Snuffy’s 2013 Pacific Crest Trail Journal July 22, 23, & 24

I crossed some cool lava fields and the weirdest tree. Views of Mt. Adams and St. Helen’s. Made it to Blue Lake by 11:20, very buggy. A group of hikers, 2 dads, 3 young boys and a dog. Made it to rd 24 at the end of Tuesday,19 miles. I was so tired, I called the grocery store in Trout Lake to see about a ride to town but she made it sound like a hassle to come to this particular road.

It was only 5pm, so I decided to take my chances with a hitch. Several cars went past, but all in the wrong direction. I waited an hour, charged my solar charger and ate dinner. No luck so I took it as a sign to keep walking. Plugged in some Third Day and Bon Jovi and made it to Mosquito Lake for a total of 23 miles. Third Day’s album Make Your Move has been running in my head for these first day, particularly the 10th track whose name I can’t remember: “Everywhere you go, I want to go, won’t you take me with you. Everywhere you lead, I want to be by your side. Everyone you love, I want to love just like you love me. Everywhere you go I want to be there, be there with you.”

This [journey] is kind of like my own Survivor. But there’s no laying on the beach and no one is going to vote me out! I’m tired and sore. I remember when I did the Seattle Half Marathon 12 years ago with my mom and sisters and I thought that was a long way to walk. You’ve come a long way, Baby.

I am an extremely light sleeper and I brought ear plugs. But I would like to be someone who can sleep with ambient noise so I am going to try and not use them. 3 nights so far and I don’t think I wake up more than I would with plugs. Being exhausted must help! It’s 3:30 am in the morning and I think I have my first hunger pangs. Thanks for the prayers! I ate corn chips and chocolate for dinner last night, it was all that tasted good. Weird dreams, however. I dreamt about mountain cats and that actor who played the doctor in Thor and Avengers who took my shoes and ruined my phone so I couldn’t get back on trail. Ugggh!

http://www.trailjournals.com/journal/entry/427197

Destination: Trout Lake
Today’s Miles: 10
Start Location: Mosquito Lake
Trip Miles: 82

I slept in today because I only have 10 miles to do, left camp @ 8:30am. Not much scenery today, some views of Mt Adams.

By 1:30 today I had completed 82 miles, which was my goal. Got to Rd 23, there was trail magic by a local Abbey/Buddhist Temple. Ate some BBQ chips and a Caprisun.

The town of Trout Lake is 13 miles west of this road. I started to walk down road to town, several cars passed but going the wrong way. The first 2 vehicles going to town passed me but but the 3rd stopped. Yes, I had my thumb out. An older gentleman, Jerry from Portland, picked me up. We talked about cars and the 1963.5 Ford Falcon, his favorite, and the history of Ford and World Rally. He dropped me off at the Trout Lake Grocery and I got a room there. Best $25 for a shower and laundry I’ve ever spent. Ate at the Station cafe, burger with salad and 2 helpings of fries with Tabasco.

First post: Snuffy’s 2013 Pacific Crest Trail Journal July 20 &21. Next post: Snuffy’s 2013 Pacific Crest Trail Journal July 25, 26, 27 & 28.  Look to next Thursday for more of my journey on the Pacific Crest Trail!

For more information about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, visit here.