11th August 2015
Mileage 32.6 (52.5)
Bush camp (1898.4) to Charlton Lake (1931.2)
The day started with the first call of the birds, as usual. It was about 6 miles of easy hiking through mystical forests to the Shelter Cove Resort. Which I learned quickly was also known as the vortex. Many hikers had been swept into the beerfest that had occurred in recent days.
I picked up my resupply package, ate some hotdogs, chatted with other hikers and got frustrated with the slow wifi. One of the hikers I chatted with was my old hiking buddy, Zig Zag. I feared it would be the last time I see him, as my mikes increase. Good luck Zig Zag.
I mentioned many days ago that I had a decision to make that kept me awake at night. Well, the decision has been made. I set a date for my arrival in Canada. It was done so I could transition into the next leg of my journey after the PCT seamlessly.
After the PCT I will jump on my bicycle and cycle down through Central America to South America all the way to the southern tip. It will continue the journey I started last year when I cycled down from Alaska to the Mexico border.
Oh and I will return next year for another thru hike, stay tuned! The unfortunate thing about my new schedule is that it seems I have left Mr & Mrs Smith. I miss their company already.
I set off from the resort mid morning. If I stayed longer I may have not wanted to leave. Mr & Mrs Smith had not arrived and the trail grapevine had them camping 15 miles away the night before. The trail climbed and passed by several lakes. I stopped at the first of the lakes called, Lower Roseary Lake. I rested, washed my feet and socks and filled my water bottle. I filled my water bottle prior to washing my feet, of course !
Over the next several miles I passed many lakes. When it started getting late I stopped at Charlton Lake. My body was done for the day. My old hiking buddy Dundee was there. We caught up on trail gossip and all too soon it was dark.
At one point I went to fill my water bottle from the lake. I slipped and fell in. I was wearing my boots and they were now soaked through. While in the water I decided to wash myself, my shoes and socks. I will not be enjoying the first few steps tomorrow.
Next : Day 117 A Long Day
The Best information about the Pacific Crest Trail:
Complete Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail
Resupply Guide for the PCT
PCT Gear List
PCT Gear Review
Do u plan to continue blogging when u start your next adventure? I have heard it costs a lot to use data south of the border not sure if that’s true but would like to continue reading about your experiences if possible
Yes it is an ongoing blog and will continue my journey I started last year, cycling, hiking and canoeing from Alaska to Mexico. The next leg will be Mexico thru to Panama cycling the whole way with some hiking journeys in between. Not sure of sim and data costs I’ll look into that when I finish my trip.
My family owned a cabin on the other end of Odell Lake from 1977-1995. We still go up there every summer for a long 5-day weekend and were just there a few weeks ago. I always take the boat down to Shelter Cove to give out trail magic to the thru-hikers. That is where I learned about the PCT and got inspired to hike it. Happy Trails! -GoalTech
That’s great, I first heard about the PCT 20 years ago and thought it was the most insane hike ever invented. If only because at that time I thought it impossible
Wow! For most people, the PCT is their biggest adventure ever, yet you apparently can’t get enough! Looking forward to your future adventures as well (if you plan on blogging them)!
You only live once right!
I know Zigzag is going to miss your company along the trail – good to see you both looking so chipper ( just as well his knees are not in the picture!) Your future plans sound amazing – will be following your blog for a long time! Safe travels ….
Thanks Lee, and look after Zig Zag!
When we met in January at the Youth hostel in Santa Monica, California I said I would bring you trail magic at Bridge of the Gods if I was in town. It appears you’re getting relatively close. When do you anticipate arriving at the bridge?
Love your blog!
I should be in cascade locks at sometime on Wednesday next week, I think! I’m currently 190 miles away, should be able to do it in 7 days. I’ll be going down the eagle creek waterfall trail. Stay in touch. Look forward to seeing you again.
Hi Gretchen, I will be in Cascade Locks late Wednesday, maybe catch up for lunch on Thursday at Cascade Locks? Send me a private message through the contact me page and I can send you a text.
I’ve so enjoyed your journey here on the PCT. It has really been wonderful to accompany you along the way via your postings here. I will really miss your regular postings. It has been a pleasure.
I’m not going anywhere yet! Except to Canada! :)