I woke today around 6:15. I didn’t really want to get up but I was so excited to get to Oregon that I did anyway. There was one last substantial climb out of California and I was at the base. Somehow I got to the top in no time. It felt great. It was only short climbs till the border. I pushed for about 12 miles and then took my first quick break at Alex Hole Spring. The guy who wouldn’t let me pass showed up, sat right near me, asked where the water was, then said nothing else. I drank a Gatorade mix Robin had got me and it was so cold and delicious and tasted like the real thing. It was wonderful.

I pushed on the remaining 8.5 to the border. I stopped only once to check out the cabin since it was rumored to have trail magic. I got a liter of water from a cache in there then pushed the .5 to the border. I could see a little sign and a register and got so elated. I was cheering to myself and couldn’t stop smiling. I’d done it. Shortly after, Spurs, who I had just met, came up and we celebrated together and chatted and ate. It was so nice to have company while celebrating.

I pushed on and called everyone I knew to tell them the news of making it to Oregon. I felt a new sense of excitement for the trail. Like it was achievable. It was wonderful to have that energy again. The trail wound along grassy hills with volcanic rock jutting out and strewn about. Then it came into a beautiful valley with cows below and flowers and tall grass about. A thunderstorm sprayed light rain on me and threatened to open up on me. I kept seeing lightning and hearing thunder but thankfully the storm moved north.

I had planned to do 37 earlier in the day but decided I’d stop at 33.2. It was enough for me. I was beat. I arrived at camp at 7:30. That was good time, in my opinion. I made dinner and set up my tent. It’ll be my first night alone here unless someone shows up. I’m relaxed and looking forward to a great sleep tonight. I can’t believe I made it to Oregon!!