Food - that has been my top priority today. I've eaten well and plan to spend the night at the Red Lion Inn. Enjoyed visiting with a friend, Patrick, from Indiana. We have known Pat since he was very young. He and his wife Kelly live and work in Bend. They had me over to their house for a great American meal. It was a happy evening catching up on old times.
Some not so good news today! The spring snows have not melted as quickly as anticipated. I am ahead of the bulk of northbound thru-hikers and it is not unusual to encounter snowpack at higher elevations. I've been told by the locals, that the PCT is impassable above 4,500 ft. elevation, literally from Elk Lake (mile 1,958.3) to Santiam Pass at 2,008 mile mark. And, McKenzie Pass is closed due to repair and road maintenance.
Thanks to Loyd, trail angel from Bend, OR. Loyd picked me up at Elk Lake, drove me into Bend today, the post office and has offered to pick me up in the morning and drive me to Highway 20 where I will hike north toward Mt. Hood. It is my plan to hike on the trail that is passable and then go back once the snowmelt diminishes, and hike the miles I had to skip. This section of Oregon is supposed to be a mountain wonderland. I don't want to miss any of it.
Shirley will be here on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing her. She will be driving from trailhead to trailhead to support and replenish my supplies. I've lost more weight - my medium size trail shorts are getting quite loose. I'm sure this is partly because of the mosquito vampires.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
7/28/08
DAY 91: Sun., Jul.27: 37.9 mi.: TOTAL 1958.3
7 pm Pacific time. I am reporting from Elk Lake Resort. Coodinates: 43 deg. 58'835" N, 121 deg. 48'348" W. This is a beautiful lake with lots of yachts moored around the perimeter. This resort is where I plan to go into Bend and take a zero day tomorrow. I'm ready for a break. I haven't taken a zero since Tahoe.
From Willametta Pass into here, the hike was easy with gentle ups and downs. The views are overwhelming - I can see the peaks of the Three Sisters, Obsidian Falls and other beautiful mountain peaks ahead. I've crossed acres and acres of lava-rock.
The mosquitos are a constant nuisance. There is no way I can cook, let alone eat, a meal outside. It is even painful to stop and take a picture. I have to literally dive into my tent to escape these pests.
On a good note: a pleasant discovery for me are the Rhododendron. As a Ridgerunner in the Smoky Mountians I very seldom get to see the Rhododendron in bloom because I am only there March through May and these mountain beauties bloom in the summer. They certainly brighten up the path before me.
Thought of the day: The steps of faith fall on the seeming void, but find the rock beneath." John Greenleaf Whittier
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
From Willametta Pass into here, the hike was easy with gentle ups and downs. The views are overwhelming - I can see the peaks of the Three Sisters, Obsidian Falls and other beautiful mountain peaks ahead. I've crossed acres and acres of lava-rock.
The mosquitos are a constant nuisance. There is no way I can cook, let alone eat, a meal outside. It is even painful to stop and take a picture. I have to literally dive into my tent to escape these pests.
On a good note: a pleasant discovery for me are the Rhododendron. As a Ridgerunner in the Smoky Mountians I very seldom get to see the Rhododendron in bloom because I am only there March through May and these mountain beauties bloom in the summer. They certainly brighten up the path before me.
Thought of the day: The steps of faith fall on the seeming void, but find the rock beneath." John Greenleaf Whittier
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
7/26/08
DAY 90, Jul.26,Sat., 30.5 miles as of 4pm: TOTAL MILES 1,920
Yeah - cell service and a sucessful call to my baby. I am at Highway 58 near Willametta Pass. Had a huge surprise today - snow and higher elevations than I was expecting. The data book I'm using didn't prepare me for the 7,000+ climb today and I walked on snow for about 6 miles. It's been slow going compared to the 30 miler days. It has been a long time since I have taken a complete zero day so I am planning one in Bend, OR. That will be just 50 miles this side of the 2,000 mile mark. Wow, I've been hiking for 90 days - it just doesn't seem possible.
This past 25 miles has been certainly awesome. This section takes me through Mount Thielsen Wilderness, Emigrant Pass and Diamond Peak Wilderness. I hiked right over the top of Diamond Peak. I'll post photos next week.
Shirley tells me that the ladies at New Bethel Assembly of God, my church home in Louisville, KY, have begun to fill up a HUGE jar with donations to support the Home of the Innocents. They have also distributed plastic bottles labeled "KY Greybeard's Home of the Innocent Fund Raiser Walk" to the church youth department for the kids to participate. Thank you New Bethel ladies!
After eating two mega-double cheeseburgers, fries and a cold Coke, I hiked on another 6 miles or so to find a good campsite. The pass was a good place to stop and take a break but the climb out looked to be snowy so I decided to keep walking. My coordinates for the night are: 43 deg. 40'015" N, 121 deg. 59'247" W.
There is no respite from these mosquitos. They are brutal and total unforgiving. I will defintely purchase some Deet in Bend, OR - my next stop.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
This past 25 miles has been certainly awesome. This section takes me through Mount Thielsen Wilderness, Emigrant Pass and Diamond Peak Wilderness. I hiked right over the top of Diamond Peak. I'll post photos next week.
Shirley tells me that the ladies at New Bethel Assembly of God, my church home in Louisville, KY, have begun to fill up a HUGE jar with donations to support the Home of the Innocents. They have also distributed plastic bottles labeled "KY Greybeard's Home of the Innocent Fund Raiser Walk" to the church youth department for the kids to participate. Thank you New Bethel ladies!
After eating two mega-double cheeseburgers, fries and a cold Coke, I hiked on another 6 miles or so to find a good campsite. The pass was a good place to stop and take a break but the climb out looked to be snowy so I decided to keep walking. My coordinates for the night are: 43 deg. 40'015" N, 121 deg. 59'247" W.
There is no respite from these mosquitos. They are brutal and total unforgiving. I will defintely purchase some Deet in Bend, OR - my next stop.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
DAY 89, Jul.25,Fri.,31.2 miles: TOTAL 1889.9 TWO-THIRDS OF THE WAY
I must have walked into "mosquitoville" Oregon. The data book describes a stagnant pool. That's probably where the swarm lives. The bloodsuckers are so bad I literally had to put on long pants and my long-sleeved shirt in order to even set up my tent. Then I just dove into the tent as fast as I could. Even then at least 100 mosquitoes followed me inside. It took several minutes to kill all of them. I've run out of Deet and haven't been able to purchase any at any of the camp supply stops. Coordinates for the evening and my rescue from the mosquitos outside are: 43 deg 26'055" N, 122 deg. 06'047" W.
Well, enough complaining. I am two-thirds of the way to Canada. Soon I will reach another milestone - the 2000 mile mark. So far, Oregon lends itself to big mileage days and breath-taking views.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
Well, enough complaining. I am two-thirds of the way to Canada. Soon I will reach another milestone - the 2000 mile mark. So far, Oregon lends itself to big mileage days and breath-taking views.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
7/24/08
DAY 88: Thurs.,Jul.24, 28.3 miles: TOTAL 1858.7
Some of the most beautiful hiking so far in Oregon has been today. The trail climbs to the rim of Crater Lake, reaching 7,650 feet in elevation and is approximately 8 miles along the rim. As soon as my dear wife gets here, I'll have a chance to update the blog with pictures. Have had no cell service in several days so I've been using my phone card to update the posts from phones in the campgrounds. The water in the lake is the bluest of blue. For those of you who don't know, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and is actually the remains of a the volcano Mazama that blew nearly 7,000 years ago. This is the PCT's highest point in Oregon. Coordinates for my camp spot tonight are: 43 deg 09'813"N; 122 deg 04'185"W.
Onward and northward - keep hiking,
Greybeard
Onward and northward - keep hiking,
Greybeard
DAY 87: Weds., Jul. 23: 11 miles: TOTAL 1830.4
I hiked into Mazama Campground this morning and hit the restaurant for a hearty, mountain size breakfast. There is a store where I can buy a few snacks and pick up a mail drop that was shuttled down from the Crater Lake Post Office. I'm happy to get the mail here because my phone needs charging and the charger is in the box, I hope.
I had planned to zero here but changed my mind. So, I'm heading on up the road to the Rim Village junction, a short distance. Also, the post office is there and I can send some of this extra food ahead so I don't have to carry it.
Charged my phone but there is no cell service in this area. Bummer. I'll be looking for a pay phone to call Shirley and update this blog.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
I had planned to zero here but changed my mind. So, I'm heading on up the road to the Rim Village junction, a short distance. Also, the post office is there and I can send some of this extra food ahead so I don't have to carry it.
Charged my phone but there is no cell service in this area. Bummer. I'll be looking for a pay phone to call Shirley and update this blog.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
DAY 86, A NIGHT OF RAIN, SLEET AND HAIL. Tues., Jul. 22, 34.3 miles: TOTAL 1819.6
Coordinates: 42 deg 46'623" N, 122 deg 10'724" W: I woke up this morning and there was white stuff all over the ground. At first I thought it was pollen - but it was sleet. Not only did it rain last night but we had a hail storm and I didn't even know it. I slept right through it. I also realized that I will be probably be changing my tent from this light weight one to my heavier, warmer tent. I'll ask Shirley to bring it out with her when she flys out here on the 2nd of August. Even though it is still summer, the weather changes quickly in the mountains of Washington. I'm heading for Crater Lake and the Mazama Campground tonight.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
DAY 85: Mon., Jul.21: 35.1 miles: TOTAL 1785.3
Coordinates: 42 deg. 09'971" N; 122 deg. 27'832" W: Well this has been an interesting day. I hike out of Hyatt Lake and maintain a consistent elevation for 35 miles. This section is described as the Oregon desert. However, it is not really a desert but a very dry stretch of land created by volcanic activity eons ago. I'm walking on soft ash-like ground among scrawny lodgepole pines. There are pieces of light-colored volcanic rock and pumice everywhere.
The PCT crosses and intersects numerous other trails winding here and there, making it very difficult to know for sure that I am on the right trail. The most important piece of gear I'm carrying is my Garmin eTrex GPS. I suppose I could hike the PCT without it but I wouldn't want to try. I can't believe it but as I get ready to camp for the night, it's beginning to rain. This is the first rain I've had since Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, and that was only a brief light rain shower. I'll be setting up my tent and bedding down because it looks like I may be in for quite a downpour.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
The PCT crosses and intersects numerous other trails winding here and there, making it very difficult to know for sure that I am on the right trail. The most important piece of gear I'm carrying is my Garmin eTrex GPS. I suppose I could hike the PCT without it but I wouldn't want to try. I can't believe it but as I get ready to camp for the night, it's beginning to rain. This is the first rain I've had since Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, and that was only a brief light rain shower. I'll be setting up my tent and bedding down because it looks like I may be in for quite a downpour.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
7/20/08
DAY 84, Sun., Jul.20: 23.6 mi. TOTAL 1750.2
Coordinates: N 42 deg. 09.971', W 122 deg. 27.832': Short walk today and now I'm at Hyatt Lake Resort, a small, in-the-middle-of-the-woods fishing camp just east of I-5. I ate a huge dinner in a restaurant and picked up a few snacks for tomorrow. My plan is to take a zero day at Crater Lake. I haven't had a zero for a while and I can use a day off.
When I started planning this trip, I took time to "guess'timate" how many days it would take me to complete the 2,650 miles. I am happy to report that I am right on target - today is my 84th day and I marked my data book back in April to be 84 days at mile 1750.
The trail past Crater Lake will follow the Cascade Mountain range right up into Canada. Looking forward to what lies ahead,
keep hiking,
Greybeard
When I started planning this trip, I took time to "guess'timate" how many days it would take me to complete the 2,650 miles. I am happy to report that I am right on target - today is my 84th day and I marked my data book back in April to be 84 days at mile 1750.
The trail past Crater Lake will follow the Cascade Mountain range right up into Canada. Looking forward to what lies ahead,
keep hiking,
Greybeard
DAY 83: Sat.,Jul.19: 39.7 mi.day: TOTAL 1726.6
Messed up on my calendar posting days. I skipped Friday, so I'll catch up with the correct coordinates and dates today. Had a great day hiking - the weather couldn't be any better - the terrain is easy - and the miles are fast. However, WHERE'S THE WATER? That's what I was asking myself today - Saturday. There is a "water alert" notation in my data book saying no water for 24 miles. I only have 8 oz. in my water bottle - so naturally I will be on the lookout for any streams.
A few miles ago I found a little water in this gully (susposed to be spring fed); but, when I filled my empty bottle with the water - it looked like green tea - not too appealing. But, I was thirsty so I poured some chocolate mix in it and drank it; then kept walking. Wouldn't you know I came upon a gate at another trail head and there was a faucet used to supply cattle. I drank my fill and filled my water bottles. Another terrific day hiking in the state of Oregon. Passed by 6 other hikers, two I hadn't seen for some time. Everyone is focused on Canada!
Camped out near an old road not used any longer. Coordinates: N 42 deg, 09.842', W 122 deg, 36.160'.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
A few miles ago I found a little water in this gully (susposed to be spring fed); but, when I filled my empty bottle with the water - it looked like green tea - not too appealing. But, I was thirsty so I poured some chocolate mix in it and drank it; then kept walking. Wouldn't you know I came upon a gate at another trail head and there was a faucet used to supply cattle. I drank my fill and filled my water bottles. Another terrific day hiking in the state of Oregon. Passed by 6 other hikers, two I hadn't seen for some time. Everyone is focused on Canada!
Camped out near an old road not used any longer. Coordinates: N 42 deg, 09.842', W 122 deg, 36.160'.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard
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