After another cold night, I am considering buying either a sleeping bag liner or a body-heat reflecting mat to lay underneath my current sleeping pad. Will see what they advise at the outfitter in Bend.
Allright, eleven miles to go to get to Elk Lake Resort to get a nice lunch in. Two thirty-mile days in a row did not leave me unscathed. The strain in my shin was still there this morning, but pretty soon after hiking I felt it had decreased significantly overnight, so that’s great.
As I was listening to a series of podcasts I made steady progress towards the lake. I passed Cave-man on the way and agreed to meet him for lunch at the restaurant later. The last stretch was in an exposed area, and it became apparent how hot a day it was in the bright sun. I passed by the restaurant and walked over to the shore of the lake. After ditching my pack I waded into the cool water, relieved to have a swim. I dried up on the shore as I listened to music and watched other people chilling out and having fun. I’ll admit I was pretty jealous of everyone that had more time to spend and just relax all day.
There were tons of people out in canoes, on paddle-boards, families with kids everywhere, and a large restaurant with an outdoor patio overlooking the small harbor with docks.
As I walked back from the docks after soaking my feet in the cool water, I saw that Cave-man had made it down here too, and we got a table at the restaurant. We enjoyed a nice lunch and a milkshake for dessert. After spending almost 3 hours there I ought it time to go, and hiked out in the beaming sun again. Fortunately the trail dove back beneath tree-line not long after.
After about two hours of hiking, I was rewarded with great views of South Sister, the first of the Three Sisters. The trail lead closer and closer to its base, and she was magnificent. My thoughts wandered off to what it would be like to climb to the summit, and I was curious if there are any trails leading up there.
There was a beautiful flat stretch close the mountain, making it possible to really soak in the views. I considered myself lucky that there were clear skies without smoke. It was my favorite part of today’s hike for sure. The PCT turned back into the forest again. I had my mind set on a campsite close to a stream a couple of miles ahead. With all the climbs of the day now out of the way, I made steady progress and made it to the campsite a little after 1900. Great time, and a pleasure to set up my tent as it was still light out. There’s 38 miles left to Bend now, so if I can crush hard tomorrow, it will be a short hiking-day Tuesday, which means more time to relax in town.
Just a couple kids on a summer street
Chasing around to a flicker beat
Making mistakes that were made for us
We brushed them off like paper cuts
You said you’re sick and tired of it, it
But I need you morning, night, and day
I miss you every single way
We said forever but forever wouldn’t wait for us
You were my last young renegade heartache
It only took one night
Caught in the eye of a hurricane, darling
We had to say goodbye
Last Young Renegade – All Time Low
