Journey Day 144 | PCT Day 144

The weather turned again as I climbed up Mt. Hood to the Timberline Lodge.

9/7/85

Bad sleep, sick stomach from last night’s gluttony. Slow starting, feel week in morning cold. But hike out, stopping to squirt out bad food. Eat, drink powdered milk. Still weak, I hike on across road.

Then down to Barlow Pass, as weather almost sunny, then alternately threatening. I’m feeling better after aspirin. Get views of Mt. Hood for inspiration.

After talk with four near pass parking lot, cross bike road, hike up onto Mt. Hood. Hard climbing to sound of buzzsaws. Finally more views of area. Suddenly round ridge, great views of great peak.

Hard to walk and gawk in worn trail trough. Trip my way up, shooting photos. Flowers, mountain amazing.

Tough climb through sand, but peak, great lodge soon in sight. Meet couple on day hike. Pass them, hike around to lodge. Inside I get funny looks, feel strange amid tourist crowd.

But get room. Hit shower. Hang, dry gear. Head down for meal. 1 ½ hour wait for the dining room and other eating place closed. So back to room for freeze-dried fare. Call brother Bob, set up Canadian meeting. Update, relax. Prepare for big push to Cascade Locks on Keith’s birthday. Time for bed. Hopefully late night swimmers won’t bother me.