Saturday, July 23, 2005

July 21: Three months in

Back to the trail, feeling pretty good about things, rested, happy to have been back in Portland for such a long visit. We hiked up Eagle Creek Trail -- an alternate ascent up out of the gorge, one which we've hiked a bit of on a number of occasions, notably with both of our mothers at different points -- and joined the PCT some 16 miles south of Cascade Locks. Tom, who drove us out to the trailhead, walked up a couple of miles with us before saying goodbye and heading back down. Before long, we stopped for lunch and watched groups of day-hikers and swimmers pass by.

Berries were in great abundance as we walked today. Huckleberries starting to ripen now and tart, red Thimbleberries, also some bright orange unripe raspberries of some kind. We have been looking forward to Oregon's edibles, but are surprised to find so many already today. We've been snacking on Oxalis leaves as well.

As soon as we set camp, rain started sprinkling down on us. The flies have been annoying as hell and now this rain. Sunny and hot all week in the city and now the clouds close in on us. Just like Hellkat said. That's the way the world goes round. Sleep will be heavy tonight. The air is warm, humid. I'm toast.

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Three months to the day have passed since we set out from Mexico on this trail. What has changed? How are we doing?

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