August 18, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail

Destination: North Rosary Lake
Miles: 9

Adrian: Last night the rain fell hard only a few times for a short period. Wrangler, Lorenzo, Clearwater, Don't Panic, and us were camped on a small spit of land on an unnamed lake. The mosquitoes never let up. These guys are more aggressive and faster than their Sierra counterparts.

We had a short hike to Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake, a spring fed, glacial lake. Our boxes were there as planned and we are doing a three-night trip to Sisters from here, a 92-mile jaunt. We'd like to get there by Thursday night if possible, but Friday morning would work too.


At around 5 p.m., Gorgeous found us a ride back to the trail. Gorgeous and Beautiful had rented a cabin at the resort and not only let us use their shower, but they also made breakfast for us. Thanks you two!

We hiked in rain and then hail for a few miles before calling it quits at a nice campsite between middle and north Rosary lakes. A big campfire kept us warm and dried us off before going to bed.

Kirsten: I concluded days ago we weren't going to see Beautiful and Gorgeous anytime soon. I was happily shocked to see Gorgeous walk into the store at Shelter Cove. She had heard from Johnny Cache and Raifiki (Chris) we were most likely coming in today. Within 15 minutes of our arrival, we were all sitting comfortably in their little cabin watching Gorgeous make French toast.

Today was relaxing and felt a zero. I prefer these stops - the ones at lodges and resorts - to towns because everything is consolidated and there isn't much to do. I was able to sort through my food box, enjoy a couple of lattes, wash our clothes and make a few phone calls all within a few hours.

We met some new PCTers today including Professor Party Tent, Hatchet and Steamroller. All of us sat under the covered porch of the store as the rain started once again. During a brief break in the story weather we hit the trail with B, G, Wrangler and Don't Panic.

About 10 minutes later the rain worsened and turned into hail. It was exhilarating and, I don't know, sort of freeing to hike through weather like that. I found myself humming along as I made my way through the forest of mountain hemlocks. I may have even danced to Singin' in the Rain.