Mile 2000 to Timberline Lodge - mile 2097, 8/18

I write this from a couch in Timberline Lodge's beautiful lobby, fat and happy after 2 hours at the lunch buffet. I've been dreaming and talking about the buffet for days now. It's legendary among hikers and, I'm happy to report, fully lived up to its promise with blueberry BBQ pork, pasta salads, greek salad, fresh fruit, cheese, salami, roasted vegetables, chocolate cake, and chocolate chip pecan cookies.

Day after tomorrow I will reach Cascade Locks and, unbelievably, the end of Oregon. What a glorious state it has been! Physically luxurious, scenically gorgeous, and botanically familiar. Approaching and passing by the Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, and now Mt. Hood has been so fun. It's exciting to be near familiar landmarks and hike in ecosystems that feel like home.

Yesterday I did my biggest day on the trail, 33.4 miles. I actually thought I'd have done more than that by now and regularly hike 30 miles a day, but I've ended up doing more like 25 and taking more time for breaks, sleeping, and eating. I'm quite pleased with it! Hitting 2000 was pretty awesome, and I was giddy last night when I got my first view of Mt. Hood. I'll probably cry at Cascade Locks. And it will be great :).

Oregon reset - mile 1984, 8/13

I reached the Oregon/California border on the evening of July 31st. In the corniest way possible, the beautiful golden sunset mirrored the good times to come.

I crossed the border at the same time as my new friend, Mayo. She and I and two other hikers, Coyote and Strider, shared a hotel room in Ashland where two generous trail angels, Tracy and Bob, drove us to and from the trail and even treated us to lunch! After a glorious zero day full of two doses of ice cream and a walk through the Japanese garden, I got back on trail with my new trail family. We have been traveling more or less together ever since. It's been lovely to camp and hike regularly with friends again. Plus, Oregon is slightly less smoky and a lot flatter than northern California. My body has very much appreciated the "break"!

I just finished walking through the stark black lava near McKenzie Pass and Mt. Washington. Tough on the feet but amazing for the eyes! I'll be in Cascade Locks in less than a week. And then Washington! Wow! I have to admit that I'm looking forward to the end of the daily physical grind and having some creature comforts, but I try to maintain appreciation for the specialness of life out here. I reckon that looking back on this experience is going to be very different than being in it.