Bushcamp to Mazama Village Campground
45 miles
Sobo mile 831.7
Total mileage 3484.3
I was already awake from stomach pain when my alarm went off at 3am. Despite getting barely 6 hours of sleep, I felt strong as I headed off into the moonlit night.
The morning flew by as I hiked without break through Deschutes National Forest. I needed to make it 45 miles to Mazama Village in Crater Lake National Park before the general store closed 9pm.
My stomach continued to twist all morning, keeping me from touching food until nearly noon. The Cliff Bar I finally choked down at Miller Lake was out of necessity rather than hunger, my appetite has vanished.
Shortly after, I passed the highest point on the PCT in Oregon…it was pretty anticlimactic.
A few miles later I rested at Thielsen Creek before heading up and around Mt. Thielsen.
A few hours later I reached a well stocked water cache, where I refilled and relaxed before banging out the next 10 miles of uninteresting flat trail.
When I reached the Rim Trail junction, I hopped on the alternative route and before long I’d reached the incredible Crater Lake.
I followed the trail along the rim of the lake until reaching Rim Village, whereupon I said farewell to Crater Lake and an hour later I’d reached Mazama Village, where the campground, general store and restaurant resides.
I’d had all day to scheme the most efficient way to arrange my chores that would get me in bed as fast as possible. First, I found an outlet to charge my phone and power bank, then I placed a takeout order at the restaurant. While my food was being prepared I threw together my resupply at the general store and paid for the campground. After unplugging my electronics I looped back to the restaurant to grab my food. Boom. Chores done.
I cruised over to the campground, pitched my tent and hopped in. I’d planned on eating dinner in bed so I could simply lay down when my stomach inevitably began to hurt. Along with the herb grilled chicken, mac and cheese and macaroni salad, I’d paid for a trip to the salad bar. The hostess never should have left me there unsupervised with an to-go box to fill…I got my monies worth.
P.s. Shout out to my longtime buddy Kyle for supporting the adventure! Miss you man!
Cheers!