Our only task for today was getting to timberline lodge. Easier said than done as there’s no direct bus routes and shuttle fares get pricey quickly. Still, mackenzie and I managed to navigate the bus system through three transfers to get us to the town of Madras where we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then headed out to the main road to catch a hitch.

The road we were on was a direct shot straight to Government Camp, the town right below the lodge, so we felt confident being able to get a ride. Within about five minutes, a ex elementary school teacher in his 70’s from by the name of Al picked us up. He was born in Arkansas but has lived in Oregon for most of his life. We chatted about life and he kept repeating how stoked he was for us and to see people still going out and exploring. He emphasized how much there is to see in the US and we both agreed. ‘No need to travel to Europe so fast unless you’ve seen the US’.

Al was nice enough to take us the extra ten minutes up to Timberline Lodge where he wished us luck and sent us on our way. Mackenzie and I walked up to the campsite, which thankfully is right by the lodge. We’ve set up camp and are exploring the place. It’s beautifully built out of huge structural timber logs with meticulous joinery and connection details. Our architect brains are nerding out a bit. FDR was a big proponent of the place and has his little museum in the basement. Fun fact - the aerial shots of the lodge in the movie The Shining are of Timberline. The interior looks nothing like the movie but we’ve heard Shining fans request room 217 to stay in. Room 237 is featured in the movie but it was originally supposed to be room 217. The owner of the lodge at the time was nervous that guests wouldn’t want to stay in that room following the movie so the director changed it to room 237 as the lodge doesn’t have a room 237.

Mackenzie and I grabbed a quick beer in the basement bar and have been aggressively hydrating. We’ve been at sea level and then only 3,000 feet for about ten days and the altitude up at the lodge has affected us more than any other time throughout the trip. I’m hoping our bodies adapt quick.

Happy trails again…

P.S. i guess the photos aren’t uploading to the posts but once i get that figured out, ill reupload the images and keep everyone updated on when that happens.