July 15, 2019
Miles: 24
Mile 1848.5 to 1972. + water
On Klamath, Grand Ronde and Molalla Lands
This day of excessive for my current-state mileage is brought to you by Aleve. Packed it for my shoulder, took it for my knees. Couldn’t feel my pain and probably strained some calf muscles. Whoops. Some bodies might be able to break gold medal records 10 months after giving birth, but mine is not one of them.
So for those who need to hear it: be gentle with yourself! You don’t need to do 24 miles on the second day out. If you haven’t backpacked for two years you probably shouldn’t. But I did. Maybe a lack of water sources made me do it? There were two options today: a 20 minute side trail to crystalline Maidu lake about 18 miles into the day, or, a “series of seeps and stagnant pools” at 23+ miles. The real culprit is a deeply ingrained thru hiker aversion for miles that ‘don’t count’ combined with the desire to prove I still can, pushing me past my limits and past a lovely waterside campsite.
The miles were not exactly easy either. Though it’s mid July, there really is enough snow lingering in the shadows of Mt. Theilson to justify microspikes. No dealthy exposures, but certainly some steep slopes that would have otherwise freaked me out in a few places (I am gaining snow confidence, but am still pretty cautious). I join forces with some Northbound thru hikers from camp (Surprise and Bear Bait, Good Cop and Hot Lips), as we gleefully puzzle our way down a completely obscured trail, pausing for snacks at an icy creek. I offer up an unneeded mayo packet, and it is quickly claimed and eaten straight. I definitely do not miss that kind of hiker hunger!
There are of course many great views. I’ve forgotten that Oregon, while rarely spectacular is Really Nice a lot. Our lunch stop is like a ridge-side balcony. Though the Oregon PCT high point, a lonely sign amongst stunted trees, is disappointing.
All the sliding about in slushy melt with extra weight on my feet, is taking its toll. My body holds up longer today, but the late afternoon brings again the burn of pee dripping over raw thigh chafe. Long distance hiking, at least in the first weeks, is really walking until you are done and then continuing on for two, three, five hours more. Fueled by caffeinated goo packets and some energetic music, I power the last miles into camp on the ridge. The water source is everything my trail app promised and more! A sulfur-smelling, floaty covered, mosquito paradise, far down a steep use trail. What appears to be a gorgeous sunset glows deep orange and pink through the tree, but between the millions of mosquitos and my right leg not really bending anymore I’m not getting out to look for a better vantage point.
Curled up in camp, muscles throbbing, I want someone to say, hey Fixie you made those miles no problem. Great work! Wow! So I can correct then and say, no I made it with loads of Aleve, caffeine and music. Also I peed myself on and off for the last 10 miles and my skirt now smells like a toilet. But it’s all worth it, right?
Adventures in Natureculture 