Day 120 - Campsite near wa1886 to Shelter Cove

A long day ahead of me, I got up at 6:00. It seems that it always takes me 52 minutes to get ready in the morning.
The trail went up on the ridge, and I had some great views on Summit Lake and Diamond Peak above it.
I was planning to get water at the creek pouring into Summit Lake, but getting there I discovered it was all dry. The Summit Lake Campground was 1 mile further up the trail, and according to the app it also has water. Getting to the campground I came upon a big family camping there, and no water except from the lake itself. Luckily, the campers offered to give me some of their water, and I happily filled up 1 liter for the rest of the way.
The app said there is no more water until I reach Shelter Cove, some 18 miles away. But on the eastern slopes of Diamond Peak I crossed a very nice and cold creek at about mile 1902. Further north, there were some other smaller streams and small lakes, before reaching the Shelter Cove side trail.
The trail along Diamond Peak was very nice, with great views up that mountain. There was even a small snow patch just by the trail at one point.
I finally reached the site trail at 16:15, and started the walk down to the resort. I got to the railroad tracks just before the resort at 17:00, say the same time as Butter Fingers. We both got in together, and went to the store, where I got my package with supplies to get me to Bend in three days.
There were some hikers hanging around. Lighthouse was there. He is doing the whole of Oregon on ten days, averaging 40 miles per day. Yesterday he did 50. He said he plans on slowing down considerably in Washington.
I also met Coyote, whom I didn't see since the day I hiked out of Big Bear. And Acorn & Estero were there. I just met them in the kick off, after following Acorn's blog about her AT thru hike last year. They were all hiking out later today, and not staying at the campground.
I met Forest, who started hiking in Ashland 10 days ago, and later Smiley came around, along with his hiking buddies.
I took a $1.50 shower. I thought the 3 minutes it gave me would not be enough, but surprisingly I even had time to wash my hair. Later, I did laundry, splitting the load with Butter Fingers. We had to wait forever for the drier to be free, but we got our stuff dry at the end.
I had a long talk with Smiley, hearing some of his and Mr JT's adventures along the trail.
For dinner, I had an over priced frozen pizza, done in the toaster oven. There was nothing else for dinner in the store.
I was glad to see Moonshine & Sideways and Thor & Fern Toe also made it here tonight.

Nice creek at mile 1902

Dinner

Lighthouse, Ready to hear out for a few more miles

Thor, Moonshine & Sideways and Forest

Day 119 - Thielsen Creek to campsite near wa1886

I got up later than usual, at 7:00. There was no noise coming out of the other the tents in the campsite. Nobody else was up even by the time I left, at 8:00.
About a mile before reaching the highest point on the trail for Oregon and Washington (it's at 7,560 feet, but yesterday I was higher, at 7676 feet, on the rim trail. It's just not the official pct), I ran into a thru hiking southbounder. It was the first time I recognized a southbounding hiker as a thru hiker, which was nice.
A while later I reached the Six Horse campsite and side trail to the spring. I knew I was planning to sleep at a "lakelet", so I wanted to fill up my full water capacity here, in case the water there didn't look too good. The problem was that the spring was on a 0.35 mile, 300 feet down side trail. I went there anyway.
The spring wasn't much more than a few stagnant pools, but I found a small one with clear water and filled up there. That will do.
Back up all those 300 feet, I headed on towards forest road 60. Over there, there is an option to hike the Oregon Skyline Trail to Shelter Cove, my destination for tomorrow. The alternate trail is shorter than the pct, and many hikers choose it over the official trail.
On the road itself there's a very well maintained cache, so I filled up what I had drank since the spring. I headed on the official pct, climbing up to that "lakelet" I wad intending to camp by.
I reached it early, at around 17:30. It was more like a small puddle, and I was happy I had enough water to dry camp. I thought about heading on to do a few more miles, to make tomorrow's long hike into Shelter Cove a bit shorter. I even started walking for a minute, and than checked the map again, and was worried that the trail will be on a narrow ridge line with no available campsites anywhere soon. I went back to the nice campsite by the trail, and made an early camp.

A message board on the PCT. Near first road 60

Water cache near forest road 60

My campsite for the night

Day 118 - Mazama Village to Thielsen Creek

One of the longest days I've had on the trail.
The problem with the trail today was that there is a 27+ miles long waterless stretch, starting from the Rim Village, 4 miles into the day. I did the whole 32 miles today.
Yesterday, a couple of section hikers finished their section, and they said they will put some water at the highway crossing 23 miles north. But I couldn't count on it.
Last night everyone stayed up late and drank a lot of beers. I retired at about 21:00, but it was hard to fall asleep with all the talking and noise around. After getting up at 6:00, I was almost the first one awake. There were a ton of empty beer bottles on the table.
I quickly packed my stuff, and went over near the store. I met Frank, who was already up and ready to finally do his laundry. We chatted while I had my yoghurt and sandwich breakfast. He offered to help Idan and me in Seattle, after we are done. That is very nice of him, and it will help both of us greatly.
I also saw Still Floating, and heard she is going to meet Halfmile later today right after the highway. I asked her if she can drop 2 liters of water for me over there. She agreed, and I gave her a 2 liter Sawyer bag I have found in the hiker box yesterday. I can't count on the cache, but now I had 2 liters with my name on them. That was a relief.
Beer left about half an hour before I did, but he plans on hiking only to the highway, where he will be picked up by his family for several days of trail.
I finally headed out to the trail at 8:00. Road walked back up and stayed my actual daily miles. The trail up to the Rim Village was nice and easy, and I got there just before 10. I filled up my water bag for the long stretch. I had Arizona peach tea in my water bottle. A trick I learned from Idan. I was ready for the rim.
The views on Crater Lake are amazing, and I had to constantly stop and take photos. Every few minutes I had a new angle on the lake, Wizard island and the surrounding cliffs.
The rim trail itself is not the official PCT, but am alternate closed for horseback riders. As such, it was also harder than the pct, with some short steep climbs. But over all it's not too hard.
After hiking below The Watchman, a big cliff above the lake, I came to a lookout for with tourists. More great views and photo ops. I also passed Butter Fingers, Halfmile, Fire Cracker, Tidy Camper, Princess and Mr Sandals.
Further on, I planned to stop right where the rim trail goes off the rim. Just as I got there I saw Beer was heading out of a nice shaded spot. I stopped there for some snacks, and was quickly joined by Butter Fingers. We had a really nice conversation during our break.
I hiked out from there at 13:00, with 12 miles left to the highway, and 9 more from there. The hike to the highway was quick and easy. It took me just over 3 hours to get there. I passed Moonshine, Sideways, Thor and Fern Toe on their lunch break.
At the road, I couldn't see Still Floating, or my water bag. But there was a cache of about 11 gallons of water near the trail. I filled up 2 liters, and headed out just as Moonshine, Sideways, Thor and Fern Toe were arriving. Beer was in the shade on the other side of the road, and his family were just arriving to pick him up. He will probably catch up soon, and I'll see him again.
With 9 miles of climbing remaining, I moved on at about 16:45. After a few minutes I met Still Floating at the nearby forest road, and told her I wouldn't need my 2 liters after all. She had left them at the trail head with a note stating they are mine, so I just changed the note to let anyone take them, if needed. Right after the cache at the highway, I doubt anyone will. I thanked her for her help, anyway, since it really eased my mind during the day, and allowed me to carry less water over here.
The remaining miles went by slowly. After two hours I finally reached the top of the climb, and has a snack there. Moonshine and Sideways came a few minutes later, and we hiked together the rest of the way to camp. It was very nice to just hike slowly and chat along. We finally reached the water at 20:00.
At the creek, we were worried there are no campsites nearby, but a minute further on the trail we found plenty of spots. Hops and Holland were already here, and Thor and Fern Toe came along shortly.
I practiced a parallel camp mode. Setting up the tent, then billing the water WHILE arranging my stuff in the tent. Then letting the water cook the dinner WHILE I went to wash my feet and clean my socks (the water were freezing!). When I got back, all I had to do was eat and go to bed. Which I did.

Crater Lake

Just a cool tree stump

Water cache near hottest 138

Mt Thielsen

Day 117 - Campsite near wa1809b to Mazama Village

I got up to a chilly morning at 6:00, and packed my camp. I had 20 waterless miles to do, but they appeared to be easy enough.
Just before taking down my tent, Frank passed by. It was good seeing him. He was also going all the way to Mazama.
The trail today was even easier than yesterday. Very gradual climbs, and nice forested views. I quickly passed Frank, and later passed many of the hikers that I had dinner with last night. I made only short snack stops, and hiked fast the rest of the time.
Right when I passed Fire Cracker, Tidy Camper, Princess and Mr Sandals we all saw a helicopter doing rounds and dripping water somewhere in the forest. We couldn't see any smoke in that are, but I guess he had a reason for doing it.
I finally got to the highway leading to Mazama Village just before 14:00. Still Floating was there, waiting for Halfmile, and Thor and get Fern Toe got her to drive them down to the village. Smiley was also there, with his hiking buddies. They met the girlfriend of one of them, and were hanging out at the parking lot. I road walked the mile to the village with Chop Chop and Prospector.
Down at the village, I went to the store. Idan was there, already showered and after having done laundry. He headed our to do more miles today, so that the long waterless stretch tomorrow will be shorter.
Rimshot and Kit were also planning to head out, but after walking towards the road they returned and said they have booked a boat ride for tomorrow, so they'll stay for the night.
Gas Pedal and Fire Starter were here for a few days already, having finished the big section they planned on hiking. Tomorrow they will head out to Portland.
Hop Scotch got here yesterday, and slack packed the rim trail today southbound, back to the village. He got in from Ashland with Park, Glimmer and BFF, in BFF's car.
I got my package from the store, had a very nice shower (it's 75 cents for 4 minutes, but the last shower stall in the men's room doesn't stop) and did my laundry. After claiming a spot at the camp, I went to the restaurant, where I met Halfmile and, finally, White Jeep.
White Jeep is the guy that actually wrote the Halfmile app. He was here to get the data from Halfmile's logger, for the last 1000 miles. It was very nice to finally meet him. We talked about the logging, and about maybe getting a loaner logger to log the Israel trail. I will talk to him more about it when I get back home.
I had another veggie burger (home made) with Beer and Bunyan. Bunyan later just found a quiet corner in the restaurant, and took a nap on the floor, before also heading out for a few more miles.
Moonshine and Sideways came to the store, and later Thor and Fern Toe. They also did a few more miles, to the last water, so that tomorrow they'll have a shorter day across the waterless stretch.
There was no cell reception at the village, and the Wi-Fi was $10 a day (or $4 an hour). I heard Pound Cake paid for a daily pass, and asked if I can just send one email out. He said there's no problem, but just then he couldn't connect to the internet. After a minute he said that since he was just leaving, he can give me his password. Apparently he had trouble connecting from the beginning, so the technician gave him the VIP password. So now I know it. But I promised not to tell.
There were many other hikers around, and some bikers as well. We all ended up at the hiker/biker camp, which was a good deal for $5.
Frank got in at about 17:00. He also joined us at the hiker camp. He said I inspired him to get here in two days instead of three. Tomorrow he will rest here and do his chores.
For dinner I just got a frozen microwave pizza, and also bought some stuff for breakfast for tomorrow.

A helicopter trying to put out a forest fire

Boiling the my pole, to take off the tip

Day 116 - Highway 140 to campsite near wa1809b

We had some rain during the night. I like it when I hear rain drops on my tent, and everything is dry and safe.
In the morning I left just after Frank. I caught up to him several miles later, where some strange trail signs made or clear we had no idea which way was the pct. We gave a good guess, and were right.
Further on during the day, I started passing most of the hikers that went ahead yesterday and camped further than me.
Just a bit after passing Rimshot and Kit, I made another stumble and managed to snap my pole again! I quickly looked back, to make sure nobody saw me almost fall. But snapping the pole was way more annoying. At least I snapped the lower section now, so I still have a good top and a good bottom sections. But I won't buy a new Gossamar Gear pole. I might just buy a cheap one in rei in Bend.
The trail kept doing short climbs and drops. All very easy and nice. I was hiking through the 18 miles that the pcta web site recommend to skip because of smoke from nearby fires. It was all clear and well. Didn't even smell anything.
I passed some other hikers in the afternoon. Almost everyone is heading into Mazama Village tomorrow.
At the end of the day there was one climb which was a bit harder than the climbs so far. But it was also over quite quickly. From the top, it was all down hill through three water sources. The last of them is the last good water before the highway exit to Mazama Village, 20 miles later. That's where I planned on camping.
At the second water source I saw somebody forgot a towel. I thought it might be Idan's, and picked it up. A minute later he came rushing up the trail, looking for it. He planned on doing a few more miles today, dry camping for the night.
I hiked on, passing Bunyan on the way as well, and finally got to that last water source. There were no campsites immediately around, so I filled up my 4 liters and moved on, but about a minute further I found a nice little location, and parked there. Idan, Bunyan, Rimshot and Kit quickly passed me.
Going back to the water for a foot bath and sock laundry, I saw Halfmile, Thor and Fern Toe. Halfmile was just getting some water and doing a few more miles. Thor and Fern Toe were making dinner before heading out as well.
Soon, Fire Cracker, Tidy Camper, Princess and Mr Sandals also came along and made dinner, so I bought over my food bag and joined the party. It was very nice. A couple of section hikers also joined in - Jeff and Spotted Owl.
After dinner, everyone moved on top make a shorter day of tomorrow. I remained alone in my camp site for the night.

Day 115 - Hyatt Lake Campground to Highway 140

I woke up early, at 6:00. I had to use my phone as an alarm clock, which menu I couldn't leave it to charge over night in the toilets. Bummer. I packed up quickly, and was out before 7:00. First time I was leaving camp first, before anyone else. Wolf, Puss in Boots and Grock were still asleep.

Canal near Grizzly Creek

I made good time today. Reaching the water source after 12 miles before 11:00. The trail in Oregon is easier, so far. The climbs were very very gradual and long, and didn't require much effort.
The second water source was next to a shelter. I was happy to see Frank there, as well as meeting Swig. The water came from a well, with a handle I had to pump fast and hard in order to get them
flowing. They were also rusty colored. But they tasted fine.
My plan was to hike 30 miles to the highway, and then 2 more into Fish Lake resort. I didn't need the shower/laundry/food deal this time. Just more info on the PCTA's advice not to hike the 18 miles after the road. But Swig and Frank told me they were going to hike it anyway, since there is no closure, or any fire danger, just maybe some smoke in that area. So I decided I'll do the same, and just camp at the creek by the road tonight.

Having a short break before finishing the day

I headed out of the shelter at 14:15, leaving Frank to take a nap. The remaining 10 miles were also mostly easy, though there were plenty of lava fields along the way.

The trail crossed a lava rock scramble

I got here before 18:00, and met a lot of hikers hanging around. Moonshine and Sideways were filling up water and heading out to do a few more, and I also met Rorschach, Leonidas, Seeds, Smiley, Ball-Hawk and probably several more I can not remember. They all headed out.
Smiley is one of the two Israelis we've met at the kick off. His buddy, Mr JT, is a few days behind. It was fun to catch up with him and his hike.
A short time later a car came over, and dropped Idan, Rim Shot and Kit. They went to the resort, ate, and are now heading out for a few more miles. Everyone else around also went ahead.
Only Swig came here to stay for the night. I hope Frank joins us soon also.
I got a reply from Gossamer Gear. They don't offer warranty on their carbon poles, so I'll have to buy the top section, and have it shipped up trail. At least they offered me a discount on the price.
UPDATE: Frank arrived a while later, and camped with us. We had a very nice conversation over dinner, and generally had a good evening.

Day 114 - Ashland to Hyatt Lake Campground

It seems like Idan and I are hiking solo. We got up separately, and went for breakfast at different times. I packed my gear, and was ready to leave before 9:00. We said our goodbyes, and I headed out to get a hitch back to the trail.
I tried hitching on the ramp down to the interstate, heading north. Not many cars passed by, but after about 15 minutes somebody from the nearby gas station asked me if I needed a ride. I replied I need to get to the Mt Ashland exit, and he said he can take me there.
I got into a packed van. There were two kids at the back, and another passenger up front. I had to sit on the floor during the short ride. But I got to the interstate exit in one piece.
Back on old highway 99, I walked back to the trail head. Just as I got there, I met a hiker coming in and heading into Ashland. His trail name was Real Time, and I asked him to take a photo of me, just as I'm starting my solo hike.
The trail north went along the highway for a bit more, but finally got into the woods, and I adjusted my hiking poles, and put on my gloves and hat. Now it begins!
After about an hour of hiking, i managed to snap my hiking pole. Again. This time with no provocation. I just had a stumble on a flat trail, no snags or rocks around. And snap it go! This time or was the top section. I emailed Gossamer Gear from my next break, asking if they have any warranty on the poles.
The trail was rather easy today. There were some small climbs, but nothing to write a blog about. I passed Just Too Fresh, and startled him when I said good morning. He said he will get to the same place as I aim to, tonight.
Later, I passed two day hikers, and another unknown hiker that was on a break. He appeared to be a thru hiker, but maybe he is a southbounder. I don't know.
I made a short break about 4.5 miles in, and then another one 4.5 miles later, at a nice spring. Just as I was planning to leave, Idan came over, filled his water, and went ahead. I waited for a few more minutes, just so I won't keep on hiking on his heels.
After about 6 more miles, I crossed the famous highway 66. It was not exciting at all. I saw Idan going on from there, just as I got to the road. I made another stop shortly after.
From there, the pct went on a little loop, with an old pct alternate option to cut the loop. I went the long way. Didn't get to see any views, because of the haze in the air, from all the forest fires.
Coming to the next spring, I didn't see any water. But I had enough on me to last until the end of the day. It was only 3 more easy miles.
I wasn't sure if I want to enter the campground, 0.3 miles off trail, or keep on going to the nearby water source, and camp there. When I got to the road, I saw the campground was very organized, so I decided to check it out. Apparently, they have a special pct hikers' campsite, so I headed here. It's right by the showers and toilets, which also have electrical outlets. I washed up a bit, but skipped shower. I had one yesterday.
Coming back to the campsite, after I filled up my water, I saw Wolf, Puss In Boots and Grock. They went over to the resort, about 1.4 miles down the road, to have dinner at the restaurant. Sadly, it closes at 16:00. So they walked back hungry. But they are staying here tonight.
Puss In Boots just joined Wolf for three weeks, to hike Oregon with him. He is living in Portland.
I wanted to leave my phone charging at the toilets for the night, but I have to keep it around, because it's my alarm clock now. Damn it. I will set the spark for 6:00. I am going to hike 30 miles tomorrow, to get to the Fish Lake resort, and ask around that fire the pcta are warning people about.

Heading out, solo

Pilot rock, I think

A dam