Start:  0915 - Crater Lake Alternate at Rim Road (from Bend)
End: 1900 - Thielsen Creek
Miles (today): 20 (17 PCT, 3 alternate)
Miles (cumulative): 1894 (1720.5 PCT, 105.5 alternate, 68 off)

Even now, in my 30's, I still get a lump in my throat when I say goodbye to my parents.   

We all got up early and by 0700 were on the road to Crater Lake.  I couldn't stop yawning as I drove because I had a difficult time sleeping last night - can you believe I felt nervous about returning to the trail?  I acclimated so quickly to 'real' life that I worried about how I'd do back on the trail.  I wish I loved hiking like I love Running, or like Nick loves hiking... But so far the trail is still an incredible challenge for me.  I have to remember that it took me a year or so to fall in love with Running and I've only been seriously hiking for 4 months now.  (4 months!  We've been out here 4 months today!)

It was fun to take my parents to Crater Lake , although I really wish I could have spent more time with them there.  As it was, we all walked up to the rim to take a peek at the beautiful blue water, we took a few pictures, and then, suddenly, Nick and I were putting on our packs (were they always so heavy?) and we were walking north on the trail, back towards Bend.  I think my parents have a better appreciation for what Nick and I are doing, though - neither of them realized how much weight we carry in our packs until they tried to pick them up.  LOL

Walking away from my parents was difficult all around.  Physically, my body was in shock - I don't think she realized I'd be putting her through more abuse.  In particular, my feet and ankle protested rather loudly against resuming the hike.  Mentally, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to my parents - i always feel as if I should have said more or done more to let them know how much I love and appreciate them.  I even forgot to give them some clay figures for driving all the way out here and bringing us back to the trail! (Sorry, Mom!)

It felt so weird to be hiking again - it's as if this is a brand new hike.  I know I said this already but my feet and ankle really gave me a hard time.  However, since my feet aren't throbbing like mad right now (like they did before we got off trail), I think my biggest issue is that I lost some trail toughness.  I know I'll eventually get back the momentum I had before getting off trail - I just hope it happens soon!  I will say that the trail was full of little reminders to smile, which I definitely needed.  

The last part of the day was downhill and I walked into camp crying silent tears of pain (yeah, it was one of those days).  I wasn't frustrated or hungry or in distress, I was just hurting to the point where I wasn't sure how many more steps I could endure.  The good news is that I survived; the bad news is that I didn't notice we had company at the campsite in time to wipe away my tears before Willy Wonka noticed (so much for a good first impression).  It's ok, he's a really nice guy and just chatting with him made me feel better.

Nick was amazeballs and managed to put up the tent and rehydrate dinner before I returned from getting water (I sort-of got caught up in chatting with southbounder Walking Mantis).  

In addition to camping with a new face (Willy Wonka), surprisingly we are also camping with a few old faces, too - Baloo and Rembrandt.  How is that even possible?!?!

Along the trail: