Day 106 lakeside campsite

I woke up this morning next to a beautifully calm lake with reflections of trees on the other side. I would expect mosquitoes to be less first thing in the morning, but nope, I actually think they were worse. I hiked from my campsite along the lake back up to the actual trail about eight minutes, just under half a mile, and continued my trek.

Mosquitoes have gotten no better as I walked. Even at a fast pace they settle over my arms and  the top of my hood; and yes , they can get through the fabric. If you’re moving, it’s not as bad as the moment you stop your immediately swarmed. 

I stopped at a small Trailside pond to get some water for my next break. Water along the trail is very limited in this section with all of the mosquitoes you would think there would be tons of water everywhere!

I reached my break spot for second breakfast. I got my 10 miles x 10 o’clock again today. I picked this spot because it was a campsite. I actually set up my tent for protection from the mosquitoes.

As the trail works its way up, there are some good views of far off valleys 

I’m looking down in the valley at a lake below; and by the way, no mosquitoes at this elevation of the climb, that is nice, but I do have to contend with the very occasional snow drift on the trail

I have some good views of mountains behind me. It’s a good reminder to turn around every so often.

I’m on one of the portions of trail that I especially like. It goes right along the top of a ridge line.

This entire mountain side is just broken pieces of slate stone just resting on itself. Not a part of trail I would want to be on during an earthquake!

The trail passes directly below this cliff face; although it is all Rock and barren, the white Pasquell flower is growing all over the hillside.

Our patchy snow finally turned into a large snow field going right down the back face of a mountain I’m on. I had an opportunity to do a great glissade followed by some fun, cross country route finding. These are the times I miss hiking with a partner it would’ve been fun to have a video of a glissade.

I stopped at this creek for much needed water and my long overdue lunch.  3.8 more miles to my campsite.

I am passing by another gorgeous stream with its own little waterfall above the trail

I passed by a beautiful meadow sitting right next to the trail shortly before I arrived at my campsite.

Today’s PCT miles hiked 20.6

Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1261.0

PCT mile marker 1802.1

(Flipped over 542.8 miles)

Day 105 A beautiful lake campsite

 I woke up at Dan‘s cabin after a great night of sleep. I had some leftover pizza for breakfast with a muffin and cup of coffee. I got ready to head back out. I was back on trail by 820. 

I came to the turn off for the brown mountain shelter. It’s a 300 foot off trail walk and i decided go up and check it out. It was small and a little dirty inside. I didn’t stay. When I returned to the Trail I took a picture of the Canada Mexico distance signs and continued on.

I’ve come to a large lava field the trail passes through and stopped for a quick snack break before I continue through more lava fields, separated by very short sections a Forest.

Soon I arrived at this well following creek for some much-needed water. It’s a beautiful spot for a lunch break. I ate the last remaining piece of pizza that Dan and I picked up from Lake of the woods. Ironically Lake of the Woods it’s just 5 miles from Highway 140 which I just crossed.

The trail follows the creek for a very short distance before coming to this footbridge, allowing me to cross over again without getting wet. 

Once past the foot bridge, I continue alongside the creek, and I observed a new flower, the Western Columbine 

I arrived at my campsite location. This is going to be one of my top 10 favorite. I am right along the shore of Squaw Lake. I set up my tent got some water filtering and took a swim. The water was very comfortable. Mosquitoes in Oregon are no joke. There’s a fire pit right next to my tent site where I am eating. It has a bunch of pre-cut wood, kenneling, sticks, and dry moss waiting. I started a very small fire just enough to create smoke to clear out the mosquitoes; it worked well. I made my dinner and climbed in my tent.

I count about 30 mosquitoes on my tent door netting. I think they really want to come in.

Today’s PCT miles hiked 19.9

Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1240.4

PCT mile marker 1781.5

(Flipped over 542.8 miles)

Day 104 A new friend and a real bed

 I woke up at my regular time. Got everything packed and ready to go I had one more half Subway sandwich a grape soda for breakfast said goodbye to Skeeter and headed down the trail. He truly was a blessing at the end of the day yesterday. 

The trail heads off to the northeast the sun has been filtered through the trees as it comes up 

I cross an aqueduct bringing water along this road and continue down the trail. Today I am going 11 miles to a road where I will meet Dan from Sara and Adam’s wedding. I will spend the day with him at his cabin, another day with a blessing. Shortly after the aqueduct I cross one more foot bridge and continue on my way.

Observed another new plant to me. The Lysimachia latifolia is a wide leaf ground cover with small pinkish flowers growing on the forest floor. These larger white flowers are known as Anémonastrum deltoideum. 

I am leaving BLM land and now entering rogue River national forest land.

Today is going to be a Nero. If you remember Dan, who gave me a ride for my new shoes couple days ago, I am meeting him here at the trail head. He has a nearby cabin, at Adam and Sarah‘s wedding he offered to pick me up, feed me dinner and provide a nice bed. I cannot wait to sleep on a real mattress!

Today’s PCT miles hiked 10.9

Total PCT Miles hiked to date 1220.5

PCT mile marker 1761.6

(Flipped over 542.8 miles)