Nearly done with Oregon

Snow, Snow, and more Snow. I am sorry there are no photos. I can't figure out how to load them on my iPad. The last post we had to restart at Fish lake. Since then, adventures have abounded. We got the GPS fixed up an headed into Sky Lakes wilderness. Once higher, we hit snow and then more snow and then... Yes, a solid base of the white stuff. We were slowed down by it, except when we glissaded downwards. The problems began when we got to Devil's Peak. Here we would have to hike on a cornice of snow over a 300 foot drop. So we bushwhacked over a mountain and then out lower trails and jeep roads, finally getting to cell range and calling what became known as Kim's Rescue Service (Main street Tours in Medford| photos and links to come). there's more here but details later... We stayed at a very nice cabin one night and then headed for North Crater Lake. The park did not let people through unless they had snowshoes or skis. So we hiked to Diamond Lake, then into the Mt Thielsen Wilderness, taking lower routes, then to Odell Lake and Shelter Cove, staying lower and skirting the Waldo Lake Wilderness. From there we entered the 3 Sisters Wilderness. beautiful, clear lakes. And then hail and rain. Got salvation at Elk Lake Resort and Boneyard IPA on tap. Then back to 3 Sisters. We had a wild next four days that included six inches of fresh snow and majestic scenery. We then got out and were driven to Sisters, Oregon by two very cool people -- Joel and Claudia (more later). Now we are being assisted by a wonderful trail angel, Lloyd Gust. We head out for more trail today further north. We are hard pressed for time so this is a fast summation of a long voyage -- again, more later. Happy trails.

on the trail again! sort of

Jay, Kevin, Utah and I are in Oregon.  We arrived at the Summit Trailhead parking lot on the Hwy 140.  We got off on an early, rainy, start.  We walked in the rain as it turned to sleet and snow.  Gotta love that PCT feeling.  On day two our first discovery was that Jay had no warm hat.  Camping in 27 degrees this is something of a crisis.  Thus was born Jays new trail name Captain Underpants, Embarrassing photos coming soon.  Then we got to snow covered trail , normal for us, I turn on my GPS and guess what.  No topos, no halfmile tracks, and no waypoints.  We had a flashing dot and a blank screen, no trail, wet boots and a limping dog, auspicious start indeed.   Around lunch time on day 2 when 4 hours had gotten us 2 miles up the trail, we panicked and turned around to go back to Medford and regroup.  We are re starting this morning on a clear sunny day, GPS functioning, fully outfitted for winter conditions we will be back on the snowy PCT in a couple of hours.  We are due at Mazama Village at crater Lake about a wek from now.  Until then... Happy Trails.

We are packing the car getting ready to leave on our attempt to finish the trail this summer.  Mamamoab, Buck Mulligan and the mighty Jayhawk along with the amazing packing service Dog UTAH are climbing into a loaded car for a 4 day drive to Oregon.  Where we will be shuttled to Fish Lake on Highway 140 to head North to Canada.  We will be getting super support from two of our best family friends in hometown Athens OH.  Our Friends the Fahl- Matlacks will be driving our car from Medford to Manning park.  Our friends the Wilsons are meeting us at Cascade Locks for a couple of Zeros.  We hope to be at the PCT Northern Monument By August 8th.  I will upload pictures and stories whenever possible.

Happy Trails!