July 26, 2021 PCT mile 2096.6 - 2111 PCT miles 14.4

We packed up and left Timberline Lodge about 7:30 AM - a late start. As we were leaving we met a PCT hiker (again, easy to spot) sitting outside the back of the lodge waiting for the buffet breakfast to open. He (trail name ‘KD’) had just completed a 24-hour challenge - hiked 70 miles in 24 hours! Goodness!! Other than his legs coated in black ash from the fire zone, he looked no worse for wear. Nice timing just before the buffet opened. KD remembered meeting us months ago at a angel spot (excellent tacos) at Ebbetts Pass. We have learned that the younger hikers challenge each other to 24-hour straight hiking, e.g., 40 mile LA Aqueduct challenge. We would not easily recover from such abuse. Wow.

Met a SOBO hiker named Spec from France. He was headed into Government Camp to catch the bus to Bend to get around the PCT closure. We asked about the trail ahead and he said he had some issues with snow in Northern Washington, but he was hiking through the area north of Stevens Pass just before the Cedar Creek Fire started, so no smoke or fire concerns.

Saw Mt. St Helen’s for the first time today - looked like Mt Fuji - top blown off.

We came across ‘Bearbait’ resting along the side of the trail with his dog. The dog did NOT look like he was enjoying the hike one bit. Sad fellow. Bearbait said he was taking it slow because the dog is older and overweight. Chris was happy to hear he was adjusting his schedule to meet dog’s needs. We hadn’t seen Bearbait (or Siesta who hiked with a the dog who WAS thoroughly enjoying the adventure) since we were at Shelter Cove a couple of weeks ago. Nice to catch up with Bearbait again. He said he took time to do some fishing at Elk Lake, but that he had not yet discharged his fire arm (good news). He still had his enormous external frame pack, but he had swapped his heavy boots for light-weight trail runners a size larger than he usually wears and now wears darn tough socks. He said he is very, very happy with the change.

Beautiful trail! More than 5 miles of hiking today was through fields thick with huge Rhododendrons - everywhere!! Looked like we missed the flower show by about 3 weeks. Can imagine this hike is spectacular and hope to return someday earlier in the season to view. We have never seen so many healthy big Rhododendrons in one place. Must come back and visit Rhododendron, OR (!) earlier in the Summer.

We took the Ramona Falls off-trail loop to see the falls. Worth the extra miles. Roaring falls reminded us both of Kauai. The hike from the falls along the creek was reminiscent of a botanical garden tour.

We have been surprised that our hike through Oregon has brought up so many thoughts of Hawaii - black lava fields followed by lush deep green forests, huge foliage, ferns and beautiful flowers.

The hike down to Sandy River was through deep, soft, white beach sand. What?! Sandy River (aptly named) was fast moving, roaring and deeper than we expected. Chris swapped out her shoes and forded carefully and Rick log - rock hopped easily across. Chris reported that the water was ice cold, but felt great!

We continued hiking to Muddy Creek (also aptly named) and found a campsite off trail with a clear, cold spring nearby. No other level sites to be found within miles - at least nothing large enough for our tent. We were mighty lucky to find this site hidden a few feet off trail. This section of the PCT trail is accessible from a parking lot at a local trailhead a few miles away, so it’s busy with weekend campers and day hikers. Competition for campsites!