Destination: Best Western, Ashland, OR.
Miles: 16
Adrian: Got some great trail magic today in the form of three coolers with soda, water and beer. It's truly amazing what hiking will do for the taste of Natural Ice beer. I had two by 9 a.m. :)
I should backtrack and mention that we were camped with Beauty and Gorgeous (b and g from here on out), and Pothead. We were pleasantly surprised to see Moonpie and Uncle Lorenzo show up at about 7 a.m. I enjoy hiking with both of these fine friends and hope we can stick together for a while.
Kirsten and I were hiking swiftly along with our music players on and we totally missed a crucial spring before a long waterless section. I found our mistake on the map only when we were a half-mile passed the spring. Bummed, we took our packs off and quickly hiked back to the spring with our water bottles. Turns out the spring was gushing loudly just a few feet off the trail, though we were totally oblivious of that due to our music players. Thank God I found our error soon enough!
Moonpie had some friends meeting her at Callahan's and she took off for the road to Ashland. A few minutes later while we were all getting water near the Ashland Inn and playing with the resident Golden Retriever, Powder, I decided to take off after Moonpie who I know was trucking to catch her friends. Little did I know that Beautiful also decided to take off soon after me, so us three did some fast miles trying to catch one another. So much fun!
Kirsten: Meanwhile, Gorgeous and I chatted as we hiked along about where we should take our next trip. We discussed various hiking and kayaking trips, of course.
We arrived at the road about 15 minutes behind the leaders. B, G and Miss P. were not going to go into Ashland for resupply. So we said our goodbyes and almost immediately got a ride from two girls and a guy, who all work at Callahan's, a well-known restaurant and lodge.
Our hitch was amazing and as we drove through Ashland they stopped to point out the good grocery stores, coffee shops and eateries. As they dropped us off the two girls gave me their cell numbers just in case I had any questions.
The town itself is picturesque with its cafes, boutiques and theatres all tucked below rolling, forested hills. We decided to skip the hostel and get our own room at the Best Western next door. We ate a late lunch, picked up our box at the Post Office and bought some new shoes, a purchase I've been looking forward to for weeks.
Later we decided to eat dinner at the Indian restaurant in town. We were finishing our meal when the owner, Deep, a younger man from Indian, came over started chatting with us. Before I knew it he was handing me a colorful sari, which belongs to his mother. He insisted I take the sari, saying his mother, who lives in India, no longer wears these bright and flashy saris. Unbelievable. I get to Oregon and someone gives me a sari.
I should mention that our friend Stephen, who joined us for three days out of South Lake Tahoe, is a dad now. His wife, Saskia, had Conrad today. Go Saskia!
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
August 11, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail
Destination: South Fork Little Butte River
Miles: 26
Adrian: We got out of camp around 6:50 a.m. and made slow time all morning for some reason. I bought new Nikes in Ashland and am still breaking them in, so my feet are a bit tender. Things should be worked out soon.
We enter Rogue River National Forest, which features vast pine plantations. Section B gets sour reviews, but if you big forests mixed in with a small bit of logging, it's fine. Water is scarce here and we have to leave trail to get it most times. I'll have to increase my water capacity for after Crater Lake there are 25 miles segments without water.
While walking today I got stung by something fierce on my right calf, near the bottom. It hit and then kept stinging until I was able to swipe it away. It hurt. It hurt so much I had to look at it to make sure it wasn't a snakebite. So it continued to hurt all day and then it mellowed out at night.
Today we hiked through the Sky Lakes Wilderness, staying high above the numerous lakes below. A light breeze blew into the thick pine forest. Spanish moss look-alike hung from the tree branches and bright green lichen clung to the trunk.
Kirsten: Wow, Adrian let me know when you've traded in your skirt and are ready hike with the rest of us. Actually I hike in a skirt so I just ripped on myself. Although I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have cried like a baby after getting stung. His ankle does look a little nasty though.
We met a couple today from Switzerland, Mamma Mia and Philip. There are a number of overseas hikers on the trail. The Swiss couple, Lorenzo, a couple from Belgium called the Belgian Waffles, Germinator from Germany and a number of others. Mamma Mia was so positive about her time here. She said a number of people, all strangers, had taken them in along the trail. It's comforting to know these overseas travelers will leave the United States with a good impression. Our country certainly some positive PR these days.
Miles: 26
Adrian: We got out of camp around 6:50 a.m. and made slow time all morning for some reason. I bought new Nikes in Ashland and am still breaking them in, so my feet are a bit tender. Things should be worked out soon.
We enter Rogue River National Forest, which features vast pine plantations. Section B gets sour reviews, but if you big forests mixed in with a small bit of logging, it's fine. Water is scarce here and we have to leave trail to get it most times. I'll have to increase my water capacity for after Crater Lake there are 25 miles segments without water.
While walking today I got stung by something fierce on my right calf, near the bottom. It hit and then kept stinging until I was able to swipe it away. It hurt. It hurt so much I had to look at it to make sure it wasn't a snakebite. So it continued to hurt all day and then it mellowed out at night.
Today we hiked through the Sky Lakes Wilderness, staying high above the numerous lakes below. A light breeze blew into the thick pine forest. Spanish moss look-alike hung from the tree branches and bright green lichen clung to the trunk.
Kirsten: Wow, Adrian let me know when you've traded in your skirt and are ready hike with the rest of us. Actually I hike in a skirt so I just ripped on myself. Although I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have cried like a baby after getting stung. His ankle does look a little nasty though.
We met a couple today from Switzerland, Mamma Mia and Philip. There are a number of overseas hikers on the trail. The Swiss couple, Lorenzo, a couple from Belgium called the Belgian Waffles, Germinator from Germany and a number of others. Mamma Mia was so positive about her time here. She said a number of people, all strangers, had taken them in along the trail. It's comforting to know these overseas travelers will leave the United States with a good impression. Our country certainly some positive PR these days.
August 10, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail
Destination: Just past a spring fed faucet
Miles: 22
Adrian: We got a late start out of Bob's place after dropping off Rooster at the hostel.
The trail wound up past Pilot Rock near Mt. Ashland, a ski area and into rolling Douglas fir trees.
We camped with Clearwater and Lorenzo next to a gravel road and slept well. We didn't get the 25 miles in we wanted, but we hope to make it up tomorrow with some bigger miles. We have no real schedule to keep and we have a little extra food, so we might ease up on the 25-mile days we planned on to make it to Crater Lake National Park.
I promise to bring back the mini-series soon. It has been hard finding the time to write during the day.
I weighed myself last night a came in at 165, about 15 pounds off my starting weight of 180. Not bad but I hope to lose a bit more before its over.
Walk good...
Kirsten: Getting started today was easier than I expected. I didn't have the typical town hangover and was excited to get on the trail.
Tonight we are camped with Lorenzo and Clearwater. Moonpie should be maybe two miles behind us. I expect she'll pass us tomorrow since she has to get to crater Lake by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Hiking with Lorenzo has been entertaining. He is always singing to himself and shouting exclamations like "I ah like ah too much" or "Bellisimo!" Sometimes his accent throws me off a bit. His English has improved significantly. Oftentimes I speak a Spanglish type dialect since he is fluent in Spanish as well as French.
Miles: 22
Adrian: We got a late start out of Bob's place after dropping off Rooster at the hostel.
The trail wound up past Pilot Rock near Mt. Ashland, a ski area and into rolling Douglas fir trees.
We camped with Clearwater and Lorenzo next to a gravel road and slept well. We didn't get the 25 miles in we wanted, but we hope to make it up tomorrow with some bigger miles. We have no real schedule to keep and we have a little extra food, so we might ease up on the 25-mile days we planned on to make it to Crater Lake National Park.
I promise to bring back the mini-series soon. It has been hard finding the time to write during the day.
I weighed myself last night a came in at 165, about 15 pounds off my starting weight of 180. Not bad but I hope to lose a bit more before its over.
Walk good...
Kirsten: Getting started today was easier than I expected. I didn't have the typical town hangover and was excited to get on the trail.
Tonight we are camped with Lorenzo and Clearwater. Moonpie should be maybe two miles behind us. I expect she'll pass us tomorrow since she has to get to crater Lake by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Hiking with Lorenzo has been entertaining. He is always singing to himself and shouting exclamations like "I ah like ah too much" or "Bellisimo!" Sometimes his accent throws me off a bit. His English has improved significantly. Oftentimes I speak a Spanglish type dialect since he is fluent in Spanish as well as French.
August 9, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail
Destination: Bob's
Miles: 0
Adrian: A double zero! Boom! It will take eight 25-mile days to make up this time off. Guess what? Who cares, not I. This was worth it.
Yesterday, after a nice evening watching the opening ceremonies from China we slept well. In the morning we cooked blueberry pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, orange juice, and French bread.
We went into town for various reasons and spent about 3 hours there. After coming home I helped Bob fix some irrigation pipe in the pasture.
The gentleman who was with Bob, named Bob, visited this evening with his wife, Linda, and brought some home made lasagna. A great evening with great people. We rounded it out with some Olympics, watching Phelps capture a gold in the 400m medley.
Ashford is a great town. One of the best on the trail.
Kirsten: Last night as we sipped wine and stuffed our faces as politely as possible, Bob threw out an idea and then watched it bounce around our heads. "So, you know we have some hammocks here. Maybe you all should consider resting here another. You're more than welcome to stay."
And there it was sitting out in the open. No one said anything and dinner along with chit chat conversation resumed. Of course everyone thought about it and by morning most decisions were made. I needed another day of rest. I wasn't sure if Adrian felt the same way. So I waited. And waited. Our backpacks were sitting ready to go by the door. As our leisurely breakfast continued and I didn't notice any anxious fidgeting I knew we would stay after all.
Bob has been an amazing host. He should probably be sainted for his patience and generosity. I mean he invited five stinky hikers into his home. These are folks who typically eat on the ground, lick their cook pots clean and dig catholes to go to the bathroom. Bob, I don't know what was going through your head when you welcomed us into home. Whatever it was, thank you.
Miles: 0
Adrian: A double zero! Boom! It will take eight 25-mile days to make up this time off. Guess what? Who cares, not I. This was worth it.
Yesterday, after a nice evening watching the opening ceremonies from China we slept well. In the morning we cooked blueberry pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, orange juice, and French bread.
We went into town for various reasons and spent about 3 hours there. After coming home I helped Bob fix some irrigation pipe in the pasture.
The gentleman who was with Bob, named Bob, visited this evening with his wife, Linda, and brought some home made lasagna. A great evening with great people. We rounded it out with some Olympics, watching Phelps capture a gold in the 400m medley.
Ashford is a great town. One of the best on the trail.
Kirsten: Last night as we sipped wine and stuffed our faces as politely as possible, Bob threw out an idea and then watched it bounce around our heads. "So, you know we have some hammocks here. Maybe you all should consider resting here another. You're more than welcome to stay."
And there it was sitting out in the open. No one said anything and dinner along with chit chat conversation resumed. Of course everyone thought about it and by morning most decisions were made. I needed another day of rest. I wasn't sure if Adrian felt the same way. So I waited. And waited. Our backpacks were sitting ready to go by the door. As our leisurely breakfast continued and I didn't notice any anxious fidgeting I knew we would stay after all.
Bob has been an amazing host. He should probably be sainted for his patience and generosity. I mean he invited five stinky hikers into his home. These are folks who typically eat on the ground, lick their cook pots clean and dig catholes to go to the bathroom. Bob, I don't know what was going through your head when you welcomed us into home. Whatever it was, thank you.
August 8, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail
Destination: Bob's House
Miles: 0
Adrian: One of my best friends and his wife brought a baby boy into this world yesterday. Steve and Saskia welcomed Conrad into the family yesterday. I'm so happy and proud of all three. God bless! I can't wait to see the youngster.
Thanks Tanya, Bostjan, and Mike for signing the guestbook. These three great people remind me of my home and heritage. Delafield, Kamnik, Slovenia, and Menomonee Falls...all great places with great people.
Sometimes you meet special people and special things happen. Bob has a wonderful home and made us feel quite welcome. His organic cattle pasture, pond and landscaping has made for a very comfortable stay. With Bob's persuasion, we are taking a zero here and staying for two nights. Thanks Bob!
Bob lent us his truck to resupply for Oregon. We are shipping four boxes to various points north because there simply are no towns close enough to the trail to resupply at. It was quite a job to buy so much food, box it up, and ship it out. Some shipment locations are only serviced by UPS and others by USPS. Yes, a logistical headache, but necessary.
Bob treated us to a wonderful dinner and opened a bottle of 1996 Paulliac that perfectly complimented the New York strip and shrimp.
Life is good right now...
Kirsten: Um, I'm not really sure what Adrian's implying. Special people? Special things happen? I'm picturing soft light and Hummel statues.
We have met some amazing PCTers and other folks including Bob Baumann. We met Bob at the Etna Brewery. He had just finished a hike with his friend, also named Bob. As dirty, smelly hikers we didn't exactly blend in. The two Bobs started asking us questions about our hike and before we knew it an invitation had been extended to stay at Bob No.1's house in Ashland. He handed us his business card and we went our separate ways. Enough trail magic has happened to us that we took his offer seriously. I no longer worry "Did he really mean it?" A common and cynical reaction many of us suffer from back in the real world.
When we arrived in Ashland I gave Bob a call and left a message. Within a couple hours Bob had returned our call and offered up his house and car. This morning Adrian, Moonpie and I shopped for our Oregon resupplies, about 470 miles of food, which we will ship ahead to various lodges and towns.
After we shopped and shipped, Adrian, Moonpie, Rooster, Clearwater and I went to Bob's, where we spoiled with wine, dinner, real beds and laundry. Nothing short of a miracle.
Miles: 0
Adrian: One of my best friends and his wife brought a baby boy into this world yesterday. Steve and Saskia welcomed Conrad into the family yesterday. I'm so happy and proud of all three. God bless! I can't wait to see the youngster.
Thanks Tanya, Bostjan, and Mike for signing the guestbook. These three great people remind me of my home and heritage. Delafield, Kamnik, Slovenia, and Menomonee Falls...all great places with great people.
Sometimes you meet special people and special things happen. Bob has a wonderful home and made us feel quite welcome. His organic cattle pasture, pond and landscaping has made for a very comfortable stay. With Bob's persuasion, we are taking a zero here and staying for two nights. Thanks Bob!
Bob lent us his truck to resupply for Oregon. We are shipping four boxes to various points north because there simply are no towns close enough to the trail to resupply at. It was quite a job to buy so much food, box it up, and ship it out. Some shipment locations are only serviced by UPS and others by USPS. Yes, a logistical headache, but necessary.
Bob treated us to a wonderful dinner and opened a bottle of 1996 Paulliac that perfectly complimented the New York strip and shrimp.
Life is good right now...
Kirsten: Um, I'm not really sure what Adrian's implying. Special people? Special things happen? I'm picturing soft light and Hummel statues.
We have met some amazing PCTers and other folks including Bob Baumann. We met Bob at the Etna Brewery. He had just finished a hike with his friend, also named Bob. As dirty, smelly hikers we didn't exactly blend in. The two Bobs started asking us questions about our hike and before we knew it an invitation had been extended to stay at Bob No.1's house in Ashland. He handed us his business card and we went our separate ways. Enough trail magic has happened to us that we took his offer seriously. I no longer worry "Did he really mean it?" A common and cynical reaction many of us suffer from back in the real world.
When we arrived in Ashland I gave Bob a call and left a message. Within a couple hours Bob had returned our call and offered up his house and car. This morning Adrian, Moonpie and I shopped for our Oregon resupplies, about 470 miles of food, which we will ship ahead to various lodges and towns.
After we shopped and shipped, Adrian, Moonpie, Rooster, Clearwater and I went to Bob's, where we spoiled with wine, dinner, real beds and laundry. Nothing short of a miracle.
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