To PCT mile 2096.9 (stats here).
I camped the previous day so late that it was in order to sleep in. I got up 6am. The sleeping bag was damp and it felt that there were few drops of rain. The foot felt stiff and I was glad I would have only 15 miles to hike. I ate a lot in the previous day, and needed to answer the call of nature before starting. Having a shit break during the day is a huge source of relief and pleasure so I'd have rather saved it for a later, harder time.
The foot felt bearable. I was surprised that I managed to do 5 miles in 2 hours. I met with an American section hiker, Red Baron while having a break. It was nice to get your mind away from the leg. He had Norwegian family background. It seems that with people that have origins in the same part of the world where you are from, you got along better.
Today was chilly. Combined with the fact that I cannot go fast, it felt cold. My fingers were numb. A thought came to me that if you would get injured and could not move, and it would be only slightly colder, you would be in real trouble if you do not have warm clothes. Should I get my puff jacket back? Well, one step at the time.
I saw couple of very young hikers along the way. In my estimate they were maybe 12 or 13, and passed me few times. I asked if they were thruhikers, but they replied that they are doing a 1000 mile hike. Still, a wonderful thing, really. At that age, I was not ready to do anything like this.
I arrived to my 4h break spot without too much discomfort. It had started to hurt more, but not too much. Red Baron was also at the trail head, along with few other hikers. I took a long break and elevated my legs on the picnic table. Red Baron gave me pain relief cream. Somebody had left some pamphlets that advertised the PCT days held in Cascade Locks the coming weekend. There were also some apples and water. I was happy to have some.
There was a steep climb before Timberlane Lodge. I started the last 5 mile stretch in good spirits. The two hikers at the trail head told me that the said lodge was actually the place where the classic movie "The Shining" was shot. I felt intrigued. The climb turned out to be hard as the pain intensified and I wanted to be at the destination already, making the minutes longer.
The lodge is a real tourist attraction. The parking lot was completely full and there were no vacancies at the place. I was not too bothered about this as it was my plan to get to the nearby town, Government Camp, anyway. It would have been fun to stay at the historic lodge, though, just for one night.
I met with Butterfly and some other hikers at the lounge. They had had the lunch buffet, which they told was really good. Now they were just waiting it to settle in before continuing. I went to get my resupply package from the gift shop. While queuing for the package, a man started to chat with me. Telling my situation and plan made him to offer me a ride to town. This was great! I would not need to wait for the shuttle bus. Thanks Steve and Noel! They were actually thinking about tackling the PCT themselves in the near future, so they were happy to talk about the subject the short ride.
Government Camp is a small ski support area that you can call a town. The Ski Lodge was closed but I was able to call the manager, who in turn instructed the care taker to let me in and accept me as a guest. His name is Alan and he is a cool guy. The lodge was practically empty and perfect to take a few days rest. As a first thing, I went to the local small store and bought some tortillas and ice cream. I decided that I would try to eat first my extra camping food before utilising any restaurants. Having a package here meant that I had at least 5 days worth of food and it is only 2 days to hike to the last place in Oregon, Cascade Locks. Well, at least if you are well.
I ended up the day by catching up with the blog and socialising with Alan. I was kind of satistied that there were no schedule for the next day at all. You could be awake late and at ease. Stll, the bunkbed called me in already 10pm.
I camped the previous day so late that it was in order to sleep in. I got up 6am. The sleeping bag was damp and it felt that there were few drops of rain. The foot felt stiff and I was glad I would have only 15 miles to hike. I ate a lot in the previous day, and needed to answer the call of nature before starting. Having a shit break during the day is a huge source of relief and pleasure so I'd have rather saved it for a later, harder time.
 |
| Mt. Hood, I can see you. No use trying to hide. |
The foot felt bearable. I was surprised that I managed to do 5 miles in 2 hours. I met with an American section hiker, Red Baron while having a break. It was nice to get your mind away from the leg. He had Norwegian family background. It seems that with people that have origins in the same part of the world where you are from, you got along better.
Today was chilly. Combined with the fact that I cannot go fast, it felt cold. My fingers were numb. A thought came to me that if you would get injured and could not move, and it would be only slightly colder, you would be in real trouble if you do not have warm clothes. Should I get my puff jacket back? Well, one step at the time.
I saw couple of very young hikers along the way. In my estimate they were maybe 12 or 13, and passed me few times. I asked if they were thruhikers, but they replied that they are doing a 1000 mile hike. Still, a wonderful thing, really. At that age, I was not ready to do anything like this.
I arrived to my 4h break spot without too much discomfort. It had started to hurt more, but not too much. Red Baron was also at the trail head, along with few other hikers. I took a long break and elevated my legs on the picnic table. Red Baron gave me pain relief cream. Somebody had left some pamphlets that advertised the PCT days held in Cascade Locks the coming weekend. There were also some apples and water. I was happy to have some.
 |
| I could have hitched to town from here, but wanted to see Timberlane Lodge and get my package. |
There was a steep climb before Timberlane Lodge. I started the last 5 mile stretch in good spirits. The two hikers at the trail head told me that the said lodge was actually the place where the classic movie "The Shining" was shot. I felt intrigued. The climb turned out to be hard as the pain intensified and I wanted to be at the destination already, making the minutes longer.
 |
| The famous lodge. No Mr. Nicholsson to be seen. |
The lodge is a real tourist attraction. The parking lot was completely full and there were no vacancies at the place. I was not too bothered about this as it was my plan to get to the nearby town, Government Camp, anyway. It would have been fun to stay at the historic lodge, though, just for one night.
I met with Butterfly and some other hikers at the lounge. They had had the lunch buffet, which they told was really good. Now they were just waiting it to settle in before continuing. I went to get my resupply package from the gift shop. While queuing for the package, a man started to chat with me. Telling my situation and plan made him to offer me a ride to town. This was great! I would not need to wait for the shuttle bus. Thanks Steve and Noel! They were actually thinking about tackling the PCT themselves in the near future, so they were happy to talk about the subject the short ride.
Government Camp is a small ski support area that you can call a town. The Ski Lodge was closed but I was able to call the manager, who in turn instructed the care taker to let me in and accept me as a guest. His name is Alan and he is a cool guy. The lodge was practically empty and perfect to take a few days rest. As a first thing, I went to the local small store and bought some tortillas and ice cream. I decided that I would try to eat first my extra camping food before utilising any restaurants. Having a package here meant that I had at least 5 days worth of food and it is only 2 days to hike to the last place in Oregon, Cascade Locks. Well, at least if you are well.
I ended up the day by catching up with the blog and socialising with Alan. I was kind of satistied that there were no schedule for the next day at all. You could be awake late and at ease. Stll, the bunkbed called me in already 10pm.
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