July 13th Evening
Elevation: 4890 ft
Trail Miles: 938 miles

I took a couple days to show Denise (”Sas”) and Loren (”Boone”) around Portland. While out on the trail we talked about many things about Portland, so I made a mental note of all the places to show them.

Arriving late afternoon in Portland, I made it my mission to try and take them to all the places we had talked about. I planned to have them try all the good food and drinks we had been craving.

Short story, mission accomplished. We had drinks and happy hour on the 35th floor at the Portland City Grill. We then had Spanish Coffees at Portlands Oldest Restaurant Hubers. Then we went and shot some pool at my favorite bar. After that we were planning on going home to sleep, but when we arrived, we were told to drink up and get ready to go out. Tired, but willing to have fun we went out to sing Karaoke.

Eventually, we made our way home and promptly passed out.

July 14th

The next day was similar. First we wandered around Portland, working our way toward a breakfast place I love. Then a midday nap was had by all. After that, I took them out to have fried bree and pinot noir. Following that, we had happy hour sushi, and finally a white russian. All in all both nights were full of drunken debauchery, or at least drinks, pool, and fun.

The next day, not feeling our hottest we enjoyed a lunch with a couple friends before driving up to Timberline Lodge, to get back to hiking.

Upon arriving at Timberline Lodge we enjoyed a drink at the bar before hitting their last leg of the trail. At times it seems I do alot of drinking on the trail, but in all realty we just have celebratory drinks. Of course, there are many reasons to celebrate, so we have many drinks, a luxery not found too often on the trail.

We then went to the trail. Starting so late in the day we only hiked a few miles to Zigzag canyon, where we called it a day. Putting our packs down, we ventured upstream to a waterfall. Hanging out in the chilly misty wind, we snapped a few photos and talked of a campfire.

Quickly we returned to set up camp, eat a dinner, and start a campfire. The three of us enjoyed the warmth of the glowing embers, until late in the night, chatting and playing a game.

We rose late this morning. I think our bodies needed the rest from the last few “rough” days. Finally making our way back to the trail at 10:30am, we started with a short steep ascent. The hillside was covered in fresh blooms of red, white, purple, and yellow.

Winding along, we enjoyed the small spur trails to lookout points which offered fantastic views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and to the south, Mt. Jefferson and the Three sisters.

Taking an alternate route we climbed uphill to Ramona Falls. Stopping amid the shade of large oldgrowth trees we enjoyed the cascading falls. Moss and algae grew over the basalt rocks, as the water sprayed down on our hot bodies. Taking turns, we all walked up to the falls and soaked our head in the cold water. We arrived at perfect timing in the day too. The tall trees shaded everything, yet a small patch of sunlight snuck through the branches to strike upon the waterfall, making half of it glow.

Eventually, we continued along. Roughly one hour later we sat to enjoy our lunch. While finishing up, Mike walked up. The hiker we spent time with back at Elk Lake. Astounded to see him, we all took a longer lunch together discussing trail conditions ahead. A river had washed out the trail, and we had the option of taking a rocky trail with a bridge, or fording the river.

Always up for an adventure, we opted to ford the river. Sadly, after arriving we realized it was going to be a simple ford. It was cold and swift, but not too deep or too wide. After the ford, we made a long climb uphill until we summited. Mike realized that our pace was too slow, and so we said our goodbyes. He is out to hike 30 mile days, we are out for 15 mile days. I do miss the thru-hiker pace a little bit, but I absolutely love the company of “Boone” and “Sas ,” so I will be with them for a little bit.

Dropping down to Lolo Pass, I asked if either of them stashed their packs before to hitch a ride to town for a burger. Immediately “Sas’” eyes lit up, and we caught a ride with the next truck. Before long, we were chowing down on a massive burger.

Not expecting luck hitching back, “Boone” hitched up to Timberline and picked up his car. “Sas” and I sat in the bar having long serious chats about Life, The Universe, and Everything. Soon, “Boone” arrived back with the car and the three of us drove back to the trail, but not before picking up a 6-pack.

Back at camp, the three of us sat like yahoo campers in the car in the parking lot, drinking our beer and playing card games. Going to sleep late at night, I slept in the car.

When we woke to the early morning sunlight, “Boone’s” feet were killing him. He suspects he has tendonitis. So after a little discussion, we decided to call the trip over for the two of them. Once that was decided, “Boone” and I surprised “Sas” with the bottle of wine I was packing for a finishing treat.

Drinking wine and playing cards we lounged about in the tent for a couple hours. Now we are on our way down to do a little wine tasting, catch some movies in Portland, and then head to their cabin in Northern California. From there I will do some waterskiing and relaxing before I get back to the trail as a thru-hiker.

Trail Mantra: “I am out here to have fun.” Yep, still having fun.

Happy Trails, Inner Peace, & Harmony