It's funny how it takes us over 3 months to hike through California, but only 9 days in and we're almost halfway through Oregon. I guess this is because Oregon is better... just joking :) Oregon has flatter trail, smoother trail, and the trail generally follows a northerly route whereas the PCT in California winds around the crest following the mountains in every which direction, sometimes giving you the impression that you're getting closer to Mexico and not Canada.
Anyways, over the past several days after our stop in Ashland, we've been pushing bigger days through Oregon, riding along the crest of the Southern and Central Oregon mountains. Every now and then we get the opportunity to hike to a viewpoint and see all the high points (in elevation) that the trail follows. For example, from Southern Oregon, we could see Mt. McLaughlin, Crater Lake's rim, and Mt. Thielsen in the distance. In between the peaks lay the lower and flatter forest floor that we have to cross which can take hours until the next view. In Oregon, we definitely get our daily does of trees to look at. Reaching Crater Lake was a big moral boost and an amazing experience. After reaching Mazama Village to resupply, we hiked up 4 miles to the crater rim and were greeted with the most amazing view of Crater Lake arguably the most sublime spectacle in Oregon (unfortunately there were many tourists as well because it's a national park). After a short break, we hiked from the lake's south to west rim with changing views of the lake and amazing golden light from the setting sun. The view of the mountain side of the west rim was amazing with Mt. Thielsen, Diamond Peak, and 3 Sisters all in the distance.
From Crater Lake to Diamond Peak we were bombarded by mosquitoes, the worst of the trail to date. 100% DEET could not prevent me from getting bit all over my body. However, mosquitoes aside we had a amazing time hiking through this section and experienced the most snow on the trail to date along the north rim of Diamond Peak. The other day, my parents met us at Willamette Pass for breakfast and dropped off my sister to hike an 18mi section to Charlton Lake. From there, we rode to my grandparent's house in La Pine for a nice zero day full of food, drink, and good company.
Next stop is Sisters, Mt. Hood, and Portland! I can't wait to walk through the 3 sisters wilderness, Mt. Hood, etc.
Other things to mention:
-I've been hiking with Data, Ant Eater, and Pilfer since Ashland
-Oregon has milder temperatures and a ton of trees
-We've been pushing bigger mile days to meet my parents here (hiked my first 35 mile day after Crater Lake, followed by a 31 and then 24 mile day to get us at mile 1,932)
-Good to see the family again and see their reactions to my hairy face
-Looking forward to the rest of Oregon and Washington!
...To Be Continued
Video:
Video of Crater Lake Rim: Take 1
Video of Crater Lake Rim: Take 2
Photos:
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| The team on Crater Lake's South Rim |
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| Pilfer crossing one of the larger snow fields on our trek next to Mt. Thielsen |
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| Ant Eater chilling next to Stuart Falls (dipped in for a cold shower, very cold) |
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| Found this at our campsite next to Stuart Falls. Was very appropriate |
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