Guess who finally got back on trail!!!
After picking up our friend from the Portland Airport, we drove to Olallie Lake, Oregon – a very special place to me, because that’s where I ended my very first PCT thru-hike attempt after injuring my extensor tendons on both feet.
Given the current wildfire situation on the Pacific Crest Trail, I decided I would try to continue my hike southbound from Olallie Lake to where I got off trail earlier this year, at Echo Lake.
Leaving the lake early in the morning, I passed many hikers headed north. The area was as beautiful and mysterious as I remembered it to be, and multi-colored wildflowers filled my view from time to time. I passed many small lakes, as the trail came closer and closer to Mt. Jefferson. This section was still holding snow, but thankfully nothing dangerous.
Unfortunately about 10 miles into my day, I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to carry the weight of my pack. My shoulder had started screaming again, and despite tightening my hipbelt as much as feasibly possible (also kinda painful) to try and reduce the weight on my shoulder, I couldn’t alleviate the pain.
I sat in front of the imposing Mt. Jefferson, as close as I’ve ever been, and tried to think of alternate solutions. I thought about trying to out-stubborn the pain, but I knew I was only 10 miles in, and it wouldn’t get any less painful from here. Dejected, I decided to turn back around, and for the second time end my hike at Olallie Lake.
I know there are other adventures in my near future, but it’s so hard to give this one up. Again. And again. And then, yet again. But that’s because the trail is a breathtaking place filled with incredible experiences. I have hiked almost the full length of the trail (2,500/2,655 miles) on the trail, and I can’t wait to finish… one day.
