June 22nd Evening
Trail Miles: 702.8 miles

Well, I had a fabulous time in Portland. Friends were shocked to see me, but welcomed me in open arms. Breakfasts, Dinners, Second Breakfasts, Elevensies, and cocktails were shared with the nearest friends…sadly I did not get to see them all, but I will be back.

Monday morning I awoke early to drive down to Ashland and start my Southbound hike. Before I left, I checked my email. One message from Jon and Debi saying that they were going to be coming to Ashland too. So…I decided to hang around Portland a little longer.

More fun was had, but I was aching to be back on the trail. As time passed, I could tell the city, the splendid food, and the lack of excercise was getting to me, but I waited for Jon and Debi.

It is now Wednesday. I have arrived in Ashland to hit the trail tomorrow. It is their plan to hike North to Manning Park. After that they are going to leave the trail. Sadly now I am left with the struggle of what to do. I want to hike with them, but I do want to do the whole trail (I think).

I imagine my hike will continue with them to Manning Park (the northern terminus), and then decisions will be made from there. If I return to the Sierras, I might be hard pressed to find a hiking partner at that time. Well, only time will tell. For now, I shall focus on the next 1000 miles of Oregon and Washington.

Feel free to offer up suggestions.

Happy Trails, Inner Peace, & Harmony