Day 78 - 30 Mile Day At mile 1892.5. Hiked 30.7 miles today. I hiked 30 miles today because there was water (a pond) at 29 miles and a campsite a mile further. About 3 miles before I arrived at the pond, I thought I saw a huge lake through the woods. With a mosquito head net on you can’t be sure what you are seeing. This turned out to be Diamond Lake. It was not listed as a water source on Guthook. I think the reason was that it...

At mile 1861.8. Hiked 21 miles today. This is Zach and Nora who are climbing the pinnacle of Thielson  Peak shown in the background. Zach has climbed it before and it is Nora’s first time. There doesn’t appear to be any room on top, but Zach told me that there is an area the size of a small living room.  After an area of mosquitoes during mid-morning, I didn’t see mosquitoes again until the last mile before camp. I made this an easy day by taking long breaks and naps...

At mile 1840.8. Hiked 19.9 miles today. Today I hiked the PCT alternate route that is the Crater Lake Rim Trail. I took my time getting started as I enjoyed the amenities of the Mazama Village campground. Upon reaching Rim Village I took a long break to allow my devices to recharge. This meant an early lunch. It was also a great opportunity to meet some interesting hikers including the first true South Bounder (SOBO). The last 2 days I have been meeting a lot of hikers and it...

At mile 1820.9. Hiked 16.6 miles.  I was ready for Crater Lake and with mosquitoes keeping me from slowing down, I was sitting in Annie’s restaurant in Crater Lake before 12:30 PM. I walked through areas that were intensely burned. In parts the trail was totally obliterated and I was forced to navigate by GPS when I found myself off the trail. Small saplings had burnt into something like tempered swords while curling inward over the trail. These fire transformed saplings would rip flesh and and clothing. There weee also...

At mile 1804.3. Hiked 26.5 miles today. I have hiked 714.3 miles over the first 37 consecutive days (no zeros) of my return to the PCT. I had hiked 650 miles in 37 consecutive days (no zeros) during the Southern California portion of my PCT hike.  This is looking back at the north side of Mt McLoughlin. I hiked on the mosquitoe infested south side yesterday afternoon. Here is a morning view of a lake. This is “Hoops”. He is from Germany and is hiking the Oregon PCT. He carries this basketball...

At mile 1777.8 Hiked 22.5 miles today. Cold morning, I guess 35 degrees F. I was later told that it had been 32 degrees F. I had shipped out my down jacket and fleece pants. I wore my silk long underwear underneath my hiking shorts. I also wore a down vest and lightweight rain jacket. I hiked fast to help warm up. Here I am at mile 1768.5 when I realized I have hiked half of the PCT. Having skipped over 440 miles, the halfway point for me is at...