The end of Oregon was just, if not more beautiful than the rest of the state. Heading North out of Timberline Lodge was breathtaking. The PCT Winds around the West side of Mt. Hood as hikers make their way up north to the Washington state border. We arose the morning after leaving the lodge and did a lot of dawdling throughout the morning hours. Every turn of the trail seemed to unfold more captivating views. The way the sun drenched the mountain side and cast long, deep shadows on the rocky crevasses, reminded Phil of a computer generated fantasy land. Only it was real!
The hours flew by and before we knew it, the noon hour was upon us. We came to a body of water called, “Sandy Creek” which was more like a roaring ravine than a creek. Our team paced up and down the silt-induced milky torrent. No good logs, not even a good rock to get a running start over – at least no good jump for someone 5 feet tall. We stabbed out trekked poles into the water to check the depth. in places, the pole and half our forearms would be submerged before we hit bottom. After a half hour of searching we saw a former acquaintance named Banjo as he flew with great speed and agility over the water and landed soundly on a seemingly slippery rock, perched on the other side. Needless to say Banjo is a skater kid, used to freaky jumps and daring endeavors. I was totally jealous of his long legs.
Now, I must say the trail has tested my limits in many ways. I’ve learned to just get over it. To set my fears or self limiting aside and embrace the freaky thing at hand. After all, God didn’t give me a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. There’s an innate thrill in stepping out on the ledge or even just plunging into the day. Plunge we did. The water was deep and fast but I looked up to see Phil’s face on the other side, reaching his trekking pole out for me to grab on to. All three of us made it alive.
Over the next two days we trekked past some outstanding waterfalls. Both were alternates off the official PCT. First, we went past Ramona Falls: A sheer rock face with an array of different textures and jutting rock surfaces. As the water fell over the cliff it formed soft, billowing water streams contrasting with heavily falling water. The three of us as well as Banjo and Buck Thirty sat entranced for a full hour while we ate our lunch.
Next up we hit tunnel falls. Here you got to actually walk behind the waterfall. It was beautiful and so cool. 7 miles to Cascade Locks – the last town in Oregon. Tons of tourists crowded the scene approaching the waterfall. Amongst the nameless faces we passed, one familiar on appeared. It was Luna! She was hiking a small section with her friends. I was worried I’d never see her again and was super psyched to meet up with her once more. The boys and I told her that she should come join our group and hike with us a bit. Luna smiled shyly and let us know that she would consider it.
The next few miles flew and before we knew it we were in Cascade Locks. It was so strange. When we started the end seemed so far away. 2,660 miles seemed an insurmountable hurtle to overcome. Yet, here we were with only 500 some odd miles left. Now, the beginning was hard to bring to mind; It seemed so long ago. In cascade locks we took a full zero day and enjoyed catching up with friends and eating lots of junk food from the local greasy spoon. Huckleberry milkshakes made the time spent there complete.
After our rest day we began the trek across “The Bridge of the Gods,” which divides Oregon and Washington via the Columbia River gorge. The sun was shining and the air was crisp and cool, hinting that the last glorious days of summer were at hand. As we stepped out into the widely grated bridge, we looked down to see Sugar, Chop Chop and the Prospector as they were walking into town. From high above them, we chatted and teased and bayed them to hurry up so they could hike with us once more. Phil, Juneau and I, full of smiles and laughter then turned and made our way over the bridge with a river rushing below and traffic at out fronts, down to the other side – the Washington side. Our final state.
From Mexico To Canada With Love 