Back on Track

Day 143

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We spent two hours sticking our thumbs out to Highway 58 before Devin, a local resident, offered to drive us all the way to the trailhead.

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It was a 58 mile ride getting us to the PCT around 1:00pm. The air was cool but the sunshine and clear skies lifted our spirits and improved the way I looked at the trail and forest around me. I guess the third time's a charm!

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Jedi

Jedi

Out here I am more aware of how connected I feel to nature and my environment. My feelings are as fleeting, or as long lasting, as the weather around me. 

When it's rainy and gray, I find it challenging to keep my mind in a positive place. But, as soon as the sky clears, so does my mind. It's as though Mother Nature is a puppeteer pulling the strings that manipulate my moods. Sunshine, rain, blue skies, clouds...they are all feelings manifested in nature. I now read weather reports like an emotional horoscope.

As we climbed higher the snow began to reveal itself.

Cosmo

Cosmo

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ventually the snow covered the trail and we became pioneers with no tracks to follow but our own.

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Well...I suppose we weren't entirely alone out there...

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By 6:30 the sun started to set, creating a gorgeous array of pinks and blues right below a nearly full moon.

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Our feet were wet and cold from the snow and we set up camp at the next flat spot we found.

 Day 144

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This morning I was happy to see more blue skies and a beautiful rising sun. The temperature stayed cool all day but the sunshine made for perfect hiking weather.

I took a mid morning coffee break at Summit Lake staring out at Diamond Peak.

Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak

Shortly after that we climbed up to a ridge that gave the most amazing views of snowy mountains, green trees, and beautiful lakes all around.

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After 15 miles I found Cosmo beside a mile marker that he had made. We added up our PCT miles and today we hit 2000!

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The rest of the day remained scenic as we hiked into the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness.

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Day 145

Oregon has been redeeming itself these past few days. The weather has held up and with sunshine and clear visibility we have enjoyed the ridge-line hikes and breathtaking panoramic views of Diamond Peak, Mt. Thielsen, and the surrounding mountain lakes.

Cosmo and Jedi taking a scenic lunch break

Cosmo and Jedi taking a scenic lunch break

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Also, bears. 

Also, bears. 

This afternoon we reached the highest point in Oregon.

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As we neared the end of our day the trail abruptly brought us to Highway 158 where we caught a ride with a couple from Florida to Diamond Lake Resort.

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