Shelter Cove resort (near Willamette pass) has a strong “vortex”, as it sucked in many hikers for an unplanned zero day. Fortunately, for me it was a planned zero day, awaiting some friends from back home, who are also hiking on the PCT, southbound. This is where our paths would cross!

Day 112: (August 10th)

No hiking today, and not many pictures from today, too busy talking & eating ice cream with these hikers…. 🙂

Bonus Miles, Anchor, and myself. Check out her blog of her sobo thru hike – https://wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.wordpress.com

Day 113: (August 11th)

Day 114: (August 12th)

Day 115: (August 13th)

Day 116: (August 14th)

Later that day, I get a ride into Bend, from a couple of very nice ladies. Its about 40 miles from the trailhead to Bend, and with the traffic in the village of Sisters, we have a couple of hours to chat. As it turned out, the driver, Margaret, used to work for the forest service as a snow ranger! So we got to discuss fun avalanche stuff! Like depth hoar, unstable slabs, and snow crystals.

After she dropped me off at the REI in Bend, I picked up some badly-needed pants (mine were full of holes and too big for my shrinking waist) and socks.

Then, because I have some very lucky timing, I was in town during Bend’s annual brewfest! 70+ craft brewers, including the best pumpkin beer and best IPA I’ve ever had!

Day 117: (August 15th)
I picked up some groceries, and got a ride back to the trail thru a wonderful local network of trail angels, coordinated by Mr. Uber Ducky.

Next week– Cascade Locks & Bridge of the Gods! Washington, I’m-a comin!
-R