After crossing the California/Oregon border two weeks ago, I’ve hiked about 300 miles, and have 150 left until I meet Chuck in Portland next week! I visited Crater Lake for the first time, enjoyed swimming in some of oregon’s fantastic lakes (warmer than the ones in the Sierras!), seen a herd of elk, and walked through fields of wildflowers and incredible volcanic landscapes. It’s hard to believe I only have about five weeks of hiking left!
I’ve now hiked over 1600 miles on the PCT, and will be crossing the California-Oregon border in less than a week! I love California, but I’ll be so happy to hike out of here! The scenery for the last couple of weeks has been incredible – I’ve seen a geyser and boiling mud pots in Lassen National Park, admired the snowy peaks of Mt Shasta and the Trinity Alps, and seen my first bear – with two cubs! I got into Etna, CA yesterday afternoon and have enjoyed everything the town has to offer hikers: a trip to the brewpub, a milkshake at the drugstore soda counter, and pie for breakfast at the local diner.
