August 13.
Welp, I did it. 34 miles. Probably could have spaced it out better over the past two days but here we are. Woke up around 6, did the usual stuff, hit the trail by 715. I realized my right shoe had totally blown open the previous day, barely hanging on by a few threads. Decided to lace them on and keep hiking because what else is there to do.
Hiked across the little section I hiked the previous night in the dark. Quickly passed the spots I kept stumbling around in the dark lest someone recognize my plodding steps. Hiked up to a ridge line that I followed for a while. Actually had some cell reception up there so I ordered a new pair of shoes to arrive at Mazama. The fastest they could get there was Wednesday which means I will need to use my half day to Ashland after all.
Made it to a dirt road around 11 miles which had a water cache and some trail magic. That was the point where the Oregon Skyline Trail met the PCT. No sign of any of the other sobos.Met some nobos and talked to them about Crater Lake and the smoke and told them about the lava fields. Seems the best bet for a view of Crater Lake is to get there early in the morning. The water cache also had trail magic, including some bright orange duct tape I used to tape up my shoe a bit. Didnt really do much but hopefully it helps for two days.
Had another dry section from the water cache to maidu lake, a little lake about ¾ of a mile away from the trail. Made it to the lake and got water/prepped dinner. There were a ton of little frog jumping around. They were so cute.
Hiked back up and ran into Lucas! He was camped at a really nice spot overlooking the mountains and valley below. I think I’ve camped at the same spots as him a few times but haven’t actually seen him or talked to him since we walked in together to Stevens pass weeks ago. He told me Taylor had passed him yesterday which means he’s also not that far ahead.
After that made it to the highest point in Oregon/Washington at 7650 feet. Booped the sign and got a picture next to it thanks to some nobos.
Finally made it to the thielsen creek right at the base of Mt thielsen. Found a site next to some section hikers and had a little service so I got to text Mup for a bit.
The site is v nice. I can hear the water but not close enough to worry about condensation. Can also see Mt Thielsen right above me which is gorgeous.
Also, I kept count of nobos and counted 74 throughout the day. The herd is here.
Tomorrow the plan is to make it to Lightning Spring. If Crater Lake it covered and smoke I’ll stay there and watch the sunset over Crater Lake. If I can see it, I might keep going to Mazama and stay there the night to get my shoes the next day. I’m more included to stay at lightning spring and watch the sunrise. Plus that’ll be a 22 mile day instead of a 30 and my feet could use the rest. We’ll see.
Plants Outside 