Racing Against the Clock

The last thing posted here related to crossing into Oregon, now I’m only a few moments away from stepping onto Washington’s volcanic soil.  Simultaneously a high and low point in this adventure.

I’m looking at Washington as the last hurdle.  Just one little 500 mile or so sprint.  Excited to have the end goal in site.  Today we packed the last food bag and ripped the last page out of the guide book. Two days rest, reconfigured my gear, gained back 6 pounds, got my feet tuned up and I’m raring to go.

Got off the trail in Cascade Locks, Oregon. When I get back on, the first few steps will put me on the Bridge of the Gods and over the Columbia River. At 235 feet above sea level, this is the trails lowest elevation.

The only dark clouds on the horizon are the dark clouds on the horizon. I think it’s going to come down to a race with the calendar. It’s all up the Snow Gods now. On my end, I’m now packing a heavier tent and some serious new rain gear. I’m not giving up without a fight.

Lots of good stories coming out of Oregon. Mile for mile it was more beautiful in general than California. Flatter and faster as well. 20 miles per day was pretty much the average. But the mornings were cold and the days getting shorter. Town stops were further apart and in general I tried to get in and out as fast as I could. Hence no time to write. But don’t think I haven’t been thinking of you gentle readers.

I’ve meet so many characters. The mushroom hunter, the plumber, a Nick Manwell clone and an elk just to name a few. Spent most of the time in Alpine meadows, where Spring and Fall occur almost simultaneously and Summer as we know it just does not exist. Crossed four snowfields in one day. Something I thought was both well behind me and way in the future.

So much to share, as good to hear as it is to share. A few choices for you, gentle readers. Either check back here from time to time, drop me a line via comments, or come out and meet me on the trail.

Only 29 trail days left. Then what?