Day 86

July 7, 2021 PCT mile 1728.2 - 1750.0 PCT miles - 22.4

Reluctantly we packed up to leave Bambi’s Meadow and began hiking north. A few hundred yards from our campsite Chris thought she saw a Fox scampering across a log. The light was still dim, but then she saw two figures run straight up a tree. We took a few more steps and saw the smallest baby black bears we have ever seen climbing to the very top of a large fir tree. The babies were no more than 18” from nose to tail and looked like stuffed toys. We heard a twig snap at the bottom of the Meadow and thought momma bear was coming to check on her babies. We moved along the trail chatting loudly, but never saw mom.

We next saw a huge Osprey fly from a big nest teetering on the top of a dead tree. Looked precarious. Two large pileated woodpeckers were working on trees across the trail. We’ve never seen two on the same tree before.

We continued through lovely green forests and had views back to Mt. Ashland and the city of Ashland below. The day was very easy hiking - at about 10:00 AM we were at about 14 miles with only about 9 miles to our selected camp site. The Guthook app suggested a side trip to Hyatt Reservoir for food and supplies and provided a number to call for transport, so we decided to give it a try. We passed by the pretty dam below Hyatt Reservoir and when we reached the junction Chris called and asked for a ride. Within 5 minutes the owner’s grandson arrived in a pickup truck. We rode in the pickup bed, which is legal in Oregon - therefore not as thrilling. We were dropped off at the restaurant and had a very nice egg breakfast, charged our devices and used a real bathroom. Friendly staff. The young man then asked if we wanted a ride back to the trail. We were back hiking the trail in less than an hour. Very efficient (!) with the unexpected bonus of fresh delicious breakfast.

We arrived at Howard Prairie campground mid-afternoon. The campground is currently closed, but the management is kind enough to leave the showers (hot water!) and bathrooms open for PCT hikers. Amazing. Chris’ vacationed here 50+ years ago with her family and recalled how easy it was to catch a rainbow trout - a BIG trout. She said she and her Dad and brother would catch the limit before breakfast. It ruined her for future fishing trips. No fish within 30 minutes, she’s done..

Sad, but the lake was not what she remembered - not deep, not blue. The lake is so very low (drought) it is more pond than lake and area around the campground is so overgrown due to Covid closure. We are the only hikers camped in this enormous campground tonight. Reminds us of Tuolumne Meadows backpackers campground in Yosemite. Eerie.

Hiking in Oregon has been such a pleasure. Only two days in, but we are impressed with the trail maintenance, healthy forests and the temperature has been very comfortable. Rick said Oregon even has the best livestock gates! They are nice. We know we have some days of hiking through old burn areas ahead, but loving it so far.