Hello – Bucket here. On Day 125 Sage and I got a ride from a trail angel around the current last fire closure on the PCT. We resumed our hike at PCT mile 2074. For the next 3 days we hiked in cold, windy, rainy weather with nothing but foggy skies to view. So we had no good long-distance views through this section of trail.
On Day 126 we did get to eat the famous brunch at the Timberline Lodge! The Lodge itself was amazing as well – like a museum within a lodge.
Day 127 was probably our most wet and cold day so far. Besides the weather, there was also a lot of trees blown down onto the trail to crawl under, climb over, etc.
The day ended on a positive note by getting onto the Eagle Creek Trail, which is an alternate trail which most PCT hikers take. Most of the trail is up on a cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. The highlight is a section of the trail where you hike through a tunnel behind a waterfall! This trail was once one of the most beautiful trails in the country. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed much of the trails’ forests in 2017 (apparently from someone letting off fireworks in the wilderness). So it’s kind of a “shell” of its former beauty. A real shame…
Yesterday we hiked into Cascade Locks, OR – located on the Columbia River which is the border between Oregon and Washington! Joy got us a motel room here. We are having a zero day here today. This morning we had the special treat of meeting with fellow (former) Harrison resident Thailyr (Scrivner) Jaegersen for breakfast! Thailyr and her husband now live in Beaverton, OR and offered to meet up with us, which was very cool! Thanks again, Thailyr, for making the drive to Cascade Locks and meeting with us. It was great to catch up!
Tomorrow morning Sage and I will hike across the Bridge of the Gods, across the Columbia River, and into the state of Washington! We will have 500 miles remaining to reach the Canadian border on the PCT.
I have downloaded all of our latest photos also. Thank you for following our journey! We really enjoy reading your comments.
You’ve got this now!! Really enjoying the pictures. Will make a great album of memories. We will have to have a viewing party when you return. Hoping for good weather as you finalize your journey!
Thanks Mary Beth, for your comments. Yes – weather is our biggest concern at this point. The days are also getting shorter so more difficult to get as many miles in per day. But we’ll keep pushing north and take it one day at a time!
Fantastic! Really enjoy following along. Mike says you’ll need to come in and do a lunch and learn on your trip when you’re done; and if this drives you out of retirement and you want to come back, I’m sure I can pull some strings. 😉 Take care and be safe.
Hello Brian,, this is Joy. You crack me up! I believe Ron will go for the Lunch and Learn…. not sure about the other, LOL. Hope to see the StreamKey family in the near future!!
Hi Brian- Bucket here. Thank you for your comments. I’d love to visit StreamKey to see everyone sometime in the future. As far as returning to work, I think Joy has about 30 years worth of projects lined up for me! Thanks again.
Ron and Kendra,
What an epic adventure, I have followed you a bit online and cannot fathom how dedicated to your goal you both are to achieve this through fire, heat, and foul weather and poor conditions for sleeping and eating. With that said I have seen most of the areas you are passing through albeit through a car window and the beauty is worth the effort.
And what a great bonding experience for a father daughter team, one that will never be forgotten and will no doubt change both of you. Ron you have always been driven and focused no matter what the challenge I respect that about you. Well you two enjoy those last few miles and I look forward to the after party celebrating your success. Friends always
Dennis Nixon
Hi Dennis – Bucket here. Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate that you have been following our journey. Each day certainly brings a new set of challenges. But we’re taking it one day at a time and keep pushing north. Thanks again for your comments.
Ron and Kendra, been following your journey. You are moving right along. Loved the pictures. That one trail that was kind of high and thin was scary to me. Don’t know how you two do it. You always have a smile on your face. Wishing you a safe next 500 miles.
Lindy and Steve – Bucket here. Thank you for following our hike and for all your support! We are trying not to think about how many miles are remaining. We just take it one day at a time and really plan around our next resupply point. If we can maintain this thought process, hopefully the miles will peel away and we’ll make it to Canada!
Ron – I still can’t fathom you and Kendra on the trail again. Well – maybe Kendra but not a fellow old guy! Have you gone mad since retiring?? Coincidentally, my photos from our week together on the AT popped up recently. It brought back many happy memories until i scrolled to the closeup of my toes post hike. We are very proud of you both for your persistence and dedication to your goal. I’ve told numerous friends about a coworker who will eventually hike both of these national trails. Inevitably, they ask if i fully vetted you before i hired you. One step at a time and you will reach the end. Can’t wait to hear the stories when we see you again. Safe travels to you both.
Hi Mike! Bucket here. This PCT hike was primarily Kendra’s (Sage’s) idea. I didn’t want her going alone, so thought I would tag along! No – it’s been a great adventure with us having no idea what we are going to face each day since this is all new to both of us. But we’ve made it over 2200 miles so far – one day at a time. Thanks again for following our trek and commenting!
Hi Mike! Bucket here. This PCT hike was primarily Kendra’s (Sage’s) idea. I didn’t want her going alone, so thought I would tag along! No – it’s been a great adventure with us having no idea what we are going to face each day since this is all new to both of us. But we’ve made it over 2200 miles so far – one day at a time. Thanks again for following our trek and commenting!