Stumbling Along

August 4th, 2020

Mile 403.1 to Mile 428.8

Most people had cleared out by the time I emerged from my tent. Ya snooze, ya lose. I got out and started hiking around 8:20. 

Hello, Mt Adams!
Mt Rainier getting teeny tiny

To be totally honest, today was kind of a blur. I felt slow all day. The miles definitely did not come easily. I think it’s because I started the day out with a cookie (a Complete Cookie that has protein and stuff, but still a cookie) and then later ate a whole bag of sour patch watermelon. That junk food definitely did not set me up for success. 

It was pretty though. I went through a lot of meadows and volcanic rock around Mt Adams. I think this is the closest I’ve gotten to a volcano, I could see all the snow and glaciers sitting on it. I also walked around 2/3 of it so got to see it from some different angles. The wildflowers were amazing again. Paintbrush was definitely the most prominent this time. 

Nothing like walking on hot lava rocks!! Super great for sore feet!
Lupine, we meet again.

After a stream crossing I was making my way back onto the trail and slipped on some loose dirt and fell on my bum. I had to take a minute to regroup after that. 

I went through another burn section (we all know I love a burn section) and met an 11 year old hiking the whole PCT. They were with their dad and they seemed to be having a really good time. I was super impressed.

First Mt Hood sighting!! Hello, Oregon!

I ate lunch under some shady trees and got attacked by flies. I don’t understand why flies swarm people. At least they don’t bite.

After lunch I was coming down out of the burn section and fell again. Tripped and fell on my face. I scratched my wrists a bit breaking my fall. Even though I hadn’t seen anyone in hours, a guy passed me while I was on the ground. I told him I had fallen and he offered me water. I had to explain that I wasn’t dehydrated, just clumsy. At that point I was pretty done with the day, but still had 8 miles to camp.

I passed the road that goes into Trout Lake and considered pulling over to camp early. That site was close to the road which I didn’t like so I pressed on. I always do my fastest hiking after 6pm when I’m trying to get to camp. 

The biggest trail marker ever

The campsite tonight is between two rivers in the forest. I have a nice flat spot. Some comments from last year warn about mice but I hung all my food so I’m hoping I wont have any issues. I thought I was going to be alone about but a woman showed up right as I was getting in my tent.