An Oregon adventure

After a smoky 2 day drive we arrived at Kathys condo

on the Dechutes river in Bend Oregon. We were all ready 

to stretch our legs and walk along the river.

 Dinner was a joint affair with a walk into town to follow.

Bend is a great place for families

and we came upon this fun version of soccer,

 We checked out a venue for our post hike soak.

Hotel, pub, theater and...soaking pool.

 Next day a training hike to Tomolo Falls

And lunch at Green Valley 

 We had lots of conversation about

 the possibility of smoke and heat

With interludes of music from

Kathy and Randy 

The beer making kit arrived just in time 

 The Monday found us eating an early breakfast

at Camp Sherman,

waiting for the sandwich shop to open

before heading 30+ miles down

a gravel road to the trail head.

 And off we go...a little hot and smoky

with Mount Jefferson in the distance.

 The smoke had subsided

 as we set up camp at Carl Lake.

 Janet and Kathy enjoyed a swim

 While Sue just paddled

Kathy showed off her agility

by hopping into her pants. 

 Janet successfully made her first

batch of beer.

While Kathy mastered her 2 legged chair 

 We enjoyed time by the lake

then it was time for bed

I went back to talk to a toad

that I had befriended and was treated

to a lovely sun set. 

 Our bear bags were hung with care 

 Deer nibbled on the grass behind us

The next day we connected with the PCT trail

The Pacific Crest Trail  goes from

Mexico to Canada. Whenever we connect with this trail
we enjoy chatting with people from other countries. 

Finding the trail sometimes takes other input.

The smoke came and went

 but we seemed above it on the PCT

 We crossed patches of snow

and lots of wild flowers

And a few old burned out areas 

Occasional cel service allowed us to

call Treva to have her report a whistle

we heard. Its always good to report some concern

even though no one was reported missing. 

 Across a cinder cone

with Mt. Jefferson getting nearer

The trail sometimes steep and rocky

 and blocked by downed trees 

 Our 2nd night by the beautiful Shale Lake

This year we managed to arrive in camp

by 2pm so we had time to swim and explore

I actually got all the way in this time. 

 Our tents in the foreground,

Mt Jefferson in the background

and a deer in camp 

Janet and I explore, Coyote Lake

 After the bear bags are hung for the night

 I sit and contemplate the mosquitoes

 buzzing at my head net.

And enjoy the sunset and deer

 Randy was our alarm clock every morning

 And we were treated to a great reflection shot.

And we are on the trail again 

 And on to our last site at Lake Pamelia.

and a hike up to a wonderful water area.

Now we were on the wet side 

and water was falling everywhere. 

 Pumping the wonderful water for drinking

 That night the wild geese flew in to roost for the night.

I sat and watched an osprey dive and catch a fish.

 Randy took to throwing rocks instead 

of teasing Mary.

 The view from inside my tent.

 The next morning we get ready to hike out.

 Along a beautiful creek

and back to the car 

 Back at Camp Sherman Janet, Mary and I hike

to the head of the Metolious

while Randy and Kathy go back down the gravel road 

to get the car from the start of the trail.

 We ended with a car wash for both cars

The evening ended with a walk into town,

soak in the pool at Mc Menamins, ( pictures to follow,) 

and a nice dinner

The next day we went a few miles

 up the Deshutes with the dogs

before saying goodbye to Kathy

and heading towards home.

Crater lake is on trevas bucket list

so we decided to go even though the smoke was bad.

Couldnt see much. I felt sorry for the PCT hikers...

the trail goes through here and we saw some struggling through.  

 Wizzard Island and the lake down there.

The lodge at Crater lake 

Saying goodbye to Janet, Treva and Sadie

and a smoky ride home for Randy, Mary and I. 

 A smoky Shasta in the background. 

At the hotel in Redding we met 

may firefighters from all over

and "Thank You" signs were all around. 

An eerie sunset over Castle Crags. and Lake Shasta.

Some more pictures taken by Janet.

 This is how I pump water alone,

 I hold the water bottle between my legs.

Its easier with friends.

 On our way to the hot pool. 

Randy carried our towel basket.

 Janet tied her hair back with a doggy poop bag !!!

A good dinner after