The title say it all.  First, a summary. I retired in 2015 with the express purpose of hiking the whole 2,700 mile Pacific Crest Trail.  And....I failed. Although I started at the Mexican border and did finish Washington State into Canada, I only completed 1,700 miles that year.  After 5 1/2 months I took a … Continue reading I finished the PCT…now what?

The final stretch. Tuesday, 8/7 Welcome stay at Olallie. Things I liked: Got rid of trash!!! It's amazing the volume I generate daily. Pit toilet! No cat hole in the morning. Table to have dinner on. Nice lake with a killer view to wake up to. However, not a good start to the day. I … Continue reading Olallie Lake to Timberline

Friday, 8/3 I used Lyft for a ride to the trailhead and got on trail by 8:30! Bad news: more lava rock. 😖 Met a couple of ladies who said once past Santium Pass there wasn't any more volcanic trail. Yea!!! Made it to Santium Pass and called it a night. Saturday, 8/4 The climb … Continue reading McKenzie to Olallie Lake

At McKenzie Pass is this weird hut at the top of a volcanic hill. It’s hand made out of pumice boulders and was built in 1927. Odd thing in the middle of a lava field.

Monday, 7/30 Got food and lunch at Shelter Cove, then put some miles in. Tuesday, 7/31 Even at 6,000ft the afternoons are still in the high 80's. I try to do most of my miles before noon. At least the nights are cool... rarely more than 60 and frequently in the 40's. Wednesday, 8/1 Aruuugh! … Continue reading The “Sisters” near Bend, OR

Friday, 7/27 Leaving Crater Lake and it's a dry section. I heard there was a water cache near the northern entrance, so I planned for it. Yes, it was there! Damn, Oregon is lacking in water. Sometimes there is a lake off the trail, but adding 1-3 miles round trip to a long day isn't … Continue reading Shelter Cove

My foot is somewhat better and I'm not limping like I was. The PCT splits and the "Official" trail avoids the lake. The old route still follows around the south west side before heading north. The only catch: no camping near the crater. Big fine! So I cheated and took the shuttle from Mazama Village … Continue reading Goodbye Crater Lake

Frustrated. I went to the shower in the campground and no soap. Luckily I had a bit so now I feel better. I walked back to the store where the laundry was, and was told they sold out of detergent. WTF??? Some other hikers had used shampoo and gave me the bottle. Hiker ingenuity!!! And … Continue reading Fun in Mazama

Saturday, 7/21 Hiked the 2 miles out of Fish Lake then another 12.5 to the next water, Christi's Spring. That was it for today. Starting to get serious mosquitoes now. 😖 It's always a joy playing the squish game when you climb inside your tent and go after the 'skitters that snuck in. Sunday, 7/22 … Continue reading On to Crater Lake

Wednesday, 7/18 Arrived at Hyatt Lake campground looking for water. Nope. ???!! 😡 Apparently the water system is contaminated and there is zero budget to fix it. (Thank you BLM) Hiked 2 miles to the Hyatt Resort, bought a meal, watered up and went back to the trail. Since it was 4:30 I camped here. … Continue reading The Cascade range is volcanic