I did the math. If I didn't pick up the pace, I would not make Cascade Locks in time on Friday to get my resupply boxes, which also includes new shoes. The lava rock has done a number to the shoes I've been wearing.
I have encountered the same thing three times now. I'm hiking along when suddenly, I am in the middle of a swarm of butterflies. They are orange, black, and white.
7/22: PCT mile 2029.5 - Lemiti Creek PCT mile 2054.6 =25 miles Tomorrow I'll pass the 400 mile mark.
Tues 7/23 Day 18 Lemiti Creek PCT mile 2054.6 to PCT mile 2082.5 = 28 miles.
I have grown weary of pushing my body to hike more miles than I am in shape for. I am 14-15 miles from my next resupply (Timberline Lodge) and 62 miles from Cascade Locks, which I must arrive by 4:00 pm Friday. Two days in a row I have missed out on "Trail Magic" so I could push the miles.
My "Hiker Hunger" is kicking in. I eat a good supper between 6:00 and 7:00 pm, but by 8:00 to 10:00 pm I am digging into my food sack for Fritos or a granola bar. Here's tonight's example:
- Wheat Thins with peanut butter
- Roast Beef dinner
- I polished off all the Fritos and Wheat Thins
- I just ate a Snickers bar, Kirkland Nut Bar, and a Nature Valley Oat and Honey bar
Hiking was not bad early. Had a first view of Mt Hood. Then as I got closer to Mt Hood, the hiking was harder -- uphill in loose sand. A hiker going south said "Timberline Lodge is just around the bend." She was correct, but way wrong at the same time. When I saw the Lodge, it was on the other side of a big canyon and it was another mile hiking on the contour of the hill.
I ate at the lodge--very good, but quite expensive. For that much money, Becky and I both get a meal.
When I resumed hiking (12:30), it was okay, BUT there are MANY trails, mostly unsigned. Difficult to stay on the PCT. Other PCT hikers had the same issues, but they are using Guthook's app.
Thurs. 7/25 PCT mile 2106.7 - Indian Spring Campground PCT mile 2125.1 =18.8 miles.
Hiking went well in the morning and awful in the afternoon. The past three years, I've done 2500 miles. Today is the ONLY time after a break that I went the wrong direction. Hiking along a ridge with almost unvaried tree canopy and underbrush. I came onto "Squeaky" and found I was going south, not north. So not as many miles today as I wanted, but I did get in a few "Bonus Miles." All you can do is grin and bear it.
It was nice having people to talk to this evening. But I should be another three miles up the trail.
Fri 7/26
Then there was a steep, gnarly down-hill section. I'll take uphill over steep downhill any times. My knees were screaming at me. Last few miles were not bad. Arrived at Cascade Locks at 1:00 pm
Maybe it's the let down after finally arriving but I felt awful. Town food, shower, resupply boxes, laundry were good but I still felt awful. I had full intentions of ending my hike at Cascade Locks.
I am moving on to Washington. Plan is to take it one section at a time and to be a little more kind and gentle on Kevin.
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