-3mBEY517FQkI6iUlPlKq5UPREwgAyyteaAbMAOasrlN3BYBy7MqVVo/w640-h480/20230711_090854_Original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj5cMQFcFE-8kyXYcaOi6_y0kKYROyqn2RMKanpkNkE4iEQdctAsRsrygajlGxYXi9tZaYLcxGToP8d9F74viBwqf0OxLXWpWB2DnL5VEkd_taavRKfy-qYKlGO26qqulkbxwnuQo_Zu40_gwy_SpocEOADoi0fHiRRgM-tdzdZqtKGcgV3sEjW6gMdU/s1280/IMG_4282.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj5cMQFcFE-8kyXYcaOi6_y0kKYROyqn2RMKanpkNkE4iEQdctAsRsrygajlGxYXi9tZaYLcxGToP8d9F74viBwqf0OxLXWpWB2DnL5VEkd_taavRKfy-qYKlGO26qqulkbxwnuQo_Zu40_gwy_SpocEOADoi0fHiRRgM-tdzdZqtKGcgV3sEjW6gMdU/w640-h392/IMG_4282.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The, the
clouds are swirling and part enough to reveal the stunning peaks and we
take a rest break on a ridge and watch the clouds gliding across the
peaks and it is better than any TV. </p><p>When Jan and I round the
corner to camp the wind hits us. After setting up early, I start to
worry about the flapping of my tarp in the strong gusts. While Jan
rests, I wander around and looked for less windy site, feeling annoyed
that I can't find anything better. As I adjust my tarp to get tight
pitch, Jan tells me to be patient and that the wind will die down. I
remain doubtful but then, sure enough, the wind was calm all night and I
wish I had just trusted Jan.<br /><br />I fall asleep early and it is
wonderfully restful and restorative hammock sleep that is only broken up
by a trip to pee where the stars are twinkling and everything is quiet.
The best kind of night.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9M265cGF20Hfh0wDi3cYr_GxmzoXKHab-X04xvhwUct2_o4gWk4ZBYIhalc1_Jz4X__d0GN8r_k44OtbGaKTRJhmP5iA1Vev-b86ygq4HtDu1YhWB4BFrmLGMf_YA26oZLhQAawPi5CfnbSBOiCCveKEyYDougjuTQ-uNNf_Abl-RZRVKHWhm_sJ488/s1280/IMG_4297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9M265cGF20Hfh0wDi3cYr_GxmzoXKHab-X04xvhwUct2_o4gWk4ZBYIhalc1_Jz4X__d0GN8r_k44OtbGaKTRJhmP5iA1Vev-b86ygq4HtDu1YhWB4BFrmLGMf_YA26oZLhQAawPi5CfnbSBOiCCveKEyYDougjuTQ-uNNf_Abl-RZRVKHWhm_sJ488/w640-h404/IMG_4297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I didn't know if I would keep up a journal during this section or not. For my 2021 hike, I didn't write anything. But for this trip, it just feels right to put down a few thoughts every night. <br /><p></p>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-39192663212254323492023-08-18T09:49:00.002-06:002023-08-18T09:49:37.555-06:00Day 3. Out and back day<p> Day 3 7/11/23<br />Out and back day<br />16 miles including a side trip to Snowy Lakes<br /><br />Today
was an out-and-back day. We packed up everything we'd need for the day
and then carefully stashed some of our gear that we wouldn't need until
night. I felt like I was floating down the trail!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialkMgR-Swr49sX2lu3i6I_o7BxWbXgIqFpjhreri4zAmIiPzgNL-WoHLvED_FHcZBoyXVmzbBRdSh5kp0hZ22y8gDZUIFoZj26kH-fZdd6biIO0aWUVWL6P8RLh2yZBP3BXM3kpX2VUZPaM8s9zlDtspQkC69hp8Ce0YGdNJ1a-BrwYEBthIckMR30y8/s640/IMG_4179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialkMgR-Swr49sX2lu3i6I_o7BxWbXgIqFpjhreri4zAmIiPzgNL-WoHLvED_FHcZBoyXVmzbBRdSh5kp0hZ22y8gDZUIFoZj26kH-fZdd6biIO0aWUVWL6P8RLh2yZBP3BXM3kpX2VUZPaM8s9zlDtspQkC69hp8Ce0YGdNJ1a-BrwYEBthIckMR30y8/w640-h480/IMG_4179.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi6KoXgvrItHYDmK_7BKpVs6e_-tuyN0trODBSOxzpT9hGnwb0JNyFAnFZXMuqT9jecMb4d9I6hQwx79RQUBdWXOju27o6g56Vf7r7PzlBJMOAdjjwm9FAiaiwBmE_UF0ziakHh7qx_Wo6gJ7fWkcMq455YWoW6BUayNxJrZVa4LWzEMBKQ1DD4JgFUA/s1280/IMG_4184.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi6KoXgvrItHYDmK_7BKpVs6e_-tuyN0trODBSOxzpT9hGnwb0JNyFAnFZXMuqT9jecMb4d9I6hQwx79RQUBdWXOju27o6g56Vf7r7PzlBJMOAdjjwm9FAiaiwBmE_UF0ziakHh7qx_Wo6gJ7fWkcMq455YWoW6BUayNxJrZVa4LWzEMBKQ1DD4JgFUA/w640-h480/IMG_4184.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The hike to
Granite Pass was shrouded in fog. I loved the smell of the cold icy day.
Clouds swirled and just tiny glimpses of peaks revealed themselves. We
wondered what they would look like on a clear day. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFJuLGIBYt1OB4LNXSEnQ3kVMc-72s8T2oZSBVRX2x3F5FUSyyJ__f_ZMtiElfLTNCRnnWOVKEdR31GlQbNYfJu8HsUdX63YL8G9EczGc-bt0qPYcSxs76SkS-UXTMQdKssRZauSL2J9QZRuo5ZDZJOg0BlSvWDk6XEsXvFP_0uTNycwE3jjkw-0b1Eg/s1544/IMG_4185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFJuLGIBYt1OB4LNXSEnQ3kVMc-72s8T2oZSBVRX2x3F5FUSyyJ__f_ZMtiElfLTNCRnnWOVKEdR31GlQbNYfJu8HsUdX63YL8G9EczGc-bt0qPYcSxs76SkS-UXTMQdKssRZauSL2J9QZRuo5ZDZJOg0BlSvWDk6XEsXvFP_0uTNycwE3jjkw-0b1Eg/w640-h480/IMG_4185.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />As we
celebrated getting to our previous turnaround spot where we'd been in
2016, blue sky swirled above and a ray of sunshine peaked through. We'd
have very different views on the return trip-- it totally cleared up.
And we'd have perfect swimming weather!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOrBLMOQOaciNCCu_hApsvsdYBe-3fjlu82RMP2Rahc8qSWt_XtQ86Z46VpGCBcN4VkEVIaCJFeD86g-KlX8hU8lO1qXhao38lbP9MD32fXpyr0Vc8fgBp7NT9s6snS_Y-h3BcY2ekAxm0xUKyhc1oF4WGCHsL80r9Uvx8e-DD4zuqOJXp2qvN9XCzM8/s1280/IMG_4188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOrBLMOQOaciNCCu_hApsvsdYBe-3fjlu82RMP2Rahc8qSWt_XtQ86Z46VpGCBcN4VkEVIaCJFeD86g-KlX8hU8lO1qXhao38lbP9MD32fXpyr0Vc8fgBp7NT9s6snS_Y-h3BcY2ekAxm0xUKyhc1oF4WGCHsL80r9Uvx8e-DD4zuqOJXp2qvN9XCzM8/w640-h480/IMG_4188.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Snowy Lakes were a steep
mile or so off the trail, so most PCT hikers don't visit them. But Jan
and I make lakes one of our priorties. We timed it perfectly for the
warmest part of the day. The dip was quick but we lingered on the rocky
banks, soaking in the beauty.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnpOA73lGGOqHslW5pp8scOlqvIDrQ7wczKHYeFY53w7THlDiddoLB1dSF0fgoL8Et8LundINL0xR1lr6YnnOGcfclE1Zs428h0guLBdztH5N-6Kbou4l9QSs6NY7eiYQDvxGq1_aAoso_jphP35s5QrjMtvS0quqR25gvFVYC1wYu8kbVSdHEiwGJt8/s800/20230711_122523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnpOA73lGGOqHslW5pp8scOlqvIDrQ7wczKHYeFY53w7THlDiddoLB1dSF0fgoL8Et8LundINL0xR1lr6YnnOGcfclE1Zs428h0guLBdztH5N-6Kbou4l9QSs6NY7eiYQDvxGq1_aAoso_jphP35s5QrjMtvS0quqR25gvFVYC1wYu8kbVSdHEiwGJt8/w640-h480/20230711_122523.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />On the last few miles of trail
before we got to camp, we started seeing more and more people heading in
the opposite direction. Some of them were pretty rude, not getting off
the trail, barely acknowleding us. What was going on?!? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhTsWXEcd5x-GbO3PXPIt7FjK62iM8To7FjfX_aaA37r7iDsuCO7KQ19F5qn6ZjCK5OolId_blar3taGKZYbujU7Q-heGiDKQwU-ZUvkO-GJncJJHrSk3o4NnPMjSe0oi-R7Wvzip-8vgm4MEI3l9H1Tgn-v3R6b-_DmCt9Dv0Ozt7ROrolV0Ewmol84/s800/IMG_4189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhTsWXEcd5x-GbO3PXPIt7FjK62iM8To7FjfX_aaA37r7iDsuCO7KQ19F5qn6ZjCK5OolId_blar3taGKZYbujU7Q-heGiDKQwU-ZUvkO-GJncJJHrSk3o4NnPMjSe0oi-R7Wvzip-8vgm4MEI3l9H1Tgn-v3R6b-_DmCt9Dv0Ozt7ROrolV0Ewmol84/w640-h480/IMG_4189.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />We'd
only seen one person our second day and no one the first day except in
camp. Most of the third day was quiet... until this huge clump started
coming and it felt totally overwhelming. I started doubting my whole
trip and spiraled into thinking that the rest of the trip would juat be
one big crowded mess, unable to find campsite or peace and quiet.
Finally, I asked one of the hikers why there were so many people and he
explained that we’d just passed by a tramily of 10 that had been hiking
together a long time and flipped up together and that explained it!<br /><br />After
picking up our gear, we hiked a few more miles before finding a quiet
spot in sweet deep forest. I love spots like this because they give me
the best sleep, though I know they are a comprimise for Jan since she
loves views. We will have to find her a good view spot at some point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fyrdcTSwrcdTL0_SWB_Uf07w5rWvYALhhlkzeKBe_wBmAllBOIfny24IderXhHfCbufpAAW0w6WiHtEpR8C6sNWDU_XpOVUyQf2QFC3CLHGz7zb_q9kvxUDJQqdtAM8dwIDxu8b_orwobHw_HZbt6yexgjNOjhdiwxaDiQl6dteHIzXhHbSovJbzx44/s1280/IMG_4224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fyrdcTSwrcdTL0_SWB_Uf07w5rWvYALhhlkzeKBe_wBmAllBOIfny24IderXhHfCbufpAAW0w6WiHtEpR8C6sNWDU_XpOVUyQf2QFC3CLHGz7zb_q9kvxUDJQqdtAM8dwIDxu8b_orwobHw_HZbt6yexgjNOjhdiwxaDiQl6dteHIzXhHbSovJbzx44/w640-h480/IMG_4224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-47008194288221493402023-08-03T21:14:00.003-06:002023-08-03T21:14:55.672-06:00Day 2. Moody Washington<p>Day 2 <br />7/10/23</p><p>Below Tatie Peak to before Methow Pass <br /></p><p>Today there was moody Washington weather... and I
loved it! The fog rolls over the mountains and we get to see it from
high places. The cool air makes hiking so sweet. I don't miss the dry
heat and intense sunlight of Moab at all. Today, we get clouds and the threat of rain and I couldn't be happier.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkrZRuwRYZ-VaqcpljJrfmFtcjPlQwU0AdptVHhUJt6FbaqW2TFKOGs9EnT4YkqCs77Hw9eiVwKNWy0otWoex3Mo9u06mTdBvjMeTdmAwl2pvah2DSBF3MEXkTlYvazyGJZp5Sh29DRjH-t635NLimauwFJL8dPedqnwwmPi64WdsZU6XS6kz8u4UNL0/s2016/IMG_4162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkrZRuwRYZ-VaqcpljJrfmFtcjPlQwU0AdptVHhUJt6FbaqW2TFKOGs9EnT4YkqCs77Hw9eiVwKNWy0otWoex3Mo9u06mTdBvjMeTdmAwl2pvah2DSBF3MEXkTlYvazyGJZp5Sh29DRjH-t635NLimauwFJL8dPedqnwwmPi64WdsZU6XS6kz8u4UNL0/w640-h480/IMG_4162.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />I peer down after
reaching a pass and realize that there is an incredibly steep descent
stretching out below. Will my knees be able to handle it? I slow my pace
and Jan is way down ahead of me. But I have no confidence. She waits
for me and we take an extra break. And before I know it we are at the
bottom at Glacier Pass and my knee is fine. Just fine. Maybe I will make
it to Canada after all.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l9BZPM8DeiH49n0pLIO1HymLDn7ADeKj70Cir2tEoRcndnNCduV3kOmHLti9OHdu72j5Roty-NMPLziFvkCruM7uuaAk52XJNiv3hzhVLv7-Wn05Il4_EOzQAiaAZEAuNv6GvLY0L44V-UZzulPv_Agz13kK_X-lXXbJ9r4ZozJYm6-uum1789RWGTU/s2016/IMG_4163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l9BZPM8DeiH49n0pLIO1HymLDn7ADeKj70Cir2tEoRcndnNCduV3kOmHLti9OHdu72j5Roty-NMPLziFvkCruM7uuaAk52XJNiv3hzhVLv7-Wn05Il4_EOzQAiaAZEAuNv6GvLY0L44V-UZzulPv_Agz13kK_X-lXXbJ9r4ZozJYm6-uum1789RWGTU/w640-h480/IMG_4163.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Jan and I aren't heading to Canada at
this point though. Our plan is unusual. But fits us perfectly. I love out and
backs and taking our time. Jan doesn't want to deal with a car shuttle
or logistics of going into town. So we've left Jan's car at Harts Pass and
our plan to complete the northernmost 50-60ish miles of the PCT is to
do two out-and-backs from the mid-point, Harts Pass. We are starting
with an out-and-back going south towards Rainy Pass-- but actually we
don't need to make it all the way there since last time we turned around
several miles north of Rainy. So we are setting up today for tomorrow's
out-and-back where we can slackpack and just leave our camping stuff,
tag our turn around spot from 2016, and then come back to camp. What
fun! Plus, we get to hike more miles this way which appeals to me! </p>At the end of the day, we encounter lots of blowdowns. Jan has shorter legs and these blowdowns are exhausing for her. I've got really long legs, so I find it easy to step over them. Jan is starting to dread going back over these on an out and back. We will see if we end up sticking with our plan. <br /><br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-21608393563277168412023-08-02T21:40:00.003-06:002023-08-03T20:39:42.686-06:00Day 1- Back on the PCT, yet again!<p>7/9/2023<br />Harts Pass to near Grasshopper Pass (Washington state, the northernmost section)<br />Day 1</p><p>Around 6 miles <br /></p><p>My pack feels
heavy with 4 1/2 days of food compared to my weekend trips. But the PCT
is (shockingly) PCT grade! I don’t know why this always comes as such a
surprise- the gentle grade and the soft tread. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhYGwvFmplxFNOfao1sLyaeXaRAaaaqWwJYTDeXUj4zfW2okh4uLFsk9UEGrZiX7vyqknB8THxmWUZIfKHkGAQ83dDxYiSPDOW0OmHm5TCz8cVxTdPsxEd5tpt94KqGXKEAsc3_ufAAJjHWFgd6koSkEseQBBFbPvOgFXj3CYalh3fotQtIG0Q8PmlMw/s800/20230709_152118.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhYGwvFmplxFNOfao1sLyaeXaRAaaaqWwJYTDeXUj4zfW2okh4uLFsk9UEGrZiX7vyqknB8THxmWUZIfKHkGAQ83dDxYiSPDOW0OmHm5TCz8cVxTdPsxEd5tpt94KqGXKEAsc3_ufAAJjHWFgd6koSkEseQBBFbPvOgFXj3CYalh3fotQtIG0Q8PmlMw/w640-h480/20230709_152118.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PCO Jan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm also still shocked that I'm actually on the PCT again! It's really happening! The
reality that this might be my last trip on the PCT also begins to
settle. Because I’ve been thwarted a few times before by this section, I
didn’t let myself think I’d actually finish. But maybe it really will
happen.<br /><br />Even though I haven’t done PCT sections every year (I’ve
done four long sections prior to this- 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2021) the
years in between I still have the hope and dreams of the PCT. It is
something to look forward to. Each return trip is like coming home. What
will I do without the PCT in my life? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVmjW7TIEE3pb47vIDQING0Cw1HmHJXG5E4vVv8zMfLZ0Ex17bVuaine4cYeEI2pye4nRR33MMWhahrzowUAL-ckZlY7XjhqYSe3uAER1ksJxrb_fVaoKlyD747Lz-LgkJqpS5b51vgsbp1bwmj-Hj0pu9GFLg4invVVAqzkVofTczv9XE3pl3Wp1PkY/s800/IMG_4152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVmjW7TIEE3pb47vIDQING0Cw1HmHJXG5E4vVv8zMfLZ0Ex17bVuaine4cYeEI2pye4nRR33MMWhahrzowUAL-ckZlY7XjhqYSe3uAER1ksJxrb_fVaoKlyD747Lz-LgkJqpS5b51vgsbp1bwmj-Hj0pu9GFLg4invVVAqzkVofTczv9XE3pl3Wp1PkY/w640-h480/IMG_4152.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />The few miles to camp are
incredibly gentle with outstanding views. I chatter with Jan and we
relax into our comfortable rhythm. It always amazes me how well we hike
together. <br /><br />I'm grateful for the gentle PCT grade. I’d been so
nervous about my knee- in 2020 I started to get bad pain on downhills.
Two years of physical therapy didn’t help. Then last fall I got fed up
(finally) and went to another physical therapist, this time an
ultra-runner who finally understood the problem - the recovery has been
slow but I’ve finally been seeing an improvement. But after such a long
time in pain, I still don’t trust my knee. <br /><br />Each long downhill I
wait for the pain to return but it never does. I slowly let myself
settle into the reality. As usual, I’m stronger than I think I am. And
the PCT is so much more gentle on me than my Utah trips. <br /><br />Rainstorms
greet Jan and I. My umbrella comes out and I think this is so typical
for Washington- all moody and stormy. But then when we get to camp the
rain stops. And the hammock gives me the best sleep I’ve had in years- I
sleep soundly through the whole night. Somehow this too surprises me- I
like to think I’ve adjusted to ground dwelling but honestly, I flip
constantly all night long and its not the most restful sleep. But the
hammock is pure comfort.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs8em_8xD0nJqkqtC5njsMy3HPHLKBqwXLFF_I6s931VUV7NEwWWu4IrMLU9b1MrGnnO6r9fe9V5WTNX6YxSXZwvgyuqP39lgUc77eA6EUqY2rHp6mpkKHKI9sf5AU7tA929atucxwD-gM51i4fbk466qw9IGrjbVlH8ncafnk13YL8acG4-KNN6a69A/s800/IMG_4153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs8em_8xD0nJqkqtC5njsMy3HPHLKBqwXLFF_I6s931VUV7NEwWWu4IrMLU9b1MrGnnO6r9fe9V5WTNX6YxSXZwvgyuqP39lgUc77eA6EUqY2rHp6mpkKHKI9sf5AU7tA929atucxwD-gM51i4fbk466qw9IGrjbVlH8ncafnk13YL8acG4-KNN6a69A/w640-h480/IMG_4153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-83618995858715050062019-09-29T14:17:00.002-06:002019-09-29T14:17:20.384-06:00Day 36. Last day on the PCT this yearDay 36. Last day on the PCT this year<br />
Wasco Lake Junction 2011 to Santiam Pass 2001<br />
8/14/2019<br />
10 miles<br />
<br />
I’m going to miss this— waking up and getting to hike everyday, all day. The difference this year is that I’m not dreading getting off the trail. I have a life I’m really looking forward to going back to. I have a job where I get paid to hike! Of course it’s hiking with kids so it’s not all day long hikes like this. But nevertheless, I do love it. I’ve been thinking a lot about my students. How much have they grown up over the summer?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOY69cBStgM6Wb7Bh-Emt8YS-LEgmI294BoQ_wDoIrM760sddx3bGVmzT4Ja4fht-08zKiZXSIf-cAG8t_QEShzkV-p-RTNQRKw44WcUzN1mgiA6-wVdYTaE6NF54ozntF5WQeU1UNao/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOY69cBStgM6Wb7Bh-Emt8YS-LEgmI294BoQ_wDoIrM760sddx3bGVmzT4Ja4fht-08zKiZXSIf-cAG8t_QEShzkV-p-RTNQRKw44WcUzN1mgiA6-wVdYTaE6NF54ozntF5WQeU1UNao/s640/IMG_9104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I also love our home in Moab Utah. Surrounded by all sorts of public lands. Not just my park, but the forest service and BLM lands full of obscure and lonely places. More places to explore than I ever could in a lifetime. It doesn’t quite feel like home as deeply as Oregon does, but it is a good place to call home for now. And I miss Mags.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvzu7IPnYOh1iOIzXtjRJVknUk4k_2eoJj6UWsVlm9yfs_tQ9vn-yk6KVkT-S5mjiSAnnyQkbDRgZAA_PItCBwHr2b5c-Kw4CmudMqOhu9IioimwoF9IDGWRMPACYPdTjOvdK_EbDFE4/s1600/IMG_9116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvzu7IPnYOh1iOIzXtjRJVknUk4k_2eoJj6UWsVlm9yfs_tQ9vn-yk6KVkT-S5mjiSAnnyQkbDRgZAA_PItCBwHr2b5c-Kw4CmudMqOhu9IioimwoF9IDGWRMPACYPdTjOvdK_EbDFE4/s640/IMG_9116.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The return hike holds more surprises. I can finally see the top of Three Fingered Jack, which was shrouded in clouds and rain a few days ago. I spot a cluster of mountain goats on a far slope. I don’t know if I should be delighted or angry when I see them. If I were back in northwestern Montana, of course I’d be thrilled since they are native and part of a healthy ecosystem there. But in southeastern Utah, there is increasing evidence that the mountain goats (that were introduced in areas that they are NOT native for the purpose of trophy hunting) are harming native plants and damaging fragile alpine areas. So I do some quick google searches to see if I should be happy or sad to see these goats here in this habitat. It turns out that these goats are native and were reintroduced recently. Nice!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lkhx6xKo8Cf34RPJXC4Fiz3-Ehdx302_pABuXlRAr0MgYYShHBsGhwCm-O_wk-Yqxd1EcdTXnzMAkvW7e0EY9t8AqIhpPB62FCgGdG-BzUqOd6041LZISSBZ1r9gSAv2dA8pZaNlTW0/s1600/IMG_9122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Lkhx6xKo8Cf34RPJXC4Fiz3-Ehdx302_pABuXlRAr0MgYYShHBsGhwCm-O_wk-Yqxd1EcdTXnzMAkvW7e0EY9t8AqIhpPB62FCgGdG-BzUqOd6041LZISSBZ1r9gSAv2dA8pZaNlTW0/s640/IMG_9122.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I get to last viewpoint. I can see all the way to the Three Sisters! I start to cry thinking of what an incredible hike this has been. Each day has been infused with joy and I’ve excelled in doing this hike my own way. So much swimming in lakes, visiting friends and family, going to Ranger Programs and learning natural history, chasing butterflies, iNaturalizing (over 94 species!), a bonus side trip to climb South Sister, and topping it all off with this out-and-back to give me well over 60 total “bonus” miles for this trip.<br />
<br />
I’d intended to hike 540 miles but I ended up doing over 600 miles to cover basically the same distance on the PCT. That makes me happy and really reflects my hiking style.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpCLJ09awvX8diftjptjcyDE_Yu__IZepbKKqbYz7ve6R86TYc80HIn-2Nn5qPTJ4V0LqA6wSWJwSWi-YoTHiRkiX0VrEcylIaL4Nty2Egdq8oDtJrhu4WJlnn-ZRvvaFkQq-gLujjUo/s1600/IMG_E9124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpCLJ09awvX8diftjptjcyDE_Yu__IZepbKKqbYz7ve6R86TYc80HIn-2Nn5qPTJ4V0LqA6wSWJwSWi-YoTHiRkiX0VrEcylIaL4Nty2Egdq8oDtJrhu4WJlnn-ZRvvaFkQq-gLujjUo/s640/IMG_E9124.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
My sister and her husband pick me up from Santiam Pass. We head over to a favorite childhood spot-- Belknap Hot Springs. Many family vacations were spent soaking in these hot springs after our "big" hikes. This is where I first learned how to section hike-- on the McKenzie River Trail. Though back then it was 3 mile and 5 mile sections at a time. But we would piece them together to eventually complete the entire 26 mile trail. Definitely a fitting place to end this trip!Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-70861449045383443562019-09-28T16:39:00.000-06:002019-09-28T16:39:00.809-06:00Day 35. Bonus MilesDay 35. Bonus Miles
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/13/2019</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">Above Jefferson Park 2035.7 to Wasco Lake Junction 2011</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">24.7 miles going southbound</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">When I wake up in the morning, I realize I get to do my very favorite thing today which is hiking all day. </span><span style="text-align: center;">Even though I’ve just done this section going northbound, there is no shortage of new sights. </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnryeDaiIVcXYX3rz8j4tFSrYrAvOpm_zZ_859jPowymB6K0xcowC7Qx1c9XoPE36xYw4zcW9aUBA7brjdzXDRt7D_MjjyDo6hHEBdBnw4xFQ0IY55DDnfDu0sif_woUrpR3wOaiq8bso/s1600/IMG_9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnryeDaiIVcXYX3rz8j4tFSrYrAvOpm_zZ_859jPowymB6K0xcowC7Qx1c9XoPE36xYw4zcW9aUBA7brjdzXDRt7D_MjjyDo6hHEBdBnw4xFQ0IY55DDnfDu0sif_woUrpR3wOaiq8bso/s640/IMG_9088.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">I spot a flower I’d completely missed two days ago, the fringed grass of parnassius. A fall favorite when I lived in Georgia. This one looks slightly different. A new variety perhaps?</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">This view of the south side of Mount Jefferson had been completely shrouded in clouds previously. I’m so glad to see this view on a sunny day. It makes it feel like I’ve gotten a second change to purely enjoy the scenery by doing this section as an out and back.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0OCv9ugN3LjtLNA0fqlckIznpmAppBC7EnxY8idRBozF7PsxeMJkPVpj7viQfO0MGu3_YH3C3y9Aji5PkT-O82t08UR1B8_ZuAfsQhBE5kVtEsG9svWLpdzyeL6Bhyphenhyphen86dKDG-lq951Y/s1600/IMG_9095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0OCv9ugN3LjtLNA0fqlckIznpmAppBC7EnxY8idRBozF7PsxeMJkPVpj7viQfO0MGu3_YH3C3y9Aji5PkT-O82t08UR1B8_ZuAfsQhBE5kVtEsG9svWLpdzyeL6Bhyphenhyphen86dKDG-lq951Y/s640/IMG_9095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">This is my first full day going southbound. I’m now passing a steady stream of nobo hikers. It feels crowded.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Some of the other hikers talk about how many miles they are doing. The “Oregon challenge” is where hikers try to finish all of Oregon in 14 days, averaging 31 miles a day. I daydream about what kind of PCT challenge I'd institute if I were in charge of such things. Haha! Like how many lakes can you swim in. Or how many plants and butterflies you can identify and iNaturalize. </div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
For my last night on the PCT this year, I thought I would try camping near a lake. A mile off trail so I thought no one would be there. But it turned out to be crowded with folks who'd build campfires, even though the signs all said no campfires. Since we'd just walked through several hours of burn area, I thought it was obvious why campfires weren't allowed. But I had to get water so I decided to ask one of the campers if they minded if I walked through their campsite to get to the lake to get water. Turns out they were with their 6-year-old granddaughter-- her first camping trip. As I got water, she told me about all the fun she was having and about the dragonflies and smores. And then they asked me if I was hiking the PCT and invited me to camp with them (which was tempting but I declined). Of course I had to go from being annoyed by their campfires to feeling happy that this little girl was having such an amazing experience!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ_hnIT5lsAbpnnf3Df3jVpHk8-1U5oSponkpCIg2pB1ebfuqh9gYoDt4lo6OTtyUhcAbtXwQYfJVlSg5pw97KMnXY3VEPMjDR9-a7jcU1X9slXDy3W-nfnsFIMpNSRFderchFeAe0bc/s1600/IMG_E9101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ_hnIT5lsAbpnnf3Df3jVpHk8-1U5oSponkpCIg2pB1ebfuqh9gYoDt4lo6OTtyUhcAbtXwQYfJVlSg5pw97KMnXY3VEPMjDR9-a7jcU1X9slXDy3W-nfnsFIMpNSRFderchFeAe0bc/s640/IMG_E9101.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I ended up finding a few trees that had escaped the fire and set in for a restful last night away from the smoke and the crowds.</div>
<br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-89736913494116564072019-09-28T15:23:00.000-06:002019-09-28T15:36:42.508-06:00Day 34. Connecting my stepsDay 34. Connecting my steps
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/12/2019</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Milk Creek (2028) to Upper Lake (2043.7) then back to above Jefferson Park 2035.7</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">15.7 PCT miles plus 8.2 bonus </span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1">Many sobo hikers had given advice about the crossing of Russel Creek. That it wasn’t *that* bad. That you could cross at the log. That the water was only knee high so it was safer to cross at the trail and not scramble to the log. I’d build the whole thing up in my mind, and was pretty nervous by the time I got there. But when I arrived I heard a cheerful “Hi Joan!” from across the way. It was K. and N. who I hadn’t seen since spending a zero with them in Ashland!</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1shwvj6MOxk8j4nFTV-UWVTqm__mG6GLOizLAGAN_kCt_NeJMupP_prmxl7TFA_n1QRkFRXJggXSXZpzuBaSl8s50L1f9nFwoPRmQ0h9iRjvUPL9rf3WHY287Xs6OUSr2px2rEXlHb7Y/s1600/IMG_9080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1shwvj6MOxk8j4nFTV-UWVTqm__mG6GLOizLAGAN_kCt_NeJMupP_prmxl7TFA_n1QRkFRXJggXSXZpzuBaSl8s50L1f9nFwoPRmQ0h9iRjvUPL9rf3WHY287Xs6OUSr2px2rEXlHb7Y/s400/IMG_9080.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">K. walked back to the crossing and provided reassurance as I crossed the log. I didn’t even get wet feet! I love how just when I needed a little boost of confidence, my friends just happened to be there!</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Then we hiked together for a bit, and leapfrogged for the day, and it was neat to hear their stories from the past few weeks. In the Three Sisters Wilderness, they'd seen and photographed a <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2018/06/on_the_hunt_in_oregon_for_a_ra.html" target="_blank">rare Sierra Nevada fox</a> and gotten to report it to wildlife biologists who were super-excited about their find. What great folks and fun stories!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Xm5aYlnLddDONwSacCaxUVsNLKzuVRbfcomfQEBG9Tj7knC1wG7fm_d1WySW_SlHwZXb_uZBYGIl8ZQzPiD5ORi6GBx-cUcTGx_Mkr35Ai6qQRDeSYTxdGHb_NkZB4f2ibglpwPDl4/s1600/IMG_E9066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Xm5aYlnLddDONwSacCaxUVsNLKzuVRbfcomfQEBG9Tj7knC1wG7fm_d1WySW_SlHwZXb_uZBYGIl8ZQzPiD5ORi6GBx-cUcTGx_Mkr35Ai6qQRDeSYTxdGHb_NkZB4f2ibglpwPDl4/s640/IMG_E9066.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around Mount Jefferson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The scenery was absolutely gorgeous all through Jefferson Park and around Mount Jefferson! The sun was out and through it was a hard climb and quite exhausting, my spirits remained high. How lucky to have clear skies!</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnQq99E3Mwo52KYdQnYwrs1OdWIXhY4VWaj7W8z6w9sf6RNdtc1uZFIRW0GnXTgsaY1fO2ngsgMsIQ-fQnPguxW1WwzrayVXDLu5iVQFcu7griZ0trGxuYsnZWA1XPMokphQRawnMoOM/s1600/IMG_9058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnQq99E3Mwo52KYdQnYwrs1OdWIXhY4VWaj7W8z6w9sf6RNdtc1uZFIRW0GnXTgsaY1fO2ngsgMsIQ-fQnPguxW1WwzrayVXDLu5iVQFcu7griZ0trGxuYsnZWA1XPMokphQRawnMoOM/s640/IMG_9058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I barely recognized Upper Lake, my turnaround spot from my 2016 long hike. It looked so different from when I was there in <a href="http://ramblinghemlock.blogspot.com/2016/10/day-35-when-snow-flies.html" target="_blank">October three years ago</a>— when I woke up to snow and decided it wouldn’t be smart to keep climbing over the pass below Mount Jefferson. Now, having done that pass this morning, I can see just how smart that was and I’m glad I turned around.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5NidmStRBUyADRrZx6a7skc528gzBUyGtCz1yfampiivA4rDM5NU8wc1s7p-LEZpxvaHnb0GajfJjPn_Wyeh0JcxcgXULNaJnE2RdXEggsfgDxfYm_VfK63mUkUCpUNdCV8ftrv2bs/s1600/IMG_E9055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5NidmStRBUyADRrZx6a7skc528gzBUyGtCz1yfampiivA4rDM5NU8wc1s7p-LEZpxvaHnb0GajfJjPn_Wyeh0JcxcgXULNaJnE2RdXEggsfgDxfYm_VfK63mUkUCpUNdCV8ftrv2bs/s640/IMG_E9055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No snow or fall colors like there was when I was here last</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Trail magic is happening at a road crossing so I got to stop and hang out with K. and N. and celebrate finishing my long section hike. </span><span class="s1"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYfTyQWN-HX5aNL-s_75O_uc57eFp-rxsRUNqUlxD8jBYQ_T5DYOPSujUOjp9AFeqDRX81tC7qk8iDJGdckI7RYvHtHE7-Q6ryZDVftNOqdp0CNU5zlLVpvwpuxjb0s2bB77ggdK3LUg/s1600/IMG_9053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYfTyQWN-HX5aNL-s_75O_uc57eFp-rxsRUNqUlxD8jBYQ_T5DYOPSujUOjp9AFeqDRX81tC7qk8iDJGdckI7RYvHtHE7-Q6ryZDVftNOqdp0CNU5zlLVpvwpuxjb0s2bB77ggdK3LUg/s640/IMG_9053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K. and N.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">As of now I have completed 2447 miles of the PCT, and have about 218 miles remaining in Washington (from the OR/WA border to Packwood and from Rainy Pass to Canada.)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGOI8oxT_BmWCEsKnS7Th3ypzGhKNaiUpZEYUMiUidh9zmjNbyeP5s-fNCvHX0VVjDZKURvoPrXZML-R1RTSE_s0VOxgGu9xXsVvBibfcVqsQ18A6W5otvf-DZWkHlYmx_jS20J8OCBo/s1600/IMG_E9064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGOI8oxT_BmWCEsKnS7Th3ypzGhKNaiUpZEYUMiUidh9zmjNbyeP5s-fNCvHX0VVjDZKURvoPrXZML-R1RTSE_s0VOxgGu9xXsVvBibfcVqsQ18A6W5otvf-DZWkHlYmx_jS20J8OCBo/s640/IMG_E9064.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lingering snow even in August</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p2">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Climbing back over the pass was just as gorgeous as it had been coming down. I decided to camp early and enjoy the scenery.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> I'd scoped out a campsite when I'd come through here earlier this morning so I knew exactly where I wanted to be for sunset.</span><span class="s1"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93yzZKomqMEnWlTj8OejenpTvfXnIo90s3-kM1e_cyV03vGu5vhK0G0-1M7sMzvKTVLHWszDS92Vuye8T-JljkNaYuQHVnDuWFZ2NM7GOc_jKtQS60jfEkS2hPruqtC2gu0In0eQCCY/s1600/IMG_E9072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93yzZKomqMEnWlTj8OejenpTvfXnIo90s3-kM1e_cyV03vGu5vhK0G0-1M7sMzvKTVLHWszDS92Vuye8T-JljkNaYuQHVnDuWFZ2NM7GOc_jKtQS60jfEkS2hPruqtC2gu0In0eQCCY/s640/IMG_E9072.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching sunset near Mount Jefferson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The wind is light so far and I just want to look at these mountain for a few hours- I can see a huge blue glacier and the light changing and I never want this feeling of wonder to end.</span></div>
</div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-49614520497597662252019-09-20T18:00:00.002-06:002019-09-20T18:06:28.255-06:00Day 33. Mount Jefferson WildernessDay 33. Mount Jefferson Wilderness
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/11/2019</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Santiam Pass (2001) to Milk Creek (2028)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">27 miles</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">One of the best things about hiking solo is getting to hike my own way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Even if it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to other people.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I am a person who loves out-and-backs. I appreciate getting to see the same landscape at a different angle and in different light. I noticing things I missed the first time because it teaches me how to better pay attention. I can also pick awesome campsite on the way back for amazing sunsets.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">For the last 40 mile section to connect my steps between Santiam Pass and the random lake that I ended at south of Ollalie Lake in 2016, I did an out-and-back, for a total of about 80 miles. I would imagine that most people would have hiked one-way and then hitchhiked from Ollalie Lake. But I LOVE out-and-backs and I also had some extra time.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0rPTMOEKXF35OTI9gO76K9BTo3ZWtbgUhfmjnqTBtqbfIhsOrkeLNZWCyHasoYTnkK2Fy7xI9JQe0SYe0gi9Q53-9a9IvWAe1YKyd_XYXCyCHKmx_MxAYlFkogmavPI8Qpbxk4UDK5k/s1600/IMG_9012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0rPTMOEKXF35OTI9gO76K9BTo3ZWtbgUhfmjnqTBtqbfIhsOrkeLNZWCyHasoYTnkK2Fy7xI9JQe0SYe0gi9Q53-9a9IvWAe1YKyd_XYXCyCHKmx_MxAYlFkogmavPI8Qpbxk4UDK5k/s640/IMG_9012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The day started off cold and windy and progressed to cold and with spitting rain. There were even a few flurries. I couldn’t see the top of Three Fingered Jack or Mount Jefferson at all. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXLAqvZ_jgVzjkfJxzhmRDG-ySs2Y8jMlcLo0zpbhmo4eWFPc7fsvmFfPmMirwDtemQSkwIBawqubFuLg9oHF2odEou0SGdxEnJDFBlQ-tWo7JR0dqB7sOdWe4e4DPHL33dUvPT2D5uE/s1600/IMG_9007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXLAqvZ_jgVzjkfJxzhmRDG-ySs2Y8jMlcLo0zpbhmo4eWFPc7fsvmFfPmMirwDtemQSkwIBawqubFuLg9oHF2odEou0SGdxEnJDFBlQ-tWo7JR0dqB7sOdWe4e4DPHL33dUvPT2D5uE/s640/IMG_9007.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Mostly everything was just shrouded in mist.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdfHPEKuIwVrMB0PFvV5VIU0zSiOXqOKiJOf5i7hSyLNq9wlwFn8GY0G3c7NN-8Odb_hRUZREX-WAAzfJPQjNYujkNMbWxUYTstB4HZmNAe9xkHc_Lnt6Zygw4EtjHpabJ4JtdN-8WI/s1600/IMG_9013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxdfHPEKuIwVrMB0PFvV5VIU0zSiOXqOKiJOf5i7hSyLNq9wlwFn8GY0G3c7NN-8Odb_hRUZREX-WAAzfJPQjNYujkNMbWxUYTstB4HZmNAe9xkHc_Lnt6Zygw4EtjHpabJ4JtdN-8WI/s640/IMG_9013.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I didn't expect to hike this far, but I wanted to get set up for a shorter day my last day.</span></div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-53450348771024661892019-09-16T19:35:00.000-06:002019-09-16T19:35:45.620-06:00Day 30-32. Double Zero in BendDay 30-32. Double Zero in Bend
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/8/2019 to 8/10/2019</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Big Lake Youth Camp (1995.1) to Santiam Pass (2001)</span></div>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It sprinkles during the night and there is fog all the way to Santiam Pass. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the next two days. Perfect timing for a town stop with friends in Bend!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9cLoYMMKrrhgIPM8U6oyRmrwt0yxraqHB5wq_uZtH5oboEYpOVeZ20eYBqclUcLUG4WQkqH1ra_pPI-4y1sk04fHjjCpZlWy6T58gXCncpoeMKwn4pe_sEw6XBdOZEJSI_OPuXCKjk/s1600/IMG_E8962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt9cLoYMMKrrhgIPM8U6oyRmrwt0yxraqHB5wq_uZtH5oboEYpOVeZ20eYBqclUcLUG4WQkqH1ra_pPI-4y1sk04fHjjCpZlWy6T58gXCncpoeMKwn4pe_sEw6XBdOZEJSI_OPuXCKjk/s640/IMG_E8962.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mark and Toni were like my Uncle and Aunt growing up. Many weekends and holidays were spent together. I have fond memories of rafting trips with them. We haven’t been in touch for a while, but in no time we are laughing and telling stories. It’s so amazingly wonderful to see them!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">They’ve just moved into a new place in the Old Mill District, which is just a ten minute walk to the REI and a huge variety of restaurants. One morning their daughter Lauren is off work so we hang out and stroll along the river and catch up on the last 20 or so years of our lives.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhiikhf-ArI4gMYW_VFRD2c5e2P31W-FaqbsJiWd-gVXW0C2sAl2p_sUtvv51XnpGwvO7fJ4RE2wg6lk1DWDEVJ_zF232KKAsFJDA0uhuvz3zzj3Mi5hSbHk_jW0Tt5PISITLWaT6rDs/s1600/IMG_8981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhiikhf-ArI4gMYW_VFRD2c5e2P31W-FaqbsJiWd-gVXW0C2sAl2p_sUtvv51XnpGwvO7fJ4RE2wg6lk1DWDEVJ_zF232KKAsFJDA0uhuvz3zzj3Mi5hSbHk_jW0Tt5PISITLWaT6rDs/s640/IMG_8981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I am so thrilled when they suggest an afternoon at the High Desert Museum. There are exhibits on local wildlife, birds of prey, mining, pioneer, and ranching history, and Native American cultures. I feel starved for a deeper understanding of the history of this area and find the visit to the museum so fulfilling. I especially love learning just how early people walked here- 10,000 years ago- wow!</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Z6JM-m8mykYd3yP7E9EjdJzaPG9orkH3ma14zUXSnJRXlBbxg_UcBnGQOfXyUiU6ZQMjVFdTYt229FKUEIUrGJjT5JnTpbasIi8UeHx2Vf9ggHJalWtpE86khbax3ZISQ1ayxtfbrYE/s1600/IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Z6JM-m8mykYd3yP7E9EjdJzaPG9orkH3ma14zUXSnJRXlBbxg_UcBnGQOfXyUiU6ZQMjVFdTYt229FKUEIUrGJjT5JnTpbasIi8UeHx2Vf9ggHJalWtpE86khbax3ZISQ1ayxtfbrYE/s640/IMG_8995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Huge thunderstorms and hail move through but we watch the storms from their comfy living room. I'm so glad I made time for this extended rest stop. Most people on long hikes are under time constraints, but I'm glad that I can take time to enjoy the areas I'm passing through and visit people I care about. It's making this trip so special!</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMwwZDpCfahH9ao_bfhebAro4-dIG7rMQpbBdhq3SrowocvVnOsViLjFomoPxsh4E0JmiCABS4XAh_7pr8ZOaKSkNCvD03C4Uko_BKccPJFtfC7gMA1SvIkty5CHblLZ-k1iKbD31SfY/s1600/IMG_8990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMwwZDpCfahH9ao_bfhebAro4-dIG7rMQpbBdhq3SrowocvVnOsViLjFomoPxsh4E0JmiCABS4XAh_7pr8ZOaKSkNCvD03C4Uko_BKccPJFtfC7gMA1SvIkty5CHblLZ-k1iKbD31SfY/s640/IMG_8990.jpg" width="640" /></a>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-8657134027640542292019-09-13T10:37:00.001-06:002019-09-13T10:37:34.286-06:00Day 29. More LavaDay 29. More Lava
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Lava Lake Camp Junction 1982.6 </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">to Big Lake Youth Camp 1995.1</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">13.5 miles</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/7/2019</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I love waking up early. The lava is otherworldly in the dark. Shadows from my headlamp play on the rocks. It all seems so magical and wondrous and I just want to savor it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggukIKWjLwFns0LskW4BQc3tR5c02zh2IZDlBSHi6A0kq-xXPRfJOdwavJmWjGhm_mM1zLPrG6vmlv5Y1d8uAbYRAIhRiuQDNmUDkQ6FesEHDh1HgDotgl7WT2qHllE3egChVINGFFvgw/s1600/IMG_E8850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggukIKWjLwFns0LskW4BQc3tR5c02zh2IZDlBSHi6A0kq-xXPRfJOdwavJmWjGhm_mM1zLPrG6vmlv5Y1d8uAbYRAIhRiuQDNmUDkQ6FesEHDh1HgDotgl7WT2qHllE3egChVINGFFvgw/s640/IMG_E8850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">The first light appears slowly. The birds that chirp at this hour have strange songs.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222;"> Time passes slowly but also feels limitless and spacious.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKFK6FqT1H_U9q4KsHi6EtwPQTj4R_RF3RLKeJRE022MIXTbd-xUxC_W_DwuBXoyXOf58zIW9s11yKhvmr0gmMxZdF7JmDHT6-OrpSeBfhKRjyRL76oX6Sun5e70uXFkoeSC3H49D-qM/s1600/IMG_E8854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKFK6FqT1H_U9q4KsHi6EtwPQTj4R_RF3RLKeJRE022MIXTbd-xUxC_W_DwuBXoyXOf58zIW9s11yKhvmr0gmMxZdF7JmDHT6-OrpSeBfhKRjyRL76oX6Sun5e70uXFkoeSC3H49D-qM/s640/IMG_E8854.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I’d been expecting difficult footing, but the trail through the lava is gentle and I love skipping through the rocks. Compared to the lava rocks I used to hike through during my winter season working at El Morro National Monument, when I’d explore nearby El Malpais National Monument, this is a cakewalk. But I wonder what I’d think if I’d done this back in 2014 when I started hiking the PCT.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8zusiKsvtEuqPc1KEq-EQZO2WDgvBVZHEp-uGtLAXgF7euPd5DPUPzK6mPhYQdIPmVAMZ_iXbH-gbHyPdwxqJlJ-mAnRJ8Va20Di8dqKLgvRECiHSzDImiClrx7R5g5FH6ylf6Ipk6s/s1600/IMG_8876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8zusiKsvtEuqPc1KEq-EQZO2WDgvBVZHEp-uGtLAXgF7euPd5DPUPzK6mPhYQdIPmVAMZ_iXbH-gbHyPdwxqJlJ-mAnRJ8Va20Di8dqKLgvRECiHSzDImiClrx7R5g5FH6ylf6Ipk6s/s640/IMG_8876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Dee Wright Observatory is the perfect place to watch sunrise. Built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it features little windows that identify peaks like Jefferson, Washington, and the Three Sisters. On top, there is a metal peak finder to identify all the surrounding geological features.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I6fzIfVICCaxteoGgudkjRwYbBAo1r6LQDFvyleKfFaiTmcA0pvxcC9ew8mSWGsZLCdsT-LOLGcK01Jdn3m5amWUZlpmO7nYaguLwb8f8xT_DLAp_LIQnnzZ3E9ZgkoobLeo5VzjLlc/s1600/IMG_E8875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I6fzIfVICCaxteoGgudkjRwYbBAo1r6LQDFvyleKfFaiTmcA0pvxcC9ew8mSWGsZLCdsT-LOLGcK01Jdn3m5amWUZlpmO7nYaguLwb8f8xT_DLAp_LIQnnzZ3E9ZgkoobLeo5VzjLlc/s640/IMG_E8875.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">My parents took me here by car many times on family vacations. I remember reading all the signs and trying to memorize the shapes of the mountains so I would be able to identify them later. My parents always knew all the names of the mountains wherever we went. So I understood this to be an important thing to be able to do.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYprJcEsDJ3MqhGBgd4VVwsIt3OjW2BNnGRTffqJJqHtoWTtC2OfFGKTDWbYFbNLzJJhexWMpYK336msWNe6pJCPqV6SxFoCVjDjC1RrbhZLzR4s8G3e9v56RldgTjWeV9LmLLy7x-pw8/s1600/IMG_8866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYprJcEsDJ3MqhGBgd4VVwsIt3OjW2BNnGRTffqJJqHtoWTtC2OfFGKTDWbYFbNLzJJhexWMpYK336msWNe6pJCPqV6SxFoCVjDjC1RrbhZLzR4s8G3e9v56RldgTjWeV9LmLLy7x-pw8/s640/IMG_8866.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Though out here on the PCT, there have been a few times where I see a new mountain peak when I get up to a pass and ask another hiker coming from the other direction what it is. And they say they have no idea, they just hike and don't bother with the names. And I just shake my head and pull out my maps. There are so many different ways to enjoy this trail. But I need to know the names of the peaks or else I feel completely disoriented.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3eoGgt9COgbszFAdC6s0k9deDsZeC2jFntqoAJG2YmMCC7dDZ0FyfY28_RtARI1L68BPa4bR9GCtcaqRelDTNWrHrclltkpkoiC_RsnQUX4O9QFNxUudsoUIqW291iVtTm0-mFTp2vY/s1600/IMG_E8869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3eoGgt9COgbszFAdC6s0k9deDsZeC2jFntqoAJG2YmMCC7dDZ0FyfY28_RtARI1L68BPa4bR9GCtcaqRelDTNWrHrclltkpkoiC_RsnQUX4O9QFNxUudsoUIqW291iVtTm0-mFTp2vY/s640/IMG_E8869.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqywtssHsP-wfUHCfYHSWAzur6z4dbsiFqPUI_HM_tsXBHyQ344Ny1kJDXhyg1LniMqxERNLQtoZa8i7n9dLjCdKbxEJF85CspKVFNLJYSEgNs0tsLDGAlfBpzj0BBpEx_UBRzM2Hg50M/s1600/IMG_E8856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqywtssHsP-wfUHCfYHSWAzur6z4dbsiFqPUI_HM_tsXBHyQ344Ny1kJDXhyg1LniMqxERNLQtoZa8i7n9dLjCdKbxEJF85CspKVFNLJYSEgNs0tsLDGAlfBpzj0BBpEx_UBRzM2Hg50M/s640/IMG_E8856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I meet more SOBO hikers that all warm me about there are more lava rocks ahead. "T</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">hat's what I’m hear for!" I want to say. Because I love the lava. But I end up just nodding and smiling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMMeSsw_BqC7ldiYdxEbTgo_cjq04K49SPzPL7_ill7zobPvn46-8SnW3z8eSmmabFrXaXAz9ib1Zmt5fTS7viF6-h0nSyjDe-bPTHpWrQkmb1RBFE9_yErUnBmD1ra9CWIucB_zW6U4/s1600/IMG_8879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMMeSsw_BqC7ldiYdxEbTgo_cjq04K49SPzPL7_ill7zobPvn46-8SnW3z8eSmmabFrXaXAz9ib1Zmt5fTS7viF6-h0nSyjDe-bPTHpWrQkmb1RBFE9_yErUnBmD1ra9CWIucB_zW6U4/s640/IMG_8879.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I take the side trail to Big Lake Youth Camp and arrive in late morning. They don't serve lunch until 1 so I have a few hours to take a shower and relax. I see some of the other nobo hikers I haven’t seen for days so it's great to catch up. They are really nice at the camp and I decide to hang around for the night.</span><span class="s1"></span></div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-63885201595934939352019-09-13T09:47:00.005-06:002019-09-13T09:47:55.214-06:00Day 28. Obsidian Limited Entry Area<style type="text/css">
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Day 28. Obsidian Limited Entry Area</div>
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<span class="s1">mile 1962 to Lava Lake Camp Junction 1982.6</span></div>
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<span class="s1">8/6</span></div>
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<span class="s1">20.6 miles</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; text-align: center;">Today was one of most scenic days on the PCT— with incredible obsidian outcrops against a backdrop of the the Three Sisters peaks.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’d been looking forward to this section for a while. Our PCT permits allow us to pass through the Obsidian Limited Entry Area, and it is difficult to get a permit to visit otherwise. I’d learned from the FS Ranger I’d talked to a few days earlier that many tribes get their obsidian from quarries here to make arrowheads and stone tools and have for generations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaSFKnKaf2jtnJYngRxM_urn7fwRSk5ElIK4WIZ8l861Ql4BGvKlQwE3sdKk8N7PqHQaRRMffliZGS59LhomvxB8Zyuua-7RcWm9xUKcWnIV3T4VDh42jIJwFLlnZczoxe2CrjXy9YMU/s1600/IMG_8828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaSFKnKaf2jtnJYngRxM_urn7fwRSk5ElIK4WIZ8l861Ql4BGvKlQwE3sdKk8N7PqHQaRRMffliZGS59LhomvxB8Zyuua-7RcWm9xUKcWnIV3T4VDh42jIJwFLlnZczoxe2CrjXy9YMU/s640/IMG_8828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">How incredible it is to walk through all the sparkling obsidian. It is interesting to contemplate what an incredible resource this was for tool-makers and to wonder about how far the points from this place have traveled across the vast trade-networks and how many meals arrowheads made from the rock here have provided.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Further on, the trail leads through recent lava flows. It made me wonder who the first people to discover the obsidian area were, how many travelers and traders came here, and how tough it must have been to explore and trade with all this lava. Where there paths through the lava made thousands of years ago like the Zuni-Acoma Trail in El Malpais NM in New Mexico? I really wish I knew more of the history here.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlk9h22GmWdXY92hYKtvC4QqgQv5Rp-lqDwp8qHs11CCEJJmYN4xPNdAO0JX5eNQ1DSpTXc8AJN_k75RBV87kS0zANUe0-_5YAAVJtO-nU5FCtUhalxUKDA5dzpomtYfiVjdH3fxKgUg/s1600/IMG_8824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlk9h22GmWdXY92hYKtvC4QqgQv5Rp-lqDwp8qHs11CCEJJmYN4xPNdAO0JX5eNQ1DSpTXc8AJN_k75RBV87kS0zANUe0-_5YAAVJtO-nU5FCtUhalxUKDA5dzpomtYfiVjdH3fxKgUg/s640/IMG_8824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">The sobo hikers that I stop and talk to all say the lava section that I will encounter tomorrow are terrible. They say it tears up your feet and takes forever to pass through. They make it sound really rough and terrible.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPvLVx6_4qTuWzFMvU_jBB891Vs9NHl787fng_5CMk_3Icbl6TK-jPMzmzfR8sBITsFkmYkFwLmv-hdUxgVfc99jhL9VcEyTKGE28u0i4QAqWeW4M2EToJ5dkAXyonk7c67XCmf7wl6o/s1600/IMG_E8843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPvLVx6_4qTuWzFMvU_jBB891Vs9NHl787fng_5CMk_3Icbl6TK-jPMzmzfR8sBITsFkmYkFwLmv-hdUxgVfc99jhL9VcEyTKGE28u0i4QAqWeW4M2EToJ5dkAXyonk7c67XCmf7wl6o/s640/IMG_E8843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Then I meet C. who is a section hiker who is singing a different tune. She says the thru hikers are just complaining and actually its beautiful through the lava. We laugh and connect and complain how everyone seems so rushed and its hard to not soak in the general hurriedness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC_Hrs5XDplw7XavWfsyivVRb2m2kmrWdRC0ADlRAw2V5mdPR3b3T64WbEF39eW-QnVWwj93b-wJu0_g8SwEOJ2AltFl3SfiBKOtQywU-WO71mgcMJedyTcHVd6wJsvPO3HPPmDtMXIk/s1600/IMG_8825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC_Hrs5XDplw7XavWfsyivVRb2m2kmrWdRC0ADlRAw2V5mdPR3b3T64WbEF39eW-QnVWwj93b-wJu0_g8SwEOJ2AltFl3SfiBKOtQywU-WO71mgcMJedyTcHVd6wJsvPO3HPPmDtMXIk/s640/IMG_8825.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Later in the day, I say hello to a sobo thru-hiker has a forlorn look. When I ask how its going she blurts out “I wish this was over.” I feel so bad for her but don’t know how to help. I say the next part through the obsidian is amazing. But I doubt that’s the problem. I wish I could sit down and find out whats wrong. But maybe I'm not the right person to have that conversation. It seems so hard for me to imagine what its like to not want to be out here. I’ve never had the experience of wanting a hike to end— sometimes I think I’d like to hike so long that I feel that way. And part of me thinks maybe its better that I have this longing for more, that I’m still fresh in my love for the trail and I don’t feel the pull to leave. </span></div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-1892475877529550042019-09-02T16:36:00.002-06:002019-09-02T16:36:50.932-06:00Day 27. Climbing South SisterDay 27. Climbing South Sister
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<span class="s1">8/5/2019</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Moraine Lake to the Summit of South Sister, then back to the PCT mile 1959 to mile 1962</span></div>
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<span class="s1">3 miles on the PCT + 12 non-PCT miles</span></div>
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<span class="s1">15 miles</span></div>
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My eyes open before my alarm goes off. Today is like a vacation from my vacation! What will the largest-glacier-in-Oregon look like? Will there be ice still on the high elevation lakes? What butterflies will be flying around at 10,000 feet? I think about all the PCT hikers down around the base of South Sister, while I am high up here in the alpine wonderland. It thrills me to be deviating from the PCT and making my own choices about where I roam.</div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprVmEVodTAuWva9BV9nQjBqI9wT_QbyCmJf_UXTvjB9IuXoFb_u8s1zbREvJJlESxNLCIBCFnGwvWq5wHhTjDGKd2kJx8-JsmDOJy6M224tC9J-Rbai9-1iuN0cIcfp_LV7RVMNFLlI/s1600/IMG_E8719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprVmEVodTAuWva9BV9nQjBqI9wT_QbyCmJf_UXTvjB9IuXoFb_u8s1zbREvJJlESxNLCIBCFnGwvWq5wHhTjDGKd2kJx8-JsmDOJy6M224tC9J-Rbai9-1iuN0cIcfp_LV7RVMNFLlI/s640/IMG_E8719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Despite starting to hike by 5:20 AM, I don’t get on the actual climber’s route until 6AM. I have to hike all the way to Moraine Lake from my remote site, climb up from the lake and then cache my tarp/ sleeping bag/ hammock off the trail. With all the habituated chipmunks lurking, I decide to carry all my (4 days worth!) food. Heavy, but prudent.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQyrSlhTGLEJwRbMoWfAGch-rtuIvjLwhXb6_RZETVMJxUsVlqenG4XofGSHSTm53IcvvGXvNYPKMtLuM041T7ByJHBKZ9o7piykgo1Owq9KhUjakI4Smt2IfAmyuZrOd470WIGmWYJk/s1600/IMG_E8727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQyrSlhTGLEJwRbMoWfAGch-rtuIvjLwhXb6_RZETVMJxUsVlqenG4XofGSHSTm53IcvvGXvNYPKMtLuM041T7ByJHBKZ9o7piykgo1Owq9KhUjakI4Smt2IfAmyuZrOd470WIGmWYJk/s640/IMG_E8727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I love the morning predawn hiking. Love the vastness and the exhilaration of the climb. The air smells delightful after the storm. The footing is really good after the rain- like the trail got compacted and cleansed. I can only imagine how dusty and loose it was the morning before. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyt-3t79USFEdBNBKqQDxn4Zkg5VKxR0fKpPwKcl6BCrmTrVqoOcFQiXqJ8zSr6WgjvOIcVJq16USKsCFyCPuN87CXuh3-gWk4rDac8nfk4rLpu-d-GmnrmTq0k2tHYRmNNM6kx-i9IY/s1600/IMG_8747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyt-3t79USFEdBNBKqQDxn4Zkg5VKxR0fKpPwKcl6BCrmTrVqoOcFQiXqJ8zSr6WgjvOIcVJq16USKsCFyCPuN87CXuh3-gWk4rDac8nfk4rLpu-d-GmnrmTq0k2tHYRmNNM6kx-i9IY/s640/IMG_8747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Three sets of footprints are in front of me. One set is small and I find out that they belong to a 4th grade girl hiking with her dad. Her sweet voice wafts on the wind and its delightful to meet her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">When I get to the really steep uphill with loose rocks I come upon the lead hiker, and we end up hiking for most of the day together. R. keeps a steady pace and just tells me a few snippets of his story. I’m amazed that he is 70 years old! He is one of those people you can sense had lots of experiences over his lifetime, but doesn't brag. I feel lucky to have run into him. R. says that he wanted to hike this mountain today because next year they are switching to a permit system.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The first lake is amazing blue and the Lewis glacier above has deep blue ice.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMKOH76oR8lDu72of-VfQIt5eSjNRXl7DM_UgHoqXDf_Et5xUv6UqhuJRRJrEvNK7fPHtN2CxqGxrnS8a7qcuQ9S0VUW1jCLfmBx5nRo4FO67RUU4AAoCgwJHg5GuxWIER8ehnDSHCbc/s1600/IMG_8743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMKOH76oR8lDu72of-VfQIt5eSjNRXl7DM_UgHoqXDf_Et5xUv6UqhuJRRJrEvNK7fPHtN2CxqGxrnS8a7qcuQ9S0VUW1jCLfmBx5nRo4FO67RUU4AAoCgwJHg5GuxWIER8ehnDSHCbc/s640/IMG_8743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">A few young guys pass us on the way to the top, but by the time we get up there (just before 9), they are already heading down again so it doesn’t feel crowded.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhga0pdil4zSBbl2KTVtLv1enuhMndW5fraPdb4BKYIb90r-Ut3OFVa3f11BQPTZmhhdq2-xTGObbqlB8DaLqx9QAHDnvsKk55QMvXf99sJRjgjWqLlThbp8W_d3tBbqZbvq19N9ru995A/s1600/IMG_8760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhga0pdil4zSBbl2KTVtLv1enuhMndW5fraPdb4BKYIb90r-Ut3OFVa3f11BQPTZmhhdq2-xTGObbqlB8DaLqx9QAHDnvsKk55QMvXf99sJRjgjWqLlThbp8W_d3tBbqZbvq19N9ru995A/s640/IMG_8760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Instead, it feels like we are on top of the world and have it all to ourselves! Volcanos stretch out to the north and south, ones I’ve hiked around and have yet to hike near. The Three Sisters are all shaped so different even though they form from the same mountain building processes. R. talks about the geological processes that formed the features that he's hiked over the years.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_8UZIMoRDx9NGcYvGVQMX_1GfTmhljofeRxy4R0la7s4Fn1Esfr30wO_ecAfu6J_XVAek8OQrnuOz5PxXO3jb_QTLREcyDL_Iw1Iu3_8mDlT92Y5bHoNJ7iMSCbc81ke71hrRXs0OEA/s1600/IMG_8757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_8UZIMoRDx9NGcYvGVQMX_1GfTmhljofeRxy4R0la7s4Fn1Esfr30wO_ecAfu6J_XVAek8OQrnuOz5PxXO3jb_QTLREcyDL_Iw1Iu3_8mDlT92Y5bHoNJ7iMSCbc81ke71hrRXs0OEA/s640/IMG_8757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">On the way down, we run into A LOT of people coming up. It becomes very overwhelming and I hurry to turn off the Climber’s Trail back onto the side trail that will lead to the PCT. The experience of that massive crowd swarming up the mountains makes me see why they will have a permit system. I’m very grateful for my early start because I feel like the crowds didn’t negatively impact my experience of climbing the mountain.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I take a circuitous route back to the PCT, instead of the direct route, so I skip less of the PCT.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> The view of South Sister from the PCT is still beautiful, but it makes me really glad I climbed it so I could experience it up close.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEauU24z603tYMo3ga0HIF-W-Xh6XvrNAZBXLJQSjI9kVFy4BG3gozkydsyIRUOZ01jQryWksccH6wgsjEJtD4JKfrxuY-baRp48AYkT4yGUbSkFDn_RphJzajdRh6ZM6V2rfwD_2irD4/s1600/IMG_8787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEauU24z603tYMo3ga0HIF-W-Xh6XvrNAZBXLJQSjI9kVFy4BG3gozkydsyIRUOZ01jQryWksccH6wgsjEJtD4JKfrxuY-baRp48AYkT4yGUbSkFDn_RphJzajdRh6ZM6V2rfwD_2irD4/s640/IMG_8787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I make camp early (4 PM!) since I don’t need to get to hwy 20 until Thursday. And because I’m tired and have been up since 5 AM.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I delight the mosquitoes by fetching water and bringing it back to my campsite for a sponge bath. I’ve not felt so sweaty this whole trip. The rinse off feels delightful and the mosquitoes sure are pleased by the meal!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">As I lay in my hammock and calculate my daily mileage, I discover I bypassed 6.7 miles of the PCT with my 22 mile Elk Lake/ South Sister alternate. Of course some people will still say that because I didn’t hike the official PCT route, that this makes my hike “invalid.” To this I can only laugh. I gained so much with my side trip— getting to see the glacier up close, experiencing an incredible view, and the butterflies up there were just amazing! I’m so glad to have the experience of that extra adventure. It was definitely one of the highlights of my whole summer.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSj9bt_BY6vxgYjZOR7Mis_19EBRFrQKu-g0VoQg9SfuE_GQ-x4LSpP7XUR-iAyBxTloCCw5KkDmu0Vm5T1a60BGM7oNXsXjQ7GWFKyLdaLvHFz4hvlBd_pc2edtt4QF63mWAh-52A_E/s1600/IMG_8776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSj9bt_BY6vxgYjZOR7Mis_19EBRFrQKu-g0VoQg9SfuE_GQ-x4LSpP7XUR-iAyBxTloCCw5KkDmu0Vm5T1a60BGM7oNXsXjQ7GWFKyLdaLvHFz4hvlBd_pc2edtt4QF63mWAh-52A_E/s400/IMG_8776.jpg" width="300" /></a>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-81296174132851233572019-09-02T16:28:00.001-06:002019-09-02T16:28:41.281-06:00Day 26. Side trip off the PCTDay 26. Side trip off the PCT
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<span class="s1">8/4</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Near Elk Lake 1950 to Elk Lake cutoff 1952.6</span></div>
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<span class="s1">2.6 PCT miles + 10 non-PCT miles</span></div>
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<span class="s1">12.6 miles</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Elk Lake to Moraine Lake not on the PCT</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Today is the start of my South Sister side trip. I’m planning to summit South Sister tomorrow, but first I need to take a detour to get more food and pick up a permit.</span><br />
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<span class="s1">I arrive at Elk Lake Resort an hour before they open for breakfast. My hiker hunger has kicked in and I am lightheaded with low blood sugar by the time I order. The french toast and scrambled eggs are the most delicious I’ve ever had. I slather them with butter and drench them in syrup, then ask for extra syrup. Would it be excessive if I asked for extra butter too? As I devour them, I eye the butter packets that the man at the table next to me left behind. Would anyone notice if I just grabbed them off his dirty plate? </span><br />
<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNi5qN-ORMSMHycDlZxzADKtwdrbFXIu_N6S2Wh03rwEow2XduCC6lyKauFL-pEDpQSo_TssL-e6vNs8KIRfoZwEjL2CFWXD2ZjuVUMulDHkDMUjUryN7o8pg_I0mmQrb2owI5ZgSBdo/s1600/IMG_8648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNi5qN-ORMSMHycDlZxzADKtwdrbFXIu_N6S2Wh03rwEow2XduCC6lyKauFL-pEDpQSo_TssL-e6vNs8KIRfoZwEjL2CFWXD2ZjuVUMulDHkDMUjUryN7o8pg_I0mmQrb2owI5ZgSBdo/s640/IMG_8648.jpg" width="512" /></a></span><br />
<span class="s1">After breakfast, I feel like the Very Hungry Caterpillar in the book I read to my first grade students— I’m <i>still </i>hungry! But ice cream isn’t served until 11 AM. I <i>NEED</i> ice cream. So more waiting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Finally, the ice cream counter opens. The strawberry ice cream root beer float with two scoops of ice cream is most marvelous I've ever had! Juicy chunks of strawberries mixed with flavored sugar water melt on my tongue. I try to make it last forever by eating it spoonful by tiny spoonful, </span>going for a Slowest Know Time of Root Beer Float Consumption (SKT of the RBFC). But it is gone too soon. My stomach is a bottomless pit and I contemplate staying here all day and ordering root-beer float after root-beer float. But I know I need to hike.</div>
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<span class="s1">I make my way on non-PCT trails to the trailhead where I get my free permit to climb South Sister. When I get to the trailhead, I</span> see a Forest Service Ranger at the signboard and approach him to ask some questions. Turns out he is an Americorps member so we have that in common and he wants to hike the PCT someday. Despite the fact that it starts to rain, I ask a million questions and talk as if I haven’t had much conversation for the last few days — which I suppose is because I haven’t! Thankfully, he is happy to share information which I really appreciate!</div>
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<span class="s1">The storm intensifies as I climb. I clutch my umbrella as claps of thunder migrate across the sky. This is the first rain I’ve had all trip, and it figures that it is coming down just as I am heading up to my highest elevation that I will reach all summer.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksgkXOd8Tnd8CH2AxmnBOU2zVW8gCoTLgTaXeSoi3YrRIWp6yMv-oqL8chpDHvAd7PdPVnBaAMoPurfdqEKoxCAbM0bgHip55fR1j39GTQDFtXbgD3_BUxVHoS9NVxZVIrjE6GlA8I1E/s1600/IMG_8690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksgkXOd8Tnd8CH2AxmnBOU2zVW8gCoTLgTaXeSoi3YrRIWp6yMv-oqL8chpDHvAd7PdPVnBaAMoPurfdqEKoxCAbM0bgHip55fR1j39GTQDFtXbgD3_BUxVHoS9NVxZVIrjE6GlA8I1E/s640/IMG_8690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I talk to hikers coming down the mountain and hear frightening tales of their close calls with lightning. Hair standing on end and feeling the electricity so near. When I ask the hikers how it was the most common answers are “long” and “brutal” and “terrifying.” </span>Will the storm pass before I climb tomorrow?</div>
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<span class="s1">I just keep climbing.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">As I approach Moraine Lake, the sky clears! But I can see more dark storm clouds coming in the distance. I need to find a campsite quickly! </span><br />
<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvQco5i5bFDQeTBJLVkYtBud7SyMSXIkuOj09rnkTy9zk-_I48KQO97FDx5NPc8UbylHuvBH0bXUm1CMdi9qpcSdaL4A2b9DFvWgLhpwbubFQLPLrGOBLL647_z2NPBgr02Hxi6FOYZ4/s1600/IMG_8704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvQco5i5bFDQeTBJLVkYtBud7SyMSXIkuOj09rnkTy9zk-_I48KQO97FDx5NPc8UbylHuvBH0bXUm1CMdi9qpcSdaL4A2b9DFvWgLhpwbubFQLPLrGOBLL647_z2NPBgr02Hxi6FOYZ4/s640/IMG_8704.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span class="s1">I rush down the trail to the designated campsites. The thunder keeps booming as I circle around the lake looking for a spot. The FS has installed posts with number that you are supposed to camp near within the Moraine Lake Area. But the unoccupied site are too exposed for me and facing into the wind. My original plan was to camp in a designated campsite, since that is the most LNT option in this area. But because of the danger of the storm, I decide that I will figure out a plan b. I hike cross country until I am outside of the Moraine Lake Area, which puts me even further away from the Summit Trail, but I know it is the right thing to do LNT-wise and I definitely don’t want to break any laws.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Finally, I find a cluster of dense trees on a slope. No one else has ever camped here or will probably will ever camp here. It looks perfect!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Just as I get my hammock hung and tarp pitched, it starts to rain and then hail like crazy. The thunder booms in all directions. I wedge my umbrella under my tarp as extra protection from the storm.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwLZJcmCmPitqEAXNn3EWaZuNKUV00358Ag_UwpJxz1PgufHZy8cI6dCVmUULizfkUioj-Va2ygycQAgAN7_7pLnW697LLjtgku07CHESivbsETiSMzJnLRV6UaGlIPyFTQTuTtL_LI/s1600/IMG_8712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwLZJcmCmPitqEAXNn3EWaZuNKUV00358Ag_UwpJxz1PgufHZy8cI6dCVmUULizfkUioj-Va2ygycQAgAN7_7pLnW697LLjtgku07CHESivbsETiSMzJnLRV6UaGlIPyFTQTuTtL_LI/s640/IMG_8712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I try to enjoy the patter of rain on my tarp. I try to feel thankful that I have a tight pitch. I try to remind myself how exciting it is to be on adventure off the PCT. But really I just want the thunder to end ... pretty please. It finally does end and I fall asleep early in anticipation for an early start tomorrow.<br />
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When I get up in the middle of the night, the sky is filled with stars which tell me the storms have passed.</div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-28700966952623066232019-09-01T18:36:00.002-06:002019-09-01T18:36:39.601-06:00Day 25. Entering the Three Sisters WildernessDay 25. Entering the Three Sisters Wilderness
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<span class="s1">8/3</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Charlton Lake 1925 to near Elk Lake 1950</span></div>
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<span class="s1">25 miles </span><br />
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<span class="s1">What a joy it is to wake to a sweet sunrise. To hear the fishes jump and sense how alive this place is.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWoDdewkj97QpINXUNBzvnaJu5xkuW4YwGraZeph6kaDzFw-h3wWzIywAtcI8LGlwj6_tXyiRDKRuVuOI5Y3Dy2Zr7kSPMgJvX2oXr5HriCkmjNsiTRZw3WC8W453zqHKfbqVUaqDnS0/s1600/IMG_E8618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWoDdewkj97QpINXUNBzvnaJu5xkuW4YwGraZeph6kaDzFw-h3wWzIywAtcI8LGlwj6_tXyiRDKRuVuOI5Y3Dy2Zr7kSPMgJvX2oXr5HriCkmjNsiTRZw3WC8W453zqHKfbqVUaqDnS0/s640/IMG_E8618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Lakes are plentiful all day! So I get to be choosy with the swimming. Dumbell Lake is perfect with a warm lava rock peninsula and a deep rocky bottom. And I have it all to myself!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2hNYwdAjLmcwZOP0ZDRuQiVZ2jspACnXFqDic1IUs82vJSfCJ2JeTWqkmfHiajEK6MBphUt6-FGLloOixntrwbf9qIFsWVQ3G-7V9saSbQAoPf1KdtWjaU1YW3p5jvfPTqyAQtcyPHQ/s1600/IMG_E8634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2hNYwdAjLmcwZOP0ZDRuQiVZ2jspACnXFqDic1IUs82vJSfCJ2JeTWqkmfHiajEK6MBphUt6-FGLloOixntrwbf9qIFsWVQ3G-7V9saSbQAoPf1KdtWjaU1YW3p5jvfPTqyAQtcyPHQ/s640/IMG_E8634.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">As I enter the Three Sisters Wilderness, I look at my maps and do some calculations. I’m not suppose to meet my friends in Bend until the 7 or 8th. Plenty of time for a side trip.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Just as I am contemplating potential routes for my side trip, I run into a backcountry forest service ranger! What luck! After checking my PCT permit, he gives me the scoop on climbing South Sister— including where to camp and confirming that I will need to pick up a permit since my PCT permit won’t cover me that far off the PCT. He also warns me that it will be very crowded and suggests an early start. I’m so thrilled with my plan for an off-PCT diversion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I probably could have had dinner at Elk Lake Resort, but I’ve heard its busy and it’s Saturday night. I really like to sleep by myself where it is quiet and I can pretend I am having a wilderness experience. So instead I camp early in an out-of-the-way spot and plan to go over in the morning to get some food.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwbA5GwKRYdz7uAVYGOElGs6AvFU2GI6nwPdVwtHNYjHLuBsd0LO8ExWZyq_gF6RdPIJrtO0wR-rPrf-vig59rMnynzp72FM0NVXlcQUDIlA0OOS5xabCiDWHvSqhtOQe21KZapc9N8s/s1600/IMG_8636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwbA5GwKRYdz7uAVYGOElGs6AvFU2GI6nwPdVwtHNYjHLuBsd0LO8ExWZyq_gF6RdPIJrtO0wR-rPrf-vig59rMnynzp72FM0NVXlcQUDIlA0OOS5xabCiDWHvSqhtOQe21KZapc9N8s/s640/IMG_8636.jpg" width="640" /></a>Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-46515944668033557502019-09-01T18:35:00.001-06:002019-09-01T18:35:31.077-06:00Day 24. A new toyDay 24. A new toy
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">8/2</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Shelter Cove (1902.4) to Charlton Lake (1925)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">18.8 miles</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Just as I am saying goodbye to my sister and her family, my nephew runs to his room and returns with a toy car. He presents it to me and later my sister says it is one of his favorites. I tuck the car into my pocket.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">I have a feeling this toy car will have some adventures!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RR_KYqY-yzaiNGWzFcT10JzpZiKOwM444SrK0NWJExFGaVOZ7br-V7_UtBbzuHfvY2g0f67WjNJp48gagdzGLegHEeVpqQ_CuU8bcvrploRWZ2oEdrE5a8kvmgAixSftUbccUSR4F7Q/s1600/IMG_8586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RR_KYqY-yzaiNGWzFcT10JzpZiKOwM444SrK0NWJExFGaVOZ7br-V7_UtBbzuHfvY2g0f67WjNJp48gagdzGLegHEeVpqQ_CuU8bcvrploRWZ2oEdrE5a8kvmgAixSftUbccUSR4F7Q/s640/IMG_8586.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">It’s definitely hard to say goodbye to my sister and her family. I wonder if I should have stayed another day. I sure hope this is the start of more time together. When I get to a ridge, I have cell service so I text my sister a photo of the car at it's first overlook and tell her how much I miss everyone.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYwVyfzJ0VxiF7XcKcmYDv_PkNh_DOgyW9BUz8Xw1gkBwotz1zpFSu_KFc2adjMWKK2dB43eC5wKPfewItwOiS4AB-DMcQWoPK4-2zC6tP2iuHVNOQ7uqCu77EdsJjFrzsmAV-ppPlDk/s1600/IMG_E8589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYwVyfzJ0VxiF7XcKcmYDv_PkNh_DOgyW9BUz8Xw1gkBwotz1zpFSu_KFc2adjMWKK2dB43eC5wKPfewItwOiS4AB-DMcQWoPK4-2zC6tP2iuHVNOQ7uqCu77EdsJjFrzsmAV-ppPlDk/s640/IMG_E8589.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
It makes me so happy to pull out my food bag and find it filled with all sorts of appetizing treats that my niece picked out. The street taco sized tortillas are amazing with salami, cheese, and a little individual serving of guacamole. Iit fills my heart with joy that my niece was the one to pick out this food for me.</div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYW3t8ESrGaBwZNQCE0DG0FWxY2JsGMMm8-6bRO_TqQgSOAx-DMHa7hMxsnViQScF23XdI84U8uQn2-gqmJzBrgbKFjvZSe2y5hS1HShCZTg-Hbqn7fEr1rfU0Dmied6enPtUqMuD3VY/s1600/IMG_8598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYW3t8ESrGaBwZNQCE0DG0FWxY2JsGMMm8-6bRO_TqQgSOAx-DMHa7hMxsnViQScF23XdI84U8uQn2-gqmJzBrgbKFjvZSe2y5hS1HShCZTg-Hbqn7fEr1rfU0Dmied6enPtUqMuD3VY/s640/IMG_8598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK4TQuDnp9uhO5Qd8YzTuhNFj_-plKi6OziCDqkl8UvZL4NWFTB_-3RCYz_ZaPERcb4ZBDrgwYxEtdQejHaoT4u6gkuVQlaOT_wVii-C916YN0hgX35ie6zL6ygGevp8LS5w299_bStc/s1600/IMG_8595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK4TQuDnp9uhO5Qd8YzTuhNFj_-plKi6OziCDqkl8UvZL4NWFTB_-3RCYz_ZaPERcb4ZBDrgwYxEtdQejHaoT4u6gkuVQlaOT_wVii-C916YN0hgX35ie6zL6ygGevp8LS5w299_bStc/s640/IMG_8595.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="s1">It felt a bit crowded at all the lakes today. Or maybe I am just sad and cranky because I'm missing everyone. But I pull out my toy car and race it around making little "vroom" sounds even though I am in a wilderness area and somehow it makes everything better.</span><br />
<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvCzZfJk-GarrZBv9__a9ypnfOyUw6ZQ3MirbYaPBVDYjsCH3p8Ltoe0xM898F2KFxppfTzKIGuyR4JFXm0uiBnx7jO0sDX-gnmcaG8BaWHvDj1eQUaF15ukSeQxvszS2cJKSIDwOwck/s1600/IMG_8613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvCzZfJk-GarrZBv9__a9ypnfOyUw6ZQ3MirbYaPBVDYjsCH3p8Ltoe0xM898F2KFxppfTzKIGuyR4JFXm0uiBnx7jO0sDX-gnmcaG8BaWHvDj1eQUaF15ukSeQxvszS2cJKSIDwOwck/s640/IMG_8613.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-17236898756343552602019-08-31T08:24:00.002-06:002019-08-31T08:24:36.478-06:00Day 22 and 23. Nero and Zero with my sisterDay 22 and 23. Nero and Zero with my sister
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Hidden Lake 1902.4 to Shelter Cove 1906.2 cutoff</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">4 PCT miles plus spur into Shelter Cove (plus a zero)</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">7/31 to 8/1/2019</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Just a few miles and I am at Shelter Cove Resort. I’ve got enough time to gobble up pancakes with an extra order of scrambled eggs before my sister and niece arrive.</span><br />
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71vkuqkLLSJrEeybQeriIeOxAFKHxj-dMUbu4wq6eDuPB288LEqqOeNjvdKFN86Cf_I3z4Q7ehxRH21lcyAGlgfn7co30tvCyqsLs5J69VKexYZIYs_ei_l76rQA7EWEZ4pvuv7xQiSM/s1600/IMG_8554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71vkuqkLLSJrEeybQeriIeOxAFKHxj-dMUbu4wq6eDuPB288LEqqOeNjvdKFN86Cf_I3z4Q7ehxRH21lcyAGlgfn7co30tvCyqsLs5J69VKexYZIYs_ei_l76rQA7EWEZ4pvuv7xQiSM/s640/IMG_8554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I have two days of non-stop fun with my sister and her family in Eugene. They take me swimming in the local lake (twice!). </span>I thought I'd been having fun with my solo swimming on the PCT, but they definitely raise the bar. We have races across the lake and bucking bronco challenges on their pool toys.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Leave it to a 4th grader and a 6th grader to show you what you've been missing in life.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZfjALPAznuqaZAW4q-IftbrPtrifFyyy6c2UlhJu7wcH1QGWxPprXd0BJPsh1N4Wl6IaF6BkW9SMb6dOg-mwIJf-B_q6podAfz2AO25OenkjgbzpABRZFm1nU_EoS0JsVlt2K33JKH4/s1600/IMG_E8557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZfjALPAznuqaZAW4q-IftbrPtrifFyyy6c2UlhJu7wcH1QGWxPprXd0BJPsh1N4Wl6IaF6BkW9SMb6dOg-mwIJf-B_q6podAfz2AO25OenkjgbzpABRZFm1nU_EoS0JsVlt2K33JKH4/s640/IMG_E8557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACYBKy-iBNVnF7XuVDPEPGYmIOeNJQW49dMjqC1ezf0lYygu8fRKFOAm5GGlmJgKth1KFDvc13sB_ie9fxLkNLUqCtGiUU_pKAICu97cufQfgHXZ9a7LXZlSia2642eLyn3DpvSKM1M/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXACYBKy-iBNVnF7XuVDPEPGYmIOeNJQW49dMjqC1ezf0lYygu8fRKFOAm5GGlmJgKth1KFDvc13sB_ie9fxLkNLUqCtGiUU_pKAICu97cufQfgHXZ9a7LXZlSia2642eLyn3DpvSKM1M/s640/IMG_8568.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span class="s1">My niece and nephew also teach me moves on their slip-and-slide like the penguin and the superman which will surely improve my hiking game. Haha!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaRAAnUxIC8pJ8LA6Orm9VzGmKjJlHbsSIx7QptJ3k7oUG1RsklakDJp-veiPmNyxiomeG1_GwDOcyABV2sdcfGvMuQ8qlyG3OdVpVvfolaMoHtTk1SnAG7M9kg2a4dsKng-ZRh10VWw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-08-26+at+7.52.47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="927" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaRAAnUxIC8pJ8LA6Orm9VzGmKjJlHbsSIx7QptJ3k7oUG1RsklakDJp-veiPmNyxiomeG1_GwDOcyABV2sdcfGvMuQ8qlyG3OdVpVvfolaMoHtTk1SnAG7M9kg2a4dsKng-ZRh10VWw/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-08-26+at+7.52.47+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">They take me shopping for my resupply. My niece helps me pick out some really good food in the bulk section. She makes all sorts of suggestions on what to get which I honestly find incredibly helpful. I especially love the dried peaches, honey sticks (which I drizzle on tortillas slathered in nut butter), and veggies chips that she picks out. If you are a long distance hiker struggling with food suggestions, I highly recommend asking a 6th grader.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUjAE8sTf_mnFyKovs7XqyH054hGRMaPKrf5lKFfvZRmgQWNwvcFQv-F2y_Zf7ffiMWz3qeXeqn2DTo-PcfrHlT_xIGLrYM-e3lZ46R6GN0w2RxCHiy5nLRzCifXs4x0HYTP9BFWhdLM/s1600/IMG_8573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUjAE8sTf_mnFyKovs7XqyH054hGRMaPKrf5lKFfvZRmgQWNwvcFQv-F2y_Zf7ffiMWz3qeXeqn2DTo-PcfrHlT_xIGLrYM-e3lZ46R6GN0w2RxCHiy5nLRzCifXs4x0HYTP9BFWhdLM/s640/IMG_8573.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">It’s so sweet to get this time to reconnect with my sister and her family. My niece and nephew are such remarkable, wonderful human beings. We haven’t seen each other much these past few years and I think this trip is definitely going to change that!</span></div>
<br />Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-437728056755394515.post-83584791661795756442019-08-31T08:19:00.000-06:002019-08-31T08:19:22.906-06:00Day 21. Diamond Peak Wilderness<style type="text/css">
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Day 21. Diamond Peak Wilderness</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">1880.3 (bit past Windago Gap) to Hidden Lake 1902.4</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">7/30/2019</span></div>
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<span class="s1">22 miles</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; text-align: center;">I turn a corner and realize that Mt. Theilsen is so far away. It never fails to amaze me just how far legs can take you in a few hours.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzxuzV3zApN3qTcd0GJobPkYryIHBdoqVLtp8n7CA5TJVfNLUL1tCqfA2jlPpxFox6adomPl6tENmUM_wn_6ThQk0ftU4iOBqT4ydVbbLVWiL3b8xTYn22uh5rxWhyd25S_HYp716GsU/s1600/IMG_8522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzxuzV3zApN3qTcd0GJobPkYryIHBdoqVLtp8n7CA5TJVfNLUL1tCqfA2jlPpxFox6adomPl6tENmUM_wn_6ThQk0ftU4iOBqT4ydVbbLVWiL3b8xTYn22uh5rxWhyd25S_HYp716GsU/s640/IMG_8522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">The mosquitoes are swarming at Summit Lake. I am just about to race by it, trying to outrun them, but then spot a nice sandy beach. Why not go for a swim? The water isn’t too cold and I discover that if I keep my headnet on, I can swim for an extended time, enjoying the incredible view of Diamond Peak and the sparkling blue waters. Both of which I was missing before I stopped. I love having the power to transform a morning of miserable mosquito-racing into a lovely swimming experience.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSECzEuGgalHQA6HBTyOVEYCkPzc8ErodSU6xtcnTcjkcDIUMO7WVxSZLXObENO95Rv-7yII3a2D4CfHdanU-EW36YXY6jFf8hGFLumu3eP9G2xed15VnVsgX7LoG-m3q43E3gYepxy0/s1600/IMG_E8527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSECzEuGgalHQA6HBTyOVEYCkPzc8ErodSU6xtcnTcjkcDIUMO7WVxSZLXObENO95Rv-7yII3a2D4CfHdanU-EW36YXY6jFf8hGFLumu3eP9G2xed15VnVsgX7LoG-m3q43E3gYepxy0/s640/IMG_E8527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I set up camp near Hidden Lake. At first I think I will skip a swim because the one earlier in the day was so good. But then I remember that moderation is not my strong suit.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6ZT-6mkY8pj3HO_jh4eQzItwZX5dvh_ZGfC152m_mp7jPond-Vpzs0hA8T4IE5WPkjYkwgdB1piimsjMfOsy1ZQxj_Zv7uN5LBIOJ_yrfhQNW2o4u70Ku8QRN3TKyTkTJS7R-DLoXMs/s1600/IMG_8544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6ZT-6mkY8pj3HO_jh4eQzItwZX5dvh_ZGfC152m_mp7jPond-Vpzs0hA8T4IE5WPkjYkwgdB1piimsjMfOsy1ZQxj_Zv7uN5LBIOJ_yrfhQNW2o4u70Ku8QRN3TKyTkTJS7R-DLoXMs/s640/IMG_8544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I make it a two swim day!</span><br />
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<span class="s1">Tomorrow I get to see my sister and her family. I can hardly wait.</span></div>
Joan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16396313531820725640noreply@blogger.com1