Photo's of Washington

almost to Snoqualamie!  mile 2401

some PCT factoids.....just some of the things that I marvel at what Chief has accomplished to date!

• 2401 walking miles, 262 to go
• California: 1699 miles 
• Oregon:  457 miles
• Washington: to complete will be 500 miles 
• 60 mountain passes
• 19 canyons
• 1000 + lakes
• 3 National monuments
• 7 National parks
• 24 National forests
• 33 Federal Wildernesses

EPIC. 

Since Kevin is not the best photographer, I have borrowed some of Dora's pics, as she was hiking with him through most of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.  I hope you enjoy, she's a good photographer and a very sweet young lady.  I was able to meet her quite often during my Mobile Trail Angel trip through Northern California.   Enjoy.

Rain keeps coming.  Knee holding up.
Chief's wife

Mt. Adams

Storm coming..AGAIN

Nice little creeks

Home Sweet Home.  Somewhere over the Rainbow.

Lodgepole, Maverick, can't remember?, Chief

Goat Rocks

Rocky trail

Beautiful Flowers

Helloooo PCT

Thank you Brother Kozen!

White Pass, WA - mile 2303
“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

yep,,,that's right Dr. Seuss, only 365 miles to go!

Since I began last week's "downer" blog with a Buddist qoute of extreme encouragement, I figured I might as well give you another more "encouraging" quote this week.  Never know, this qoute thing could really take off for me.

Once again, I am in charge of sharing info this week.  The good news, no, GREAT news, is that Chief is BACK on the trail.  Yay!  The few days of complete NIRVANA at the Trout Lake Abbey did wonders for him, both physically and mentally.  Brother Kozen dropped him off at the trail head with best of wishes for a safe journey onward to Canada.  After 2 1/2 days of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, meditation, soaking, and eating organic eggs and fresh greens from the beautiful gardens...Kevin felt he was ready to get back on the trail.  Even more exciting was that within about 20 minutes he met up with some of his favorite hikers, Lodgepole and Maverick (father-son team).  We last said our goodbye's to them at Timberline Lodge.  This boosted his confidence as he and Lodgepole (same age and same injuries) made a pact to get through the Goat Rocks together.  Just what both of them needed.  Most of the time on the trail, you don't ever walk together.  Sometimes there may be a handful of hikers within a 10 mile section that might all meet up at lunch or camp in the same area at night.  But, in this case, the two of them decided to stick together.  I couldn't ask for a better companion than Lodgepole.  Such a very sweet man.  This also gave Maverick (son - same age as Shane) the opportunity to walk on with the small group of "20-somethings."  They decided to take a little detour and go off the trail to peak Old Snowy Mtn.  They returned with ice in their beards and very enthusiastic, as that age tends to be!

The next 3 days after leaving the Abbey was spent traveling to White Pass.  This trail goes primarily through the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which by all accounts, is as beautiful as the Sierra's.  High mountain passes, snow covered peaks, abundant wildflowers and lots and lots of tallis rock trail.  Not such a good combo for a poor knee!  But, he did it and arrived at White Pass on Monday afternoon feeling quite confident that he would be able to get through to Canada.  The knee held out ok, still swollen a bit at night, but nothing advil and elevation doesn't take care of. Wish I had some pictures to share with you, but unfortunately, the focus has been on the knee and not pics.  The one's that he said he took, have not come my way yet.

The weather has been just as promised by the PCT for the Washington Section......RAIN!  Everyday, everyday just rain.  One spends a lot of time drying things out when the rain stops. But, it's Washington.  Every section has it's high and low points! Resupply box was at White Pass with a new shirt and boy oh boy!, did he ever get grief about that.  Apparently, "hiker trash" do not get new shirts.  No one told me about that.  I figured after 2300 miles in that same shirt, laundry could no longer do justice...a new shirt was called for.

So, with a new shirt and a knee that should hold up...onward to CANADA we go.  Take care my Walking Man, you're doing it!!!!

Chief and Lodgepole at Timberline

Chief's wife

little side note..there is a thru-hiker named Postholer.com.  He does a very cool thing where he scans all the logs and puts them on his website 

http://postholer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2494#p7154

It was fun seeing "Chiefs" logs and others that we have been wondering about their whereabouts.  You only know who is ahead of you and begin to hope that other's you've gotten to know are still heading for Canada and haven't had to leave the trail.  I was able to tell Kevin that many of his favorites are right behind him!  Thanks Postholer, cool website.  Really like it.

The Sound of Music

Trout Lake Abby, mile 2237.5

Zen Buddist Saying:

“Miraculous powers and marvelous activities are
drawing water and hewing wood!” — P'ang-yun

So, I got that Zen Buddist saying right off the web page for the Trout Lake Abby. Unfortunately, and fortunately, Kevin is staying there for a few days.  For the past 2 days, his right knee has been really bothering him, with swelling and pain as he continues to pound through the tallis rock trails of Washington.  He is about to enter the Goat's Pass Wilderness which descends into White Pass where his next resupply awaits him (mile 2303).  He wasn't too concerned at first, as he really didn't remember having a specific "injury", but the swelling has continued and the pain is not subsiding too much on the challenging trails.  He did leave Cascade Locks with an unusually heavy load as he wasn't planning a resupply for 7 days.  Along with the heavy load, he put in some big downhill miles, with lots of pounding and uneven footing. I guess after 2200 miles, one's knees do get a bit battered, especially 55 year old knees!  

Coming to a junction in the trail, he spotted "Krinkles" getting back on the trail.  She had a ride from Trout Lake where she had spent a couple of zero days and did a resupply.  Talking with her, he decided it would be best to catch a ride down to Trout lake and reevaluate his knee.  The "brother" that picked him up was from the Trout Lake Abby.  So that's where he went.  When I talk to Kevin about what's happening there, it makes me think of the Sound of Music, atleast that's what I want to believe it's like!  Here some lovely man picks up my husband, gives him acupuncture, chinese herbal rubs, meditation, and wraps his knee. (Kevin did take some Naprocin also!!!  a little bit of Western medicine mixed with some Chinese medicine never hurt anyone?) Apparently, this brother also was a nurse in his other life.  Along with Kevin, they both are feeling that the knee is not needing immediate medical attention.  So 2 days of rest, more acupuncture, more Chinese herbal rubs, more elevation, compression and soaking.....we shall see.  What we all need is lots of POSITIVE thinking. 

Since we have a couple of "expert" knee kids, Shane spent quite a bit of time talking to his dad.  Kevin was really down and out when I first spoke with him, but emotionally he is trying to cheer up and do what he has control over right now.  That's to just REST the knee.  Shane definitely has a way of getting through these bad times with the right "mind set." Lord knows he has had his share of knee setbacks. Let's hope that transfers to his dad.

Take a look at their website if you have a moment. It's pretty cool.  The valley that surrounds Trout Lake is a huge organic farm.  Chickens are running around and good food is abundandt.  What more can you ask for during some much needed rehab?  

Keep good thoughts going Chief's way.  We will keep you all updated in the next few days.  

   

http://www.tlabbey.com


Chief's wife

The 15000 calorie day!

Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon, mile 2107

Hello from Chief. Yes that is not a typo in my title!  Truly ate 15000 calories if not more. In one day!

After leaving Big Lake (Aug 9) I did 29 miles but I lost the race trying to get to Slate lake before the Big Nasty. Craziest storm. Started raining, started hailing, started thunder, more hail, big lightening bolts. Decided to stop in a little grove of trees but just setting up tent was a sopping mess and in less than 5 minutes all of my equipment was wet. Used my camp towel to mop my tent floor and really got into mopping up the floor. Seemed to calm my nerves as the thunder and lightening kept up at a steady pace.  So there I was mopping and eating my M&M's. Weird. But, it did get me through the Big Nasty. Thunder and lightening was so intense. I was so scared that I went beyond being scared and figured that was how I would end my days. As everything on the trail, it too passed, and I continued walking. Stumbled into Slate lake late that evening at 8:30. The next day I started walking a bit later to allow my equipment.  Passed BeeMan at about mile 2035. Decided to only walk 17 miles to Brighten Bush campground because it had a shelter as the weather was still questionable. On a normal day Brighten would not be something spectacular. But on that specific day it was amazing how a skanky campground can be a wonderful compared to the night before with the storm. 

Early start next morning as the rain showers tend to pick up in the afternoon. Stopped at Ollalie lake. Pathetic store and owner was not very nice. Left. Walked 27 miles to Warm springs river. Crowded with NOBO's (north bounders), SOBO's (south bounders) and section hikers. Crowded with 12 people. Forests are so dense that it creeps me out because it was claustrophobic.  At 5:30 am I heard, what I thought were wolves, but apparently Oregon coyotes howl and bark like wolves.  It was a very strange feeling in that thick dense forest. Didn't like it at all. Creepy.  

To reward myself the next day I stopped at Timothy lake after only 11 miles. Found a campsite with a hammock. Read my book and swam in the lake. Remembering when we were here with the kids many years ago. Did my laundry by swimming with my clothes on. Mark Twain and I swung in the hammock all day. Was just what I needed, but did feel guilty. Next day walked the 22 miles to the grove just above the Lodge.  Literally I could look down into the bar.  Next day I checked in to my 15000 calorie day. Started with a full 3 hours at the breakfast buffet then moved right into the lunch buffet and after a brief digestion period, a huge pork loin dinner at the bar. Washing it all down with local brews. Checked into my room, swam in the pool and sat in the jacuzzi below Mt Hood. Was a dream. Maureen would be here tomorrow. Getting really excited. 

Right now I have a level of apprehension of going into Washington. The weather, the difficult trail and the unknown is making me really nervous. I think because I am so close and walking is physically demanding. Every day it seems to drain your soul and to think what you have to do the next day. Most of the thru hikers are feeling this same apprehension at this point in the trail. It is just downright hard. Did talk with some SOBO's that encouraged me with some upcoming trail angels.  On one level it is cool to think I am getting close, but on another level, 550 more miles seems huge. 

My sensory awareness has changed. I hear so many forest noises. I taste the difference between water from a lake, a stream, a spring and city water. City water has a strong chlorine taste. Smells are also heightened. Through hikers smell differently. Some may call it "gamey."  We don't notice the smell of each other but when we come to trail heads where there may be hikers we notice the difference. I fact one day Cowboy exclaimed,"I smell day hikers!" He was so right. 

Leaving tomorrow for my last big push to the Washington border. Cascade Locks is 48 miles. Need to cross the Bridge of the Gods into Washington state. That is a bit scary. Very narrow. Heard it is a big obstacle for many hikers.  I will not be taking video! Have met so many section hikers in the last few days. Oregon is the place for sections hikers as the trails are nice, resupply spots are easily accessible, and trail towns are right there!  

Timberline lodge has been all I hoped for and more. Especially the breakfast and lunch all you can eat buffet. Having Maureen here is more than wonderful. The staff is great and treat all the hikers as they are "guests."  Example 1.  ERIKA. Erika works at the front desk. I was asking her about a place I might get propane for my stove as my resupply propane was a disaster. She called around and really couldn't find anything except for a small town about 30 minutes away. She left work, picked up the propane and delivered it to me the next morning when she started her shift. I immediately explained  that she was now an official Trail Angel!  She was happy to help. 

Maureen and I have been seeing thru's from miles past and reuniting with them. Swapping trail gossip, who's ahead?, who's behind?, who's left the trail, etc. It is so exciting when you get to see a familiar face from miles past and know they are still with the trail and "doing it man!"  (Straight from Texas Poo!)

Next blog. Washington state!

Chief 

   

Thank you Boy Scouts of America! and the Cache that Crushed him....

Elk Lake Youth Camp, mile 2001.  Oregon

Last I spoke to Kevin was when he left Ashland heading for his next resupply box that was being sent to Shelter Cove.  This box contained the usual, maps, batteries, notes, and this particular box had 5 days of food and rain gear.  Unfortunately, I mailed in time for 20 mile days, but Kevin has been putting some big mile days in recently, with 28 - 32 mile days.  So...the box was intercepted (sounds like football?) and sent via UPS to the next resupply drop at Elk Lake.  

The highlight - The hiker box at Shelter cove (leftover's from other hikers) was ok.  Was able to stock up with oatmeal and a few other items to get him by for a couple of days.  But, low and behold, as he was coming down the trail he ran into a Boy Scout Troop that was just finishing up an extended camping trip.  They asked if he wanted any extra food and water.  Kevin said that the boys dug through their packs and one kid gave him a half of a cookie! How can you say NO to this.  Sweet.  He felt much better with the added goodies.  That was also a day that he hiked for 16 miles without water. So it was such a joy to see these boys.  The boys thought it was great that they were able to meet a couple of "real PCT thru-hikers."  Maybe one day they will attempt this adventure...this was how it started for Kevin so many years ago.

Then came a few "section hikers" and they also offered up some food.  He was set.  

The big Bummer - for the first time since he left Mexico, Kevin felt he wanted to quit. This happened after leaving Crater Lake.  In the data book, and through the hiker grapevine, there was a water cache within a reasonable distance after leaving the Lake campground.  This was a reliable Trail Angel and a reliable water source.  Unfortunately, when he and Smooth Operator arrived there was NO cache.  NO water.  The trail angel had left a note apologizing as the National Park had destroyed the cache.  Unbelievable.  All he could think about was, "I'm quitting. This is awful."  Ended up walking 32 miles that day.  The saying on the trail is, "I'm quitting NEXT week!"  That way you get one week to boost your demoralizing day, or consequent days.  You just have to keep saying to yourself, "I'm quitting in one week."  I'm not sure I would have the ability to do that? Kevin said it took him 7 days to recover from that blast.  By the way, he did mention that Stagecoach and Family Man were ahead of him and they realized that other hikers would need water since the cache was destroyed.  They provided water for the few hikers that came into camp that evening.  Amazing trail community.  just amazing.

The Map - for all you map geeks.  Many of you called or emailed regarding Kevin's map in those last few days.  Since he did not get his resupply box, he did not get new batteries for his DeLorme.  Therefore, he was being super careful and turned off his tracker just in case he needed to use the Emergency locator.  But, he's back on now.  So you once again can follow him through the remainder of Oregon.  

Kevin was able to meet up with our friend and section hiker, Paul C. aka Beeman.  Paul sent me many of the pics I have included and texts throughout the day on their progress.  Kevin only hiked with Paul for a couple of days, but really enjoyed having his company.  What a nice treat for both of them.  

Black Lava Beach at Big Lake (with BeeMan and BirdMan)

I will be flying to Portland on August 15 to meet up with Kevin as he arrives at the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood.  There we will stay for 2 days before he walks his last miles into WASHINGTON.  It's hard to believe this is really happening.  

Only 4 more resupply boxes until Canada. Let's only hope he gets enough calories to keep him in these brand new pants that I just sent that are 2 sizes smaller than his normal.  Where did my husband disappear to????

oh my?

Chief's wife

Big Lake Sunset

Life on the trail

Nice Zero day

Pretty crazy Lava rocks..trail went on just like this for 5+miles

Big Lake Youth Camp - kids having their dinners.  Hikers go first.

The Wonders of UPS

somewhere near mile 1900? past Crater Lake almost to Shelter Cove (near Willamette Pass, Oregon)

Have not had much communication with Kevin for the past week.  Crater lake had no cell service and prior to him arriving there, I was only able to track him through his map.  I have had some satellite messages describing the trail.  Not so great.  Lots of long mile days (29 - 32 miles per day), which I believe is catching up with him.  I still can't imagine walking that many miles, day in and day out?  If you think about it at all, it is a bit crazy.  

July 27 - After leaving Ashland, at mile 1750 - Hyatt Lake BLM campground.  Got a message that is was the BEST campground.  $2.00 with hot showers and electricity in bathrooms to charge phone! Burned his dinner of rice and beef jerkey, but had fig newtons and 2 bags of M&M's to make up for disaster dinner.  Oh the simple pleasures he gets excited about?  That was a 23 mile day...felt good.  Made me wonder if he would ever be able to just go for a walk with me when he gets home?  hmm?

Did mention that it was very smokey and was worried that Shane may be quite busy with all these fires.

July 28 - mile 1774.  LOTS of LAVA.  walking is streneous, also a very dry section.  Water reports are scarce.  Always a worry.  Getting lots of texts from BeeMan (Paul C) as he is about 90 miles ahead of Kevin.  Still walking with Smooth Operator.  Enjoying his company.

July 30 - mile 1800.  Tipping his hat at Pilot rock for Otis' parents.  Sweet self pic for Otis and his sister. Still worried about Shane as smoke is quite bad.  

Pilot Rock - hat off for Otis' parents

mile 1800

July 31 - mile 1830.  Mazama Village, Crater Lake.  Resupply Box was there.  Thank God.  There were some problems with tracking that box and I was worried he would have to scavenge through hiker box to find some yucky food for the next 5 days until he arrives at next resupply, mile 1912, Shelter Cove Resort, Crescent, Oregon.  Thank you UPS...no scavenging needed. Box arrived.

Aug 1 - met up with BackUp - hiker that Kevin has walked with for many miles previously.  First met him when I did my resupply at Walker Pass.  He is a Mechanical Engineer and is very organized and has doubles of everything...hence, trail name.  Very fitting for him.  Nice man, about same age as Kevin.  Walked into Red's Meadow with Kevin and I had breakfast there with the 2 of them.  After Kevin did his zero at Tom's Place, BackUp was ahead for a couple of days...it's nice that they are walking together again.  Makes me feel good somehow that I know he is with someone during these LONG mile days.  

Aug 1 - Was a discouraging day in many ways.  Had to walk 32 miles as the Park service destroyed the water cache left by a Trail Angel.  Hence, NO WATER for 27 miles.  The angel did leave a note apologizing for the disaster..this is crazy.  Will notify PCTA to post on FB page for others.  Unfortunate for hikers.

Also, for myself, it was a very difficult day as we did our beautiful memorial service for our dear friend, Wendy.  It was lovely, but heart wrenching.  A difficult day had by all.

Aug 2 - The things you learn....UPS can do an INTERCEPT of your package and resend to another location.  After stressing out this morning about my resupply box not getting to Kevin in time, I researched the UPS site and sure enough!  found I could intercept the package and send it on to the next resupply at Big Lake Youth camp, Sister, Oregon.  So he will eventually get package, but will have to scavenge out of hiker boxes for a good stretch of miles.  Feel pretty bad, but maybe he will slooooow down a bit.  ?

the adventure continues...... and yes, Shane is in N. Calif and heading possibly to Oregon for fires

Chief's wife