Start: 0730 - Indian Springs Campground
End: 1530 - Cascade Locks (to Linda and Jack Hager's house)
Miles (today): 15.5 alternate
Miles (cumulative): 2179.5 (1958 PCT, 149 alternate, 72.5 off)
We woke up to fog and drizzle, which I suppose I should just expect at this point. Thankfully, we camped under a few trees last night which kept us and the tent mostly dry (poor Ice Cream, he camped away from cover and his tent was soaked).
We decided to take the more scenic and slightly shorter Eagle Creek alternate route. The terrain wasn't exactly easy for me - it was extremely rocky and mostly downhill - but at least the weather cleared up. In fact, it was a gorgeous day to be outside - not hot, not cold, just perfect. The scenery along the trail was gorgeous, too. In fact, it reminded me a lot of our hikes in Hawaii, full of lush green plants with waterfalls everywhere. The best was Tunnel Falls, where the trail goes behind the waterfall. Nick was a little disappointed because he thought we would be able to see the water as we walked behind the falls; In reality you walk in a tunnel behind them (hence the name).
Tunnel Falls
It was a painfully slow walk for me today; even so, Nick gallantly stayed with me (at my request) most of the day. I know it wasn't easy for him to go so slowly but I selfishly needed the company to take my mind off my discomfort.
When we finally made it to Cascade Locks (holy shit, we're almost out of Oregon!!!) we went to the Ale House for a drink and something to eat (and Nick picked up one of our many packages from the nearby post office, although why package 2 of 2 wasn't there with package 1 of 2 baffles me). There were a lot of hikers at the Ale House, to include Second Lunch (met him right after Warner Springs), Dr. Pepper (he gave me some Mike and Ikes on the 4th of July when my leg was injured), and Outro, Legs, and Siesta (met them at the Big Lake Youth Camp). Also there: Dirt Squirrel!!!! Nick and I were enjoying some fantastic blackberry cider at a table next to the bar when I saw her walk past us. I wanted to scream out in excitement but I patiently let her order a few drinks and tend to her business before I yelled out her name. She told me Chili Cheese Dog was outside! How cool - I hadn't seen him since the Sierras! Dirt Squirrel, her brother Matt, and Chili joined us at our table and we had a great time. I drank too many blackberry ciders... Or maybe just enough? Either way, it was a great time.
Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods
Me with Dirt Squirrel
us with Dirt Squirrel
Just as we were all getting ready to part ways, Linda Hager walked in, looking for us. Even though I hadn't met her before, I recognized her instantly from Jack's description and waved her over to the table. I know I say this a lot but it felt like we knew her, like she was an old friend we were going to visit. We talked the entire way to the warm, inviting Hager homestead in Camas, Washington.
Jack Hager used to work for the Portland NTL and I had the pleasure of meeting him years and years ago when I went to Portland for a few weeks to help them with some of their testing. When Jack heard I was going to hike the PCT, he told me to give him a call when we got to Cascade Locks... Which, obviously, I did. I looked forward to seeing him again and meeting Linda all day.
After showering and putting in a load of laundry, Jack and Linda served us the most amazing dinner. Steaks (perfectly cooked), potatoes, SALAD, fresh fruit, bread, and ice cream for dessert... It was fantastic. Not only was the food great but so was the conversation - It was easy and natural and just all around comforting. Wow. We are definitely very spoiled thru-hikers!
Linda and Jack with their dog, Charlie
Their guest bed is so very comfortable, so I'm going to stop typing already to fully enjoy it.
:) :)