Into a new section of trail this morning, where the PCT crosses a big chunk of BLM land, lots of roads, logging sites, etc. The guidebook claims this to be one of the least appealing, least scenic of any on this stretch of PCT through Oregon and Washington. There are loads of roads and not enough water. If you're not through-hiking, the author advises, try hiking a different stretch. Well, from the 30 or so miles we walked today, I have to say I disagree.
While we did pass a great number of roads, and the trail had very few on-trail water sources, the scenery was subtly, nicely, relaxingly appealing. The grasses are tall here in Southern Oregon. The fields bent and billow in the warm breezes. The big recreation lakes, while lingering just out of reach, a tempting sight, distances away, are beautiful, nonetheless, to behold.
We've got miles on the mind more than anything, and the tread has been smooth, so that makes a big difference in terms of how I am experiencing this section. We've determined to get ourselves into Ashland before the PO closes on Saturday at 5:00 if it kills us. The days start early, too early -- the sun has been slow to rise now that Fall is nearing -- and I feel daunted by the prospect of pushing myself for 12+ hours, covering 30+ miles in the heat of the day to come . . .
This evening, we took an unplanned detour down to Hyatt Lake for a late afternoon dip. BLM runs a big campsite along the lake and we enjoyed a cleansing, envigorating dip off their floating dock.
We camped along a dike, a mile and a half past the lake, cooking dinner in the dark. My body hates the evening now, My head wants to shut down, my back slumping over, finished. Feet feel the worst, the swelling and pounding reverberating back from the day's workout.
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