Sunshine-Reunion

I guess I really have to start getting used to cooler nights. Last night was the second night in a row that it got real chilly. I’m really happy now that I have such a wonderful warm sleeping bag and nice and comfy sleep-clothing (my thermals). This morning after upon checking out my campsite in early morning light, I confirmed yesterdays estimation that this was a way better spot than the first place I had pitched my tent on. I was actually surprised this site did not show up on our interactive maps.
Time to get into the cold (once again nicely wrapped up in warm clothes) and to start hiking. Only 5 miles and some change to get into Mazama Village. It was clouded this morning, but there was no sign of smoke, so that was a good start.

Excited to get back to civilization again after 4 days of relative solitude, the miles flew past. I listened to some podcasts and stopped only short once to grab a quick snack. Around 1100 I hiked into Mazama Village, and went straight to the restaurant to grab breakfast. The smell and taste of a hot cup of coffee instantly put a smile on my face. There were hardly any other guests in the restaurant and I felt myself easing into the soft leather bench, being very at ease. I think I felt extra relaxed because I knew I would be staying here all day. Thus I had all the time in the world to do laundry, shower and sort out my resupply for the next stretch.

As I walked over the the campsite-shop I heard somebody yell out from one of the windows: “Flaaaaaat Eaaarrrthh!!”. Canadians Arms, Gourmet and Double-D who I’d intended to hike out with after Ashland (but never caught up with) had spend the night here and were now hanging out. We caught up about the last stretch and chilled in the sun. They showed me the specific hiker-campsites and other amenities in Mazama.
Today turned out to be a wonderful day. Blue skies as far as the eye could see, and not a trace of smoke. This had not been the case since Toulumne Meadows, which was a long, long time ago. It felt amazing!

After doing laundry and taking a blissfully hot shower I collected my resupply-package from the store. They asked for my name, and I gave them my first and surname. That’s when I realized I probably send it under the name Flat Earth.
“Oh yes, we’ve got a Flat Earth package here!! The lady exclaimed.
When I signed the form, confirming my pick-up of the package, I saw that they had put Earth in the column for surname, and Flat in the column for my first name. Cracked me up. When outside, I inspected my package to figure out that the name I wrote on top of the box, had obviously confused either the people in the store, or the package-handlers during transit, because in big blue marker they’d re-written my name on it. Cracked us up even more.

While hanging out in front of the store, I actually got sunburned today. It being mostly cloudy or smoky, I’ve not been exposed to direct sun for quite some time. I was curious to learn which which hikers I hiked into Ashland with would show up today. Somewhere around 1700 I saw the familiar blonde braids of Peach-man appear on the scene of the parking-lot, and as is our custom with our little trail-family, I yelled out a loud: Hoooyaaaaaah!
Peach-man responded in similar fashion, and told me that Rocket and Freewheel where not far behind. They’d pulled off a 47 mile-day within 24 hours, catching a couple of hours sleep during the night. Quite the feat. As promised, Rocket and Freewheel showed up withing the hour, all properly shattered but happy to have made it to Mazama. I learned that Photo-op had been hit by poison oak somewhere along the way, and had gotten some serious blisters on back, where his pack was rubbing the affected area constantly. Pops, Photo-Op and Jukebox had all had breakfast together 2 days ago at Fish-Lake resort, and Photo-op had decided to hitch out to Crater Lake (to get medication?). Jukebox and Pops apparently tagged along with him. Crater Lake is not actually a village, there are several tiny establishments/communities around the Crater Lake, so where they are now is not clear to any of us. Without service its hard to figure out too. I just hope that Photo-op is doing okay and that the effects of the poison oak will not impact his ability to hike further.
After catching up about the past stretch we got dinner at the restaurant together and headed back to the campsite. Since I’ve gotten all my chores done, I will only try to upload my backlogged posts tomorrow morning before hiking out. The next stop will be the town of Bend, some 160 miles from here. Since I have food for approximately 5 days, I will probably get off trail at one of the resorts along the trail to get a minor resupply in. This way I should make it safely to Bend without going hungry.

But you can see it in my eyes
You can read it on my lips
I’m trying to get a hold on this
And I really mean it this time
And you know it’s such a trip
Don’t get me started
I’m trying to get a hold on this

Get in line and settle down
Get in line and settle down

Settle Down – No Doubt