8/22/20; mile: 1,902; elevation: 6,050 ft.
Ya know, it’s kinda strange. I’m a social person at heart, or maybe by default. I can really enjoy group situations, become part of the party….but am I really? Is this just a crutch I have, be the fun-loving guy that keeps the party going? Only to be the weird guy that bugs out and wants nothing to do with any social interaction at some obscure time stamp? I’m by definition at the halfway point of my physical life on this blue marble. Is my age part of my weirdness?
So the kindness I received from Aussie and Nectar last night was overwhelming. With all of their driving/planning/running/get-the-fuck-thru-Oregon energy, those two were kind enough to come to my tent to offer food. I was blowing bubbles (and still dirty as fuck), but blown away. Here are true thru hikers offering goods to other hikers. Wow.
Welp, time to move on. Canada won’t be coming to me. The start of the day is cool as there are clouds around the ridge, but they soon start to melt and blow away. Thanks to the water cache at Windigo Pass, the hike along this dry ridge is made easier for us. And you’d think being on a ridge that there would be great views. Nope. The Oregon green tunnel prevents most of that. At least for now.
My friend Mark contacts me to let me know Mia and him will be at the Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake tomorrow! They sure are burning up the fuel driving all over CA and OR providing trail magic. I was gonna stop there anyway as I have a supply box waiting for me (fingers crossed). After the trail drops off of the ridge, it goes along the west shore of Summit Lake. There’s a dirt road allowing vehicle access, so the area is kinda busy. I find a spot to disrobe (mostly) and rinse the dust and crust off of me and my clothes. While they dry, it’s also a good time to eat some food…but the chipmunks here are relentless.
After leaving Summit Lake, the trail enters the Diamond Peak Wilderness. Now we’re getting some views! It feels like we’re in the mountains again. The trail is on the shoulder of the peak and ridges; bare rock above me, the forest below. But it doesn’t last. A couple of miles later, I’m back in the trees again, but now looking for a camp spot. The nice thing about OR, finding a tent site is about as easy as it gets.
So, I get to sit on a log to eat my dinner (breakfast burrito actually), thanks to the Mountain House package gifted to me from my neighbors back at home. Thank you Theresa and Bev! As I’m eating, Rongway and Red Meat pass me by. The only thru hikers I’ve seen today. I’m sure that will change tomorrow. Shelter Cove Resort is a popular resupply point.
Savior out.