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
