Rough Beauty

Mediocre sleep on slanted spot. Bleeh. Hiking out around 0745. So much for the early start…
The trail would take us around Mount Jefferson today. The first hours of hiking were pretty relaxed, downhill, and got us to the bottom of the valley where a nice stream was flowing. The vibrant and colorful surroundings, with lots of flowers made for beautiful sights.
Then we started on a pretty rough climb. A total of 9 miles continuous ascent. The first part was through a burn-area, and fully exposed the early morning sun made for an unwelcome companion. I was relieved when we made it back in the shade of the tall pine-trees again.
About halfway up the climb, the trail crossed a plateau, a pretty sight. Especially with many great views of snowy Mount Jefferson, today our surroundings were really wonderful.
Just before we broke for lunch, we signted the final grind and climb for the day. A steep and rocky, fully exposed stretch that would take us to the highest on the ridge. Exhausted I dumped my pack and while panting heavily I joined Jukebox at the top. The views of Mount Jefferson from here were spectacular. On the other side of the ridge we could see Mount Hood looming in the distance. Overnight the smoke had cleared up, and today we were blessed with blue skies. High performance, high reward!

The second half of the day the terrain stayed strenuous; rocky and with many slippery dusty bits of trail. We were aiming to get to Olally Lake near the end of the afternoon, where there’d be a small shop to get cold drinks and restock on additional food items. I only made it there around 1830. Pops and Photo-op joined me a little later. Pretty much everybody was dealing with sore feet today it seemed, and as we were sitting comfortably at the pick-nick table outside the store, the likelihood of hiking more miles today evaporated quickly.
I didn’t really mind, I was tired and ready for a long nights sleep anyway. I bought some more snacks, just to be comfortable the following days, and started to prep my food with the others. There’s a small campsite near the lake where I pitched my tent while it was still light out. It’s 2100 now and I feel super tired, so I think I will call it a night pretty soon.

Take me to the docks, there’s a ship without a name there
And it is sailing to the middle of the sea
The water there is deeper than anything you’ve ever seen
Jump right in and swim until you’re free

I will remember your face
‘Cause I am still in love with that place
When the stars are the only things we share
Will you be there?

I’ve got a plan, I’ve got an atlas in my hands
I’m gonna turn when I listen to the lessons I’ve learned
I’ve got a plan, I’ve got an atlas in my hands
I’m gonna turn (when I listen to the lessons I’ve learned)

Atlas Hands – Benjamin Francis Leftwich