Journey Day 145 | PCT Day 145

From Timberline Lodge, I hiked through Paradise Park.

9/8/85

Swimmers did bother me. But I’m up before wake-up call.  2nd try to Mom gets an answering machine. Strange talking to myself on the recorder. Dry gear packed into readiness.

After desk girl holds me up slightly, I hike out and find my way out of Timberline Lodge tourist maze. Ups and down lead to Paradise Park. Getting very wet despite no rain.

Up through fertile growth, finally at shelter. Break with two guys frustrated in an attempt to hike around this great peak.

Must go on. Hike to Ramona Falls after much wet hiking, three creek fords. Once timid of them, I now leap all three. Drag foot in the first. Changing socks when I meet first of three day hiking groups. Oregonians get out no matter the weather.

Finally alone past falls, hike up around ridge to Bald Mountain saddle. Still wet,  break to eat. Pass more folks, down to pass. Up under powerlines along ridge. Hike hard, rain starts. Barely make Salvation Camp Springs. Pitch in dark. One tent pole short. Rig it, give up cooking in rain. Crash, surprisingly happy in my saggy shelter.