Miles Hiked 398.4
PCT Mile 904.0
Elevation feet 4,741
Miles Hiked Today 13.0
Another day or two and I’ll be done. Yep, this is the home stretch. I had considered going into California, so I could say I touched the border of Oregon and California. However, the logistics of doing that just don’t work. I would have to go down to Seiad Valley, CA before it would be possible to get a bus to Medford, OR where I can catch a plane. The problem is a bus would take one day and three hours to go from Seiad Valley to Medford. I’m guessing the distance between the two is probably about 70 miles. Getting a bus to Medford just doesn’t make sense.
Today, one of the last days of my Oregon hike, I started at 7:00 a.m. . There is another trail magic two miles down the trail. I’m going to hit them up for some food.
I arrived at the trail magic at 8:00 a.m.. The people who run trail magics are always the nicest you can meet. That certainly fits these people. I found a comfortable camp chair and sat down. A lady was doing the cooking and she offered pancakes with blueberries. Once they were cooked, I put butter and syrup on and some strawberries. That’s right. I had strawberries at the trail magic. They went great on my pancakes, and in fact so great, I asked for another serving.
I’m not a coffee drinker so an offer of coffee was declined. I did not see any tea, so I asked. One of the ladies dug into her purse and came up with tea. Is that great or what?
I hated to leave, but after an hour it was time to get going. I profusely said my thank yous and threw on my pack and started hiking.
The trail continued it’s upward climb from yesterday. The ascent was not steep but gradual. I was able to maintain a good pace. There was no repeat of rocks, boulders and more rocks. The trail was well-groomed and dirt. Sure, there were a few rocky spots, but nothing like the day before. Just before noon the trail flattened out and I was able to pick up my pace.
As well as I was doing with my pace, I was concerned about my right leg. I’ve been having trouble with the tendons behind my knee. It’s getting to the point where I should be able to go faster but I can’t. I still remember when I tore a tendon on my left ankle several years back while hiking the California desert. I certainly don’t want a repeat of that here in Oregon. Because of that, I may try to find an exit point from the trail tomorrow.
I called it an early day because of the right leg problem. A campground, Klum Landing, promised campsites and running water, which sounded good to me. I walked in about 3:45 p.m. and claimed a spot for my tent.
Tomorrow may either be a continuation of the home stretch or the end. It all depends on whether or not I can find a ride to Medford. If I can’t find a ride, then Monday will be the end for sure.
