Day 150 Junction Lake – The Hike

22.70 miles
From trail camp (2188.9, elev 2276)
To Junction Lake (mile 2210.4, elevation 4761)
Upload 4797
Descend 2309

Late this morning, I received a Garmin message from Kathleen asking me for the address to send my next resupply box to. Instead of waiting until later to respond, I found a suitable place to sit on the side of the trail so I could respond quickly.

While I was there, AKA and Mirthful walked by and asked me why I didn’t go ahead to the nearby picnic tables. Honestly, I still didn’t realize that the picnic area was very close. I asked them to let me know when it happened.

I finished sending the message and got up to continue walking and join them for lunch. As soon as I stood up, I heard Mirthful calling to me from a picnic table less than 200 feet away. The picnic area was actually much closer than I expected.

The morning before, AKA and I had discussed how people off the trail don’t seem to understand life on the trail and how our needs are different than when we’re in civilization. Today, AKA shared another example of this. To be prepared for the colder weather, Mirthful asked her mom to send her a pair of leggings. His mother took the initiative and also sent him a long-sleeved shirt. While it was a good idea, Mirthful already had a warm blouse and now he had to carry that unnecessary shirt.

AKA said they started eating ramen with peanut butter. In other words, they are adding peanut butter to their ramen to increase the protein. They liked my idea of ​​Nutella with peanut butter.

Today’s hike included a couple of 2000 foot climbs and some nice views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood. The climbs weren’t too bad, as the trail was smooth and generally not too steep. The weather was also great for hiking: sunny, but cool enough not to overheat on the climbs.

Mount Hood: much further than a few days before

Mount Adams

2200 miles

Blue Lake – About a mile before my eventual campsite at Junction Lake

My legs still felt good at the end of the day. Getting to camp, on a lake, before the sun sets means I have plenty of water.

AKA and Mirthful walked around 7:30 and said they would continue to the next lake. That would be Bear Lake in a mile. They camped last night after dark and it looks like they will do the same tonight. I’ve moved ahead of them in the last few days. I generally don’t walk as fast as they do, which has allowed me to get to camp before dark.

I can say that I am now at 5000 feet instead of 2000 feet. It’s definitely colder here. My hands froze as I went about my nightly chores. In case it’s really cold, I took my water filter to the store so that the water in it doesn’t freeze and damage the filter.

Right now, I’m under my sleeping bag (using it as a quilt) and am generally comfortable.

Union Lake

my camp

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