PCT SOBO DAY 35 – A GOOD DINNER IS VERY USER

Day 35

Home: Steering site, mile 603.2

END: TENTSITE, MILLA 630.1

Walked miles: 26.9 miles

This morning, I packed and started walking a little earlier, since I knew I needed to spend at least an hour at OLALLIE Lake Resort if they let me load my phone. The morning was still and calm; Only a couple of nobos passed my store while packed.

The 4 miles to Ollallie were mainly through a burning zone. As it was early, the sun was not too strong, but as the morning progressed, it began to warm up. While rounding a corner on the path, I found a face to face with face, a bear! However, this was not a bear, he was a famous bear. Just along the way was a smoked bear wood cut informing hikers how to prevent forest fires. As I am sure that many of you know, only you can avoid forest fires. A little later, the road was a sign that said:

«Beware of bears» – Very fun!

Knowing that he planned to stop at Lake Olallie, he had not eaten a good breakfast this morning, so my legs felt very heavy. But, when I reached the lake and I saw the spectacular view in front of me, my spirit got up. Mount Jefferson seemed to get up directly from the lake. I definitely needed to return here on vacation at some point!

I was one of the first hikers to get to the resort this morning. The owners allowed me to load my phone (yes!) And bought my breakfast, as well as some snacks during the last miles for Santiam Pass. The complex was so quiet; I sat in a well located chair just in front of the impressive view and sat, looked and appreciated the beauty that surrounded me. Although most of the forest was burned, I still had a lovely quality.

After a few minutes, hikers began to congregate. I met a couple who were being collected that day after finishing their Oregon section, and met a hiker from the Nobo Oregon section. I enjoyed chatting with them and I was sad to say goodbye. But, my phone had finally reached 90% battery and had a fiance to meet.

Back along the way, I decided to take the way during the following miles instead of the path. The path ended through more burns zone while the road passed through several lakes that were good for swimming. On the way, I stopped at Horseshoe Lake to take a dip. A big family was there on the burned site for what looked like a holiday of several days. Two girls played in the water while the mother worried the dog and the baby. Later, the father and another 3 children rowed from the other side of the lake. I threw myself in the water, to my neck, for about 20 minutes, enjoying the freshness of the lake.

Recently renewed, I returned to the route and finally met the PCT again. So many nobles passed me next to me as I went up to Mount Jefferson. When I won the elevation, hundreds, if not thousands, of dark and black orange butterflies they flew next to me and by the mountain. Where do everyone come from? There were massive swarms everywhere; I felt I was in a Disney movie. It was above Treeline again and Alpine wild flowers reappeared. Going up the last hundred or more feet to the boundary of Mount Jefferson Wilderness, I had to cross a small snow patch, a novelty to walk in August in my opinion.

When I arrived on the other side of the pass, I was surprised once again for the view in front of me. Mount Jefferson was high and snowy, with perfect green meadows that surround its base. I had to sit and soak everything for a minute. A butterfly even decided to join me.

The path was still calling. Now it was time to descend. After the Green meadows a zone of desolate burns arrived. Fortunately, it was not the hottest day on the road, but the miles of exposed path worn me at the end. I wanted to go at least a few more miles, but my energy was fading quickly. On the positive side, there were a lot of arch and blackberries for me to eat on the way!

When I arrived at Milk Creek, I was officially exhausted. It was shortly after 6, so still a little early to call it one day. I decided to cook and dinner next to the stream and see how I felt later. And, Wow, what a difference does a Fettuccine Alfredo mountain house with chicken! At the end of that meal, I felt that another 10 miles could walk. The food makes a difference!

My goal for the night was only 4 miles, so I put a podcast and started. The path led uphill, but was not steep at all. Shortly after 8 pm, I found my camp, I did my night tasks and quickly fell asleep.

And that is a day in the life of a PCT Sobo hiker!

This website contains affiliate links, which means that the walk can receive a percentage of any product or service that you buy using the links in the items or ads. The buyer pays the same price that would do it differently, and his purchase helps to support the continuous objective of the walk to address his quality backpack advice and information. Thanks for your support!

For more information, visit the page about this site.