From Mile 2155

Well I am in Cascade Locks and have a motel room that is pretty nice.  Yes I know I am over doing it with the luxury.  Heck, I'm weak, I admit it but this IPA tastes great as I sit on the balcony and those Epson salts in that jettub are going to be great!

The pictures are from the Eagle Creek Alternate.  The big water fall is Tunnel Falls and the picture of me is in front of the tunnel under the falls.

For any of my AT hikers, you will be interested to know that the person taking the photo of me is none other than Doc Boone!  We are both in Cascade Falls.  He started the PCT in late May so we are now overlapping!

From Mile 2132

Long day with a lot of big UPS and downs.  Looks like the nice easy Oregon PCT is a thing of the past.  Will be in Washington State tomorrow if I don't stop in Cascade Locks which is right on the border.  Weather is suppose to turn bad so I may stop in town to take shelter.  The wind is picking up pretty well as I write this in my tent.

Did 25 miles today with a full load of food over some rough country and two precarious rivers.  Will take the Eagle Creek Alternate to Cascade Locks as it is suppose to be spectacular and is the preferred route.

Picture is from the morning leaving campsite at 2132 mile mark.

From Mile 2085

Biggest day since returning to the trail, 32 miles.  The rest yesterday really helped.  I am camped at lake Timothy in a great spot.

Should reach the Timberline Lodge tomorrow but may hold off going in until Saturday.  It is suppose to be fantastic and worth the price so if I stay I want the whole day.

Definitely in need of a shower and laundry.

From Mile 2053

Stopped at Lake Olalie Resort.  Short day, only 11 miles but in a lot of pain so need to rest legs.

I rented a crappy little cabin and sat on the resort store steps drinking crap Budweisers with an older fellow who makes his living as a professional writer.  This guy was a fountain of knowledge.  I did a brief interview with him.

The picture is of the lake and Mt. Jefferson.

From Mile 2042

Not much to report today.  Started off slow and weak, finished strong.

Had to cross a fairly dangerous creek, Russell Creek.  Had to take a leap on some wet rocks.  That will sure as hell wake you up.

Other than that it's been pretty much head down and hiking as fast as my feet will let me.

Till tomorrow!

Gator

From Mile 2017

Yes, today I crossed the 2000 mile marker!  It felt great.

I am camped in the middle of a burnt out forest by Koko pond.  More of a watering hole if you ask me.  This area has some green vegetation and plenty of deer scampering about.

Between the miles of lava fields and burnt out forest it really feels like some post apocalyptic future.

Looks like I did 27 miles today.  Not bad but I am beat.  Good night.

Gator

PS - Now this is hilarious.  A couple of hunters rolled in after dark, rifles in hand.  Deer all over this little lake and campsite.  Hunter tells me they aren't allowed to hunt on this side of the trail.  I guess the deer read the regs too!

From Mile 1990

9/8/13
Very long day for only doing 25 miles.  Started at 4am due to too much condensation in the tent.  Note, don't camp by a lake in a tent that is already wet.

I stopped around noon today and set the tent up to dry and laid out my gear to dry as well.  As I write this I am camping on a nice dry flat spot next to a lava field.  I'll attach a picture from the view out my tent.

Anyway feet are pretty sore due to pack weight and crossing this huge lava field isn't helping.  In the bright side the views have been spectacular and I've been taking video and pictures all day.

Till tomorrow!

Gator

Update
11:00pm - Just stepped outside to use the facilities.  The sky is wall to wall stars with the Milkyway forming a clear milky band right across it horizon to horizon.  Magnificent!

Wish my camera was able to capture it.