August 22: Honeymoon Creek - Crater Rim Village, 24 mi

Red Stick, you're hired!
    Thank you for our wonderful box of goodies!  Unsurprisingly, you really know what a hiker craves.  Peanut butter, gatorade, cliff bars...  Neither Jack-y-Bean or I had ever seen a jar of nutella that BIG before (and it was devoured within 3 days)!  What you sent us was perfect.
     We began our day at Honeymoon Creek.   It was 19 miles into Mazama Village from here, with one bad water source, so we loaded up for the trip.   Recently, the temperature has dropped, which has definitely helped for some of these poor water sections of Oregon, but may also be a sign of an early winter.
     The day was quick!  We made it into the Mazama Store before 2 o'clock, and feasted!   Your box got a lot of attention, and I'm happy to say that we were so well stocked that your package also fed a few others.
     We finished up our day with 5 more miles to the Crater Rim Village where we could peer across the lake's surface.  Have you been here?  The sight was breathtaking.  Not only it is gorgeous, but it drops off so suddenly, if you didn't know it was there you might miss it from less than half a mile back.  It's no wonder one of it's discoverer's Hillman, almost went over the edge when he first happened upon the beauty.
    We crept up on the rim, and snapped some shots as the sun was going down.  Then we ran to the gift shop for a last minute bathroom stop before they closed, and grilled the concession stand staff on the history of the Lake.  Some interesting facts:  There is a helicopter at the bottom of the lake because the pilot couldn't tell in the reflection if he was flying up or down.  And the lake has enough fresh water in it to give every person in the world one gallon per day for 10 years.  Wow.  The things you learn over pop and chips.
     Tonight we're going to camp by the lake so we can see the sunrise tomorrow.  Someone just asked me yesterday too what my favorite part of the trail was.  I said the Sierras.  If they asked me today I'd say this lake.  Love it.
     Thank you and Tatyana again for thinking about us out here.  I hope that the two of you and your newborn babe are in excellent health and are happy.
     Lots o Love,
     Dipper

August 18: Ashland, OR

Alec!

     How’s your summer going man!? Things are going well on the trail. Today Karrie and I spent the day in Ashland, Oregon. We stayed in the Ashland Hostel last night and I was stoked to use their kitchen this morning to make omelets! This is the first time I’ve been able to make an omelet since May, so I bought a load of veggies from the local co-op and cooked up omelets for Karrie, me, and a bunch of friends. I also found a tub of cookie dough in the “share” section of the refrigerator and destroyed it for breakfast dessert. Wish you were here to have some!

     After breakfast we packed up & prepared to hit the trail once more, but we needed to make one last stop at the gear store for fuel. While we were there, a local named Scott asked Karrie, Gut Feelin, and me if we were through hikers. When we told him that we were, he told us we should go for a swim in his pool and cookout on his grill. It was a beautiful day and Scott seemed like a great dude so we decided to take him up on it. We had a blast.

     After our swim we probably should have started hiking again, but instead we met up with our friends Minor, Action, and Only A Test where we saw a free show and somehow ate our 5^th meal of the day. Only A Test, gave us a ride back up to the PCT, and after saying our goodbyes we night hiked a mile down trail and collapsed for the night. We had not planned on spending the whole day in town, but it was totally worth it.

     If you ever find yourself driving up I-5 toward Portland or Seattle I highly recommend a pit stop in Ashland.

     Keep on Keepin on brother,

     -Jake

August 16: 1st Bearground Spring - Seasonal Spring 1724, 29 mi

Hello My Dear Anna Herby!
     First, I wanted to tell you how happy I am to hear that you're out here on the PCT too! That took a lot of rapid planning, and guts to strap on those big boots and head to the woods. It sounds like you are already cruisin'.
     I feel like you're closer, and you are! I mean, we're both on the same hiker highway. But today it's feels especially true.
After months and miles of tough tundra, a glorious number of national parks, and a few pairs of shoes, Jake and I finally made it out of California! Yes, today we crossed into OREGON!
      Now, we're only a state behind you, and it's a smaller one, at that.
The Oregon border was complete with a register, bottle of wine, starbursts for the lot, and a line drawn in the dust. We celebrated with our friends Pit Stop and Panama Red, who crossed with us. One by one we left our farewells and good riddance to California in the register. Job well done.
     It has been said that Oregon is flat. Well, it isn't as flat as a pancake, but maybe if you throw a few blueberries, some walnuts, and a bit of whip cream on top, then we're getting closer (but I digress...). Today we set the cruise, and made it 29 miles, no sweat.
     In fact, I almost felt like the miles were flying by! The first people we met after the border were 3 south bounders who knew you! Their names were: Omelet, Rice Crispie, and Slalom. I was somewhat perplexed that still a full state south, I was receiving news of your arrival to the trail (however grand it was). Apparently they flip-flopped Oregon and had met you a few days before. My mouth was still agape as we parted. My Anna?
     I hope this somehow gets to you while you're on the trail in Washington. Jack-y-Bean and I are following in your tracks and gaining speed! Congrats on your trail name too: Love Bug. It fits you so well.
     I hope I get to hike with you again soon! Slow down, will ya? Ah nevermind. Besides herby was a racecar, right ;)
     Keep on Keepin' on, Little Dipper and Jack-Y-Bean

August 12: Etna - Marble Valley Cabin, 24 miles

Hey Smolaks!
     It was great seeing you guys at Nick & Ashley's wedding! I just heard about Nick's new job with Zippo! Exciting news! All of us will have to meet up in Pittsburgh again sometime.
     Well, I always say that you never know how your day is going to end when your on the trail. Nine out of ten times I say this after a rough day that ends on an unforeseen high note. We've had cold rainy days end with hot showers & warm food; days that seem to be all uphill ending with a epic sunset; and days where we haven't seen a soul, ending surrounded by good friends.
     Today started out looking like it was going to be an all around good day! We ate a huge breakfast & we found a ride out of town first thing in the morning. Usually the first day back on trail is tough & your pack feels heavy but not today! We flew up & down the beautiful Northern California mountains with ease. At lunch Karrie made the most delicious avocado sandwiches! After lunch I saw one of the bluest lakes I've seen since the Sierras. We made it into camp before all of our friends, set up the tent, & started cooking.
     Then, just as my dinner was about ready to eat, I felt it. Something wet had landed right on the top of my head. Without any hesitation I knew exactly what had happened... I had just been crapped on by a bird.
     Arg! One day out of town! I was still clean! I was just about to eat! Needless to say, I was not happy. To add insult to injury, all of our friends were starting to arrive, the only water around was an ice cold spring, & as I prepared to wash off I ripped a button off my shirt.
     In retrospect, I'm sure it could have been worse, but as I poured that freezing water over my head, life seemed pretty miserable. Fortunately for me I have an amazing girlfriend who had finished making my dinner for me & offered to fix my shirt while I ate. Despite this evening being what it was, life has been pretty great lately so I'm still in good spirits.
     I hope you guys are having a great summer!
Love, Jake & Karrie

August 11: Etna

Hey Adam!

     What are you up to brother? It's been way too long since we've talked! Did you work in Ohio this summer?

    Karrie & I crossed mile 1600 today. Every time we pass a mile marker like 400, 800, or 1500 I think about track events & races we've run. It always results in me telling Karrie running stories. I'm pretty sure she's heard just about all of them at least once now.

    This morning we had a pretty tough climb, but the promise of spending tonight in an actual town kept us moving. A couple miles from town we came across 4 black cows walking up the trail toward us. When they saw us they turned around & quickly started making their way back down the hill. Despite our best efforts to scare them off the trail we followed them for over a mile, dodging manure & listening to the loud clanking of cowbells the whole time. Eventually they climbed up a steep slope, & we quickly slid past them before they could change their minds.

    When we finally made it to the road at Etna Summit, we immediately stuck out our thumbs looking for a ride. Four cars & 45 minutes later we caught a ride from a friendly fisherman named Rick. He dropped us off in front of a pharmacy with an old school soda fountain. I grabbed a root beer float that the place had nick-named an “Oh-My!” We asked our server where to find some real food and she pointed us to Dotties.  Dotties was an old school diner that had a hodgepodge menu of cheap and delicious food. It kind of reminded me of Swenson’s except we didn’t sit in a car. I ate 3x the food a normal person would eat & then ordered dessert.

    The rest of the day consisted of usual resupply activities such as laundry, grocery shopping, and showers. All of this was made much easier thanks to the Etna Hiker Hut, which let us camp on their property, borrow bikes to ride around town, and watch movies on their TV while each of us waited our turn for the shower. The grocery store was having sale on Ice Cream Sandwiches (12 for 2 bucks) so I bought 24, ate 4, and solidified some friendships with the other 20. I promise I won’t be too fat the next time we hang out!

    Etna definitely had everything a hiker could want in a trail town. Karrie and I agreed that it was well worth the 45-minute wait. There was supposed to be a big meteor shower tonight, but the smoke from the fires in the area has made it difficult to see many stars. Hopefully it will clear out soon.

    Much love,

    Jake

August 7: Mile 1501- Sulphur Creek, 11 mi

Hey Mom!
     You were involved in our day so much it wouldn't be right not to send you today's postcard!
     First of all, we received the package you mailed us today! Thank you so much for sending it to us & for filling it with so many awesome goodies! We ate the entire box of Oreos while we sorted through the rest of the package in the grass next to Ammarati's Market. At one point the sprinkler system turned on forcing Karrie, me, & about 5 other hikers (Mark, David, Brit, Magic Bag, & Gut Feelin) to quickly evacuate the area. It was a hilarious event.
     Once the box was sorted we grabbed some breakfast burritos & made our way to the campground where we showered & washed our clothes. Then I called you to catch up for the first time in too long! As we talked I ate a pint of ice cream & picked blackberries that seem to be growing everywhere in this small town.
     As Karrie, Gut Feelin, & I sat around waiting for the heat to fade we discussed making something creative for dinner. (The first meal out of town can be different, or heavier than usual because you don't have to carry it very far.) I looked in my bag to see what I had to work with & spotted the salmon packets you had sent us. This of course made me think of your delicious salmon patty recipe. Then I remembered there was a bottle of vegetable oil in the hiker box! All I needed to make salmon patties was a box of crackers from the store!
     I called you to make sure I wasn't missing anything critical. Upon hearing I was not I ran into the store to buy crackers & I even talked a nice employee into giving me some free salsa cups! With our new found motivation, we packed up & headed to the trail.
     It is always difficult to leave town for obvious reasons. One less obvious reason is that towns are almost always in valleys, & therefore leaving town means you have to haul your fully loaded pack up a mountain... Today was no exception. After about 6 miles of hiking we decided to set up camp & give the salmon patties a try. I'm pleased to report that they were quite tasty & everyone really enjoyed them! It's definitely not a meal. I'd recommend for the woods, but we had fun making it.
     Maybe we'll try to figure out how to make a quiche out here next!
     Thanks again for all of your support Mom! Love, Jake & Karrie

August 2: Subway Cave - Baum Lake, 30 mi

Dear Rick & Linda,
     Thank you so much for supporting us on our hike! Thanks to you & others Karrie & I now feel confident that we can make it to Canada both physically & financially.
     Today Karrie & I took on a notorious section of trail known as the Hat Creek Rim. It's a 30 mile unshaded & waterless stretch that is known for its brutal heat. Hikers ahead of us told us "Just skip it. It's not worth the misery." We weren't down with skipping any of the hike, so we went to bed early last night & woke up at 3:30am prepared for the worst. We each packed 4 liters of water & started on our way.
     The goal was to hike as far as we could before the sun hit us. We stayed in the shade until 7:30, & by 8:30 we were sweating bullets! We pushed on past a heard of cows & took an early lunch under the biggest tree we could find.
     After lunch we caught up with 4 of our friends, who were all squeezed into a dome-like shelter made of sticks. Inside were chairs, about 25 gallons of water, & the man responsible for it all! His name was "Tread-lightly," & not only was he kind enough to build this shelter & fill it with water, but he also offered to slack pack us for 9 miles! (Slack packing is when someone takes all of your excess weight & drives it ahead for you. This way your pack is lighter so you can hike faster.) Since this was going to be our longest day yet, we jumped at the opportunity.
     Well hydrated & lighter than ever we took off down the trail. We cruised through the next 9 miles with ease, & crossed the 1400 mile mark on the way! Around 5:30pm, we made it to the road where Tread-Lightly had hid our gear next to an empty cooler. At this point we had hiked 26 miles & figured we had earned dinner.
     As we were eating, a car pulled off the road across from us & the driver asked if we wanted a drink. His name is Grasshopper & as it turns out he had come to refill the empty cooler! Two Trail Angles in one day! This is not at all a common event. We talked with him as we ate, & then he offered to drive us to & from town so we could resupply! We tried to decline, but he was so persistent in his kindness we eventually gave in.
     We were in & out of town in less than an hour, which had to be our quickest resupply yet! On the way back to the trail Grasshopper offered to slack pack us for the last 4 miles of the day too! Amazing. We hiked with nothing but a liter of water & a pint of sorbet. As we set camp next to a beautiful lake I found it hard to believe I had ever dreaded this day.
     I can't wait to see you guys at Kyle & Kelly's wedding! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your road trip too!
     Thanks again! Love, Jake & Karrie