A simple project that saw cost and function creep the more I looked into it. Warning: This essay is very pedantic on purpose; I wanted to capture my thought process. If you wanted travel and/or hiking, come back later! I needed to up my ability to “Dry Camp” with my TT for longer periods, and … Continue reading Travel Trailer (TT) Solar Project, Part One: Defining Needs and Scope
New Goals in 2019
It's a new year! 2018 saw my completion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and that was a huge bucket list item that I'm very proud of. Bad news: My left knee never really healed, so my Long Distance backpacking days are over. Day hiking is still on the list, so I will be doing lots … Continue reading New Goals in 2019
I finished the PCT…now what?
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?
Olallie Lake to Timberline
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
McKenzie to Olallie Lake
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
Weird finds on the trail
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.
The “Sisters” near Bend, OR
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
Shelter Cove
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
Goodbye Crater Lake
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
Fun in Mazama
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
