Not Dead Yet!

Hey all! So it's been a bit since I last posted. Atleast it feels like it, because I completed the entire state of Oregon plus half of Washington since then! We have consistently been pulling 25-30 mile days. Which overall have been not to bad! Although because we love long and lots of breaks, this means we don't get into camp until around 8... usually. But I'm okay with that😊

After Ashland, the first half of Oregon was kind of a blur. To be honest, I found myself rather bored. We had gone from having incredible views the majority of the time, to being hidden among the trees. We had also gone from having quite a bit of elevation change to it being pretty gradual and mild. It was definitely mentally challenging to keep motivated through this section. However, after reaching the Three Sisters, it started getting better. When we got to Three Sisters, we hitched all the way into Bend. We nero-ed in, hitting 2000 miles right before the road!! While sitting at the REI, a lady walked up to Wild Turkey and offered us a place to stay! Turns out her husband had hiked the trail previously and they help hikers whenever they can. We got showers, laundry, rides, and a big dinner & breakfast!!  Mike & Susan were amazing!! We also ended up renting tubes and floating down the river while there. So relaxing:)

After Bend, we hiked three days to Timberline Lodge, which is right by Mount Hood. For those of you who have seen the Shining, this is where it was filmed.  I have definitely never seen the movie...but I've now gotten to hold the axe!! For whatever that's worth....🤷

From there it was just a couple days to Cascade Locks, which is at the border of Oregon and Washington. We crossed the border and climbed a large mountain on a day that was over 100. Fun times.... I don't think Butters will soon forgive me for making him hike out mid afternoon....😬

On both our second and third days in Washington, it rained. Thankfully not a lot. But it was the first time I had to hike in the rain since the desert. And it was the first time I had to set up my tarp since Mount Whitney!! I think it's kindof crazy that the most rain I've gotten on trail was in the desert. Although these next few days they are calling for lots of rain up here....so we will see!

Currently halfway through Washington!! We will hit the 2400 mile marker tomorrow morning, leaving us with just 250 miles left!!! The plan is to finish September 17th for those curious folks.:)

Until next time.....